Job Description

Job Title: Product Manager - Outdoor Sporting Goods

Candidates with a background in software or IT product management will not be considered, as this role focuses exclusively on durable goods.

Company Overview: Westfield Outdoors is a leading Indianapolis-based company specializing in durable goods manufacturing and international importing services. Our focus lies in outdoor leisure products, including camping furniture, tents, shelters, backpacks, trekking bags, soft coolers, pet products, baby products, hunting accessories, fishing tackle, and patio furniture. As a global leader in OEM and private-label manufacturing for the outdoor industry, Westfield Outdoors is dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality durable goods that meet the needs of our customers and end-users.

Position Summary: The Product Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating activities across the product lifecycle, with a primary focus on Discovery & Innovation, New Product Planning, and New Product Introduction. This role emphasizes market awareness, consumer insights, and competitive analysis specifically within the durable goods sector. The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional teams to ensure the successful development, launch, and management of products designed for outdoor and leisure use. Applicants with experience in software or IT product management will not be considered, as this role is exclusively focused on physical durable goods.

Key Responsibilities:

Discovery and Innovation:

• Define market research goals and direct execution of market research plans tailored to durable goods.
• Conduct competitive analysis focusing on physical goods to understand competitors' strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning.
• Develop and document insights into consumer preferences for outdoor leisure products, sharing findings with stakeholders to inform strategic planning.
• Identify and define target market segments based on consumer motivations and needs specific to durable goods.
• Create a strategic baseline and long-term vision for durable goods product lines, establishing realistic and measurable objectives.
• Develop a durable goods portfolio roadmap, including channel differentiation strategies for products such as camping furniture, soft coolers, and patio furniture.
• Conduct ongoing market, financial, and performance analysis to identify new product opportunities in durable goods.

New Product Planning:

• Oversee development projects for durable goods, managing scope and making trade-off decisions to meet feature, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Lead cross-functional teams in executing launch plans for physical products, ensuring all deliverables are met.
• Manage risks associated with the development and product launch of durable goods.
• Prepare and oversee the creation of marketing materials, sales guides, and training content tailored to physical product offerings.
• Recommend GO/NO-GO decisions at key milestones to ensure readiness for commercialization of durable goods.

Post-Launch Product Management:

• Monitor and analyze consumer satisfaction, competitor actions, sales performance, and promotional effectiveness for durable goods against KPIs.
• Conduct regular product reviews to assess performance and recommend adjustments to the marketing mix specific to outdoor and leisure products.
• Track product lifecycle states and make rationalization decisions, including discontinuations of underperforming durable goods as needed.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Management, Business Management, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 3-7 years of experience in product management specifically within the durable goods sector, with a focus on mass and specialty retail channels.

Skills & Competencies:

• Proven success in managing the lifecycle of physical, durable goods products.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and supply chains for durable goods.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead and work within cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Knowledge of the unique requirements and intricacies of various retail channels for physical products.

Other Requirements:

• Self-motivated team player with a "Can-Do" attitude.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask effectively.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time.

Why Join Westfield Outdoors? At Westfield Outdoors, we value innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of outdoor leisure products while growing your career in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Compensation and Benefits: Westfield Outdoors offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.

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