HAVOC Academy is an innovative educational initiative focused on inspiring curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning through robotics and STEM, led by the team behind the National Havoc Robot League, or NHRL - the world's largest series of robot fighting tournaments. We're headquartered in Norwalk, CT.
Our inaugural product, Crash Course, consists of a build-at-home robotics kit with a masterclass educational component, has just become available for the first time to customers, and we're gearing up for the next phase(s) of the Crash Course product, including product and fulfillment updates, new variants of the product, and expanding into high-opportunity markets. Crash Course has so far only been available DTC, but we are looking to expand into consumer retail and education markets. To help us get there, we are looking for a dynamic Product Lead to bring our vision to life. If you have a passion for creating impactful products and driving them to market, we want to hear from you.
Position Overview:
The Product Lead for HAVOC Crash Course will oversee the development, launch, and lifecycle management of physical and digital products targeted at consumer retail and education markets. This role demands a strategic and hands-on leader with a proven track record of taking products to market, managing complex supply chains, and achieving revenue targets. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of experience in product management or a similar role, specifically within the physical product/toy space.
Key Responsibilities:
Product Development and Management
- Collaborate with internal teams and external 3D printing fabrication/component partners to ensure timely and cost-effective product development.
- Manage product timelines, budgets, and quality control from concept to launch.
- Continuously refine products based on market feedback and performance metrics.
Supply Chain and Inventory Management
- Oversee relationships with 3D printing fabrication and component partners to ensure seamless supply chain operations.
- Manage inventory planning, forecasting, and replenishment to meet demand without overstocking.
Sales and Support
- Lead sales strategy and execution to meet or exceed revenue targets.
- Develop and oversee customer service operations, including the management of a community mentor program to support product users.
- Ensure exceptional post-sale support and engagement to build brand loyalty.
Marketing and Outreach
- Partner with the marketing team to develop campaigns, activations, and affiliate sales programs to drive awareness and conversions.
- Build and maintain relationships with retailers, school districts, and educational organizations for product adoption.
- Represent Havoc Academy at events, trade shows, and other activations to promote products and brand awareness.
Fulfillment and Logistics
- Oversee fulfillment operations to ensure on-time delivery of products to customers and partners.
- Continuously optimize logistics processes for cost and efficiency.
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement product roadmaps aligned with Havoc Academy's vision and goals.
- Monitor and analyze market trends, competitive products, and customer needs to inform product strategy.
- Provide regular updates to leadership on product performance, challenges, and opportunities.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in business, marketing, product management or product development.
- 5+ years of experience in product management, particularly with physical products in consumer retail and/or education markets.
- Proven track record of taking physical products/toys from concept to market and achieving sales targets.
- Strong understanding of supply chain, CAD, 3D printing-based fabrication processes, and inventory management.
- Experience working with school districts, museums, toy retailers, and educational organizations is highly desirable.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and external partners.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a results-driven approach.