The Product Manager at Transition Bikes bridges the gap between product concept and reality, helping bring innovative, high performance mountain bikes from initial definition through production and launch. This role is responsible for ensuring our products deliver an exceptional combination of specification, performance, value, and rider experience.
Success in this position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a deep understanding of the bike industry. The ideal candidate stays closely connected to current riding trends, emerging technologies, component developments, and evolving rider expectations, helping ensure Transition's product lineup remains innovative and forward-thinking.
The Product Manager will work with engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, suppliers, and other internal teams to develop and launch products that meet the needs of riders around the world.
Key Responsibilities
Product Ideation & Definition
- Collaborate with internal teams to execute the product roadmap and bring new bike models from concept to production.
- Monitor emerging trends in bicycle geometry, component specification, materials, and design.
- Conduct competitive market analysis to evaluate product features, specifications, pricing, and positioning.
- Develop clear product definitions that establish requirements and provide visibility throughout the development process.
- Help identify opportunities to improve product performance, value, usability, and rider experience.
Product Development & Execution
- Develop compelling product specifications that balance performance, reliability, innovation, and value.
- Create and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) for production and assembly partners.
- Manage detailed product specifications, component information, pricing, and production data.
- Work directly with suppliers and manufacturing partners to troubleshoot issues and develop practical solutions.
- Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to manage development timelines and ensure projects remain on track.
- Review 2D and 3D CAD models to evaluate dimensions, interfaces, and functional requirements.
Go To Market & Product Launch
- Partner with sales, marketing, engineering, and other internal teams to support successful product launches.
- Help develop launch materials, product documentation, and clear product positioning.
- Define and communicate the core product story, key features, and value proposition of new models.
- Translate technical specifications and product benefits into clear, compelling messaging for riders and dealers.
- Educate internal sales teams and dealer partners on product specifications, setup, technology, and key selling points prior to launch.
Testing & Validation
- Participate in product testing and provide detailed ride testing feedback.
- Gather and evaluate feedback from athletes, mechanics, sales representatives, dealers, and other stakeholders.
- Use testing and field feedback to identify opportunities for continuous product improvement.
- Collaborate with engineering and other teams to help validate product performance, functionality, and rider experience.
Qualifications & Experience
- 3+ years of experience in the bicycle industry, product management, or a closely related product development field.
- Deep knowledge of mountain biking and a strong understanding of current industry trends, technologies, components, and rider needs.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the ability to manage large, complex datasets and spreadsheets.
- Experience working with product specifications, BOMs, pricing, component data, or other detailed product information.
- Ability to review and interpret 2D and 3D CAD models for dimensions, interfaces, and functional requirements.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to data accuracy.
- Proven ability to manage complex timelines, multiple priorities, and cross-functional projects.
- Experience managing relationships with overseas suppliers, manufacturers, or other international partners.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to manage large volumes of specification, pricing, and production information.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with international suppliers and navigate language barriers.
- Strong problem solving skills and the ability to develop creative, practical solutions to production and product development challenges.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally for periods of up to 2-3 weeks at a time, multiple times per year.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who combines technical attention to detail with genuine passion for mountain biking. You should be equally comfortable digging into a spreadsheet, reviewing a CAD model, discussing component specifications with a supplier, analyzing a competitor's product, or talking through ride feedback with an athlete or mechanic. Most importantly, you should be excited about bikes and motivated to participate in making them better.
General Information
- Reports to: Director of Product
- Position: Full Time, Salaried
- Location: Must live in, or relocate to, Bellingham, WA prior to beginning work.
Benefits at a Glance
- Health & Protection: Excellent health, dental, and vision coverage for employees, plus fully paid Aflac accident insurance to keep you covered on and off the bike
- Vacation Time: Ample time off designed to support both work and life outside the office
- Future Savings: Retirement savings with employer matching to help you plan ahead
- Employee Discounts: Heavy discounts on the bikes and gear we produce, along with great deals on industry-related equipment
- Culture & Community: A flexible, work-hard-play-hard environment with monthly rides, team lunches, and an annual company trip where we shut down the office for a few days to ride together
- Giving Back: Opportunities to contribute to trail-building and community projects that support the sport we all love
