Product Manager (Soft Goods, Medical Braces)

Job Description

About Sidekick

At Sidekick, our mission is simple: help people recover faster from persistent injuries. Trusted by Olympic champions and everyday individuals, our products have been featured in Men’s Health, Running Magazine, and more. With 94% of users reporting relief from chronic pain, we’re on a mission to become the go-to injury relief brand.

About the Role

As we continue to grow, we need a Soft Goods Product Manager to take full ownership of building out our complete soft goods product line. This role is about developing innovative medical braces that are more unique, more effective, and superior to anything currently available.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Research & Ideation
• Conduct in-depth market research by analyzing customer reviews, competitor products, and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Engage directly with users through interviews and surveys to gather feedback and refine product concepts.
• Synthesize insights from physiotherapists, engineers, marketing, and manufacturing into actionable product strategies.
• Develop positioning strategies that align with market demand and company goals.
2. Product Development
• Own the product vision and collaborate with engineering, marketing, and manufacturing to execute it.
• Manage timelines, ensure alignment, and oversee manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Drive the expansion and innovation of Sidekick’s soft goods product line.
3. Product Testing & Validation
• Test prototypes and production samples for quality and usability.
• Organize customer testing and incorporate insights into iterations.

Requirements

Skills & Experience

• Strong analytical skills for market research and customer insights.
• Ability to synthesize research findings into actionable product decisions.
• Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.
• Detail-oriented with a structured approach to product development.
• Experience working with factories and manufacturers.
• Passion for soft goods and understanding of industry trends.
• Experience in developing soft goods

The ideal fit

We are looking for someone who possesses these traits:

• Results-Oriented: A relentless focus on the results (in this case, creating winning soft good products, fast).
• Ownership Mindset: Takes full responsibility for product outcomes and remains accountable for successes and setbacks.
• Critical Thinking: Evaluates problems logically, balancing cost, function, and manufacturability to propose practical solutions.
• Curiosity: Asks insightful questions, dives deep into challenges, and continuously seeks knowledge to improve outcomes.
• Creative Thinking: Brings innovative, out-of-the-box ideas to solve design and manufacturing challenges effectively.
• Attention to Detail: Understands the importance of precision in product design, ensuring quality and usability.
• Bonus: Proficiency in Chinese to communicate directly with suppliers and factories.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Performance-based bonus pay
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Work-from-home options
• Dedicated, collaborative, and supportive colleagues
• Fast-paced, dynamic environment
• The opportunity to lead the development of an entire product line