POSITION SUMMARYAs the Product Manager for Play, Shade, and Water, you won't just be responsible for playground equipment, you'll be designing the backdrop for childhood memories. The Product Manager will lead the planning, development, launch, and lifecycle management of playground equipment for the US and Canada -from initial concept through market launch and ongoing optimization. This role bridges customer needs, business objectives, engineering capabilities, and manufacturing realities to deliver safe, compelling, and profitable solutions.
This position focuses on play structures, splash pads and shade products. Success in this role requires strong market insight, cross-functional leadership, and a deep understanding of product development, safety & compliance, and production efficiency.
VALUES
These values are more than just words on the wall. They guide our decisions and how we support one another.
Innovation
- Encourages creativity and innovation.
- Seeks new knowledge and solicits different perspectives.
- Works comfortably in situations without clear boundaries.
- Embraces change and promotes acceptance of change in others.
Commitment and Passion
- Communicates the department vision, strategic direction and purpose.
- Rallies support behind the vision; inspires and motivates others to share the vision and works towards its achievement.
- Demonstrates an authentic dedication to their employees and the contributions each of them make.
Integrity
- Sets high standards for individuals and teams and communicates their achievements.
- Leads by example - walks the talk during even difficult times. "Acts" each day congruent with what is "said" to be important.
- Generates trust by following through, keeping promises, and respecting individuals.
Teams and Relationships
- Acts as a coach and facilitator to individuals and teams.
- Establishes positive working relationships throughout the organization.
- Sets clear expectations for individuals and groups; monitors as appropriate to meet business objectives.
- Develops strategies to influence others toward department and/or company goals.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Product Strategy & Insights
- Define and maintain a multi-year roadmap for play, shade, and water lines that aligns with brand goals.
- Conduct deep-dive competitive analysis and market research to identify growth opportunities.
- Cultivate strategic partnerships with rep groups to transform field intelligence into a market-leading product roadmap
2. Business Case & Concept Development
- Curate and vet innovative product ideas based on market intelligence.
- Build comprehensive business cases covering market fit, competitive positioning, and margin targets.
3. Requirements & Technical Alignment
- Author product requirements documents to define functional specs, performance requirements, safety and compliance requirements, and KPIs.
- Partner with Design, Engineering and Manufacturing to ensure technical feasibility and production efficiency.
- Establish pricing strategies that balance market value with profitability.
4. Go-to-Market & Launch
- Orchestrate launch strategies and timelines in collaboration with Marketing and the PMO.
- Ensure organizational readiness for all new product introductions.
5. Lifecycle Management
- Monitor post-launch KPIs and synthesize field feedback to drive continuous improvements or cost reductions.
- Manage the full product journey, including line extensions and end-of-life sunsetting.
6. Cross-Functional Leadership
- Act as the central product advocate, unifying Design, Supply Chain, Sales, and IT.
- Balance customer desire with operational reality to deliver products that are safe, innovative, and profitable.
ATTRIBUTES
- Strong market analysis and business case development skills
- Experience managing mechanical products through full lifecycle
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, cost structures, and margin management
- Ability to interpret technical information and collaborate effectively with engineering teams
- Excellent communication, prioritization, and stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable working with data, KPIs, and ERP tools
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, industrial design, landscape architecture, or a related field.
- 7+ years of product management, category management, or related experience
- Experience in the manufacturing industry with products that endure outdoor elements
- Experience working with manufacturing sales rep groups
This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The starting target salary range is $140,000 - $160,000, depending upon qualifications and experience. The posted pay range reflects the expected compensation for a fully qualified candidate. Starting pay may be above or below this range based on job-related factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and training needs.
In addition to base salary, the compensation package also includes eligibility for a profit-sharing opportunity. Additionally, for eligible full-time employees, we offer a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits; vacation and paid holidays; 401(k) retirement plan and employee stock ownership plan.
