Travel: 15% (Domestic trade shows, supplier visits, athlete/coach insight s) Job Description The Product Manager is responsible for owning the full product life cycle of Epoch Sports hard-goods equipment (e.g., lacrosse, hockey, and baseball/softball lines) from concept through end-of-life. Operating out of our Detroit headquarters and collaborating daily with Engineering, Design, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, and Finance, the Product Manager will translate athlete insights and market analytics into profitable, best-in-class products that reinforce Epochs reputation for performance and innovation. Key Responsibilities Strategy secure cross-functional approval through stage-gate process. Serve as the Program Manager for assigned NPD projectsdriving timeline adherence, risk mitigation, and milestone communication. Champion voice-of-customer (VOC) testing with athletes, coaches, and dealers; translate feedback into actionable design requirements. Lifecycle Management Monitor sell-through, margin, and inventory health post-launch; drive cost-reduction, line extensions, or end-of-life decisions. Collaborate with Operations and Finance to manage SKU rationalization and maintain optimal inventory turns. Commercial Readiness Partner with Marketing to build go-to-market (GTM) assetspositioning statements, feature/benefit narratives, packaging, POP, and digital content. Train Sales Reps, Customer Service, and Retail Partners on product knowledge, differentiation, and competitive advantages. Source additional manufacturing equipment to bring products to market. Financial Ownership Own P recommend patent or IP opportunities. Facilitate cross-functional retrospectives to capture lessons learned and refine the Product Development Process (PDP). Qualifications Bachelors degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Design, Sports Management, or a related field. 35 years of product management experience in consumer goods; sporting-goods or performance equipment strongly preferred. Demonstrated success launching products from concept through commercialization with measurable revenue impact. Proficiency in data analytics tools (Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar) and familiarity with PLM/ERP systems. Strong project-management skillsability to lead cross-functional teams, manage overlapping priorities, and hit aggressive timelines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to executives, retailers, and end-users. Passion for sports and understanding of athlete performance needs; lacrosse, hockey, or baseball background a plus. Preferred Qualifications MBA or Masters in Product Design/Engineering. Experience with Lean Product Development or Agile methodologies. Knowledge of materials science (composites, polymers), protective equipment standards, or sports governing-body certification processes (NOCSAE, ASTM, CSA). Work Environment and Physical Demands Office, R may require occasional use of PPE Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. for product samples/field testing Willingness to attend weekend tournaments, clinics, and trade shows several times per year.
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