Global Product Manager-Pickleball

HEAD is a leading global provider of premium, high-performance equipment and apparel for athletes and players, at all levels. Since our launch in 1950, we’ve achieved a reputation for cutting-edge design, engineering excellence and a passion for championing all sports, everywhere. World-class performance demands the very best equipment and that’s why, at HEAD, our purpose is to give athletes and players at every level, exactly what they need to compete at high levels.

Who You Are: You love the game of pickleball and bring a strong product mindset to everything you do. You speak the language, know the nuances, and understand what the sport stands for. You combine consumer intuition with business acumen and have a relentless curiosity about where the sport (and its equipment) is going next. You’re a team player quarterbacking between R&D, Marketing, Sales, and Operations to bring exceptional product to market.

Your Mission: As Global Product Manager, you are the architect of the full go-to-market strategy. You are the voice of the consumer throughout the product creation process. You define product vision, translate insights into compelling briefs, and ensure execution delivers against that vision.

Your goal is to bring innovative, competitive, and profitable pickleball products to market while shaping the future of the category.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Translate long-term strategy into actionable product briefs and line plans
• A global understanding of pickleball with its market nuances
• Monitor governing body standards (UPA-A, USAP) and anticipate changes

Consumer Insight & Product Briefs

• Lead development of consumer-centric product briefs grounded in insight
• Define clear product benefits, KPIs, and innovation opportunities
• Partner cross-functionally to align on product direction

Product Execution

• Drive product from concept through commercialization
• Own accuracy and flow within PDM systems
• Drive the regions and subsidiaries to ensure correct product selection (intro dates, price, margin) and implementation of category strategies

Marketing & Field Engagement

• Engage directly with athletes, consumers, and retailers
• Conduct research, testing, and rapid prototyping
• Travel domestically and internationally (including Asia development centers)

Story Crafting, Presentations and Cross Functional Support

• Be an exceptional story crafter by building stories that are informed by consumer insights
• Present line architecture, products, concepts and new technologies to internal and external stakeholders
• Provide product expertise to Merchandising, Product Marketing, PR, Sales and Marketing to assist in the creation of product presentations and videos to be used for Pre-lines, Calibration meetings, GTM meetings and media events

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of experience in product management or product line management
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in pickleball or adjacent categories (e.g., tennis, padel, racquet sports) strongly preferred
• Proven track record of bringing consumer products from concept to market
• Strong understanding of product development processes (PDM systems, stage-gate, etc.)
• Demonstrated business acumen, including experience managing margins, costing, and product lifecycles
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience influencing cross-functional teams

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. This is an in-office position located in Phoenix, Arizona. You will be traveling approximately 25%, which includes international travel to Asia and Europe.

Compensation & Benefits:

This position offers a competitive compensation package, including base salary and performance-based bonus. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and vacation time.

Please include a cover letter on why you are a strong fit for this role.