Product Project Manager

JOOLA is looking for a talented Product Project Manager to join our team. This position will be critical in overseeing the development and lifecycle of products from conception to launch with an emphasis on the product launch and post-launch objectives. The Product Project Manager will manage cross-functional initiatives to ensure projects are completed within budget and time constraints, while meeting quality standards and business goals. This role requires coordination and collaboration with product managers and key stakeholders across marketing, sales, supply chain, and customer service to ensure smooth execution and delivery of products.

JOOLA was first established in 1952 and built a global reputation as a pioneer in table tennis. In 2022, JOOLA expanded into the rapidly growing pickleball scene and quickly attracted the biggest names in the sport. As an official table tennis sponsor for three Summer Olympic Games and the official sponsor of pickleball's top athletes and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), the team at JOOLA combines its storied expertise with fresh perspectives to bring innovation to both sports. JOOLA creates a variety of equipment, apparel, and accessories for both table tennis and pickleball players, professional and recreational. With offices in US, Germany, Brazil, and China, JOOLA has a global presence and wide distributor network.

Location: Rockville, MD (In-office)

Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning and Coordination:

• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders
• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and resource allocations
• Coordinate across departments, including product, engineering, marketing, and sales, to ensure alignment and progress

Product Development:

• Collaborate with product managers to translate product requirements into project tasks and timelines
• Ensure the product vision and goals are reflected in the project roadmap and execution
• Facilitate the product development lifecycle, including ideation, design, testing, and launch

Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as the point of contact for all project-related communications
• Engage with stakeholders to gather requirements, provide updates, and manage expectations
• Report on project progress, risks, and any changes in scope to stakeholders and senior management

Risk Management:

• Identify potential risks and roadblocks throughout the project lifecycle
• Develop mitigation strategies to ensure project milestones are achieved
• Proactively resolve issues that arise during development, ensuring minimal impact on project timelines

Budget and Resource Management:

• Manage project budgets, ensuring that spending aligns with approved allocations
• Coordinate with resource managers to secure necessary personnel and tools for project success
• Track and report on actual vs. projected costs and adjust resource allocations as needed

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Lead cross-functional teams, including product, marketing, sales, and SCM
• Foster collaboration and ensure effective communication between teams
• Facilitate regular project meetings and status updates

Quality Assurance and Delivery:

• Ensure that the final product and delivery meets the necessary standards
• Oversee the product launch and post-launch activities, ensuring a smooth transition to production and customer support

Continuous Improvement:

• Gather and analyze feedback post-launch to identify areas for improvement
• Implement lessons learned from each project to optimize future workflows and product delivery processes

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, or a related field (PMP certification a plus)
• 4-6 years of experience in project management, product management, or a related field
• Strong project management skills with proven track record of delivery
• Knowledge of product development processes, particularly for consumer products
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage diverse teams.
• Analytical skills to manage budgets, timelines, and resource allocation
• Problem-solving mindset and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Proficiency in project management tools

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• On-time and on-budget delivery of projects
• Product quality and performance metrics post-launch
• Team productivity and efficiency
• Stakeholder satisfaction and project success rate
• Effective risk mitigation and issue resolution