At Horizon Hobby, we inspire dreams and help build memories! Our company is the leader in the global Radio Control industry. We offer tremendous opportunities for growth and development and a full array of benefits including discounts on our products! We are currently hiring for a Product Manager - Trains!

The Product Manager’s primary responsibility is to manage the development of products or product categories in a way that maximizes sales and margin potential, on schedule, and follows strategic initiative plans while promoting positive ongoing vendor relationships. The Product Manager develops products with the right features, quality, and value to satisfy consumers within the value standards of Athearn, as well as recommends vendors for new production. As an ambassador of Horizon Hobby, the Product Manager should be familiar with Horizon’s mission and values. The Product Manager reports to the Category Manager of Athearn Trains.

Typical pay for this position is $65,000-$75,000 annually. The final offer for this position will be based on the unique experience and qualifications of the candidate selected. This position may also be eligible for a bonus not included in the base pay range.

This position will work on-site in our Champaign, IL location.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Ensure that the quality of new products selected for development provide the value expected by Athearn customers/consumers and the brand promise of Athearn.
• Coordinate the research, concept, design, testing and development of new products across the required functional teams at Athearn and with vendors.
• Monitoring both Athearn and competitive products to ensure that Athearn maintains its competitive advantage and fills the voids in the market.
• Maintains an optimal product portfolio that provides sufficient choices for Athearn customers to maximize the value and product assortment expected of the Athearn brand.
• Assists as required in the development of manufacturing information for products while working with existing manufacturers to assure the availability of the necessary capacity to produce products that meet/exceed the market demand.
• Together with the Category Manager and Athearn Product Development Team members as necessary, negotiate tooling costs on new products and modifications/repairs of existing products.
• Ensure that all legal, environmental, and industry requirements/standards are met for Athearn products.
• Ensure that all communication with vendors is effective in the development of new products and keeps products in development moving forward to meet planned schedules. Ability to speak Mandarin a plus.
• Provides training as required for sales, service, and new product releases.
• Attends trade shows and hobby events as required, and be available for possible overseas and domestic travel as necessary (less than 5%).
• Manages all project timelines to ensure market release dates are met.
• Maximize sales and profit margins for assigned products or product categories.

• Oversee and report on warranty/defective product issues to assure the effective and efficient support of products returned for repair and/or replacement.
• Attend trade shows as required and be available for possible overseas and domestic travel as necessary.

• Effectively communicate and document product development events both to complete product development tasks and to communicate product development progress, or challenges.
• Attend as needed, meetings related to product development, product marketing, or brand management which affects products or categories assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Education and/or Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a product development setting ideally in either the model railroading or toy industries. Should also have good knowledge of NPD processes, the model railroad industry, and significant hands-on experience using model railroading products. An in-depth knowledge of prototypes is highly desired.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience required; high school diploma required.
• Must be self-motivated, capable of multi-tasking, detail-oriented, and able to organize/set work priorities for themselves.
• Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to communicate and interact with all levels of the organization, vendors, customers, and consumers.
• Should have good proficiency in the use of computers with knowledge in Excel, Word, Outlook, and Project applications.
• Experience with CAD programs and files is a plus for this role as is experience working with Adobe Illustrator.
• Knowledge of various facets of model railroading:
• Accurate color identification- willing and able to pass a color hue test accordingly
• Knowledge of model railroading tools including a test track with DC and DCC controls; PCB knowledge and understanding; troubleshooting of electronics
  • Accurate color identification- willing and able to pass a color hue test accordingly
  • Knowledge of model railroading tools including a test track with DC and DCC controls; PCB knowledge and understanding; troubleshooting of electronics

Benefits and other perks

401(k) with a company match
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Discounts on Products

Horizon Hobby is a progressive, innovative company and, as such, is constantly reevaluating and reinventing the processes and procedures associated with each job. The essential duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time. In addition, employees may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work necessary or important to the operation of Horizon. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected and appreciated.

Horizon Hobby, LLC is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer