At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative products for youth and amateur sports.
- Company: Join Hawk-Eye Innovations, a leader in sports technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Build a new business unit and make a real impact in sports.
- Why this job: Shape the future of amateur sports with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for sports technology.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Hawk-Eye Innovations
Hawk-Eye Innovations, a Sony Sports Technology company, is the technology behind sport's biggest moments. From electronic line calling at Wimbledon and the US Open, to VAR, Goal-Line Technology and Semi-Automated Offside in football, ball tracking in cricket, the TMO in rugby, replay in the NFL, NHL and NBA, and Statcast in MLB, when the world's biggest events need to make the right call, capture the perfect angle, or unlock the next layer of insight, they trust Hawk-Eye. Since 2001 we've been making sport fairer, safer, more engaging and better informed, fusing computer vision, AI and broadcast craft across 25 sports in 100+ countries. Pioneering. Inspiring. Innovating in sport, from the field to the fan.
Role Overview
Hawk-Eye's technology has defined elite sport for over two decades. Now, we are embarking on one of the most exciting strategic opportunities in our history: bringing that same world-class capability to the amateur sports market. As Head of Youth & Amateur Products, you will be the driving force behind this mission. This is a rare opportunity to build a new business unit from the ground up, leveraging Hawk-Eye's existing IP, data infrastructure, and brand credibility to unlock a new audience. You will lead across strategy, product development, commercial, and operations, with full P&L accountability and significant headroom to build a team around you. This is a senior entrepreneurial leadership role. You will have the backing of a world-class technology organisation, the expertise from the most successful sports technology officiating company, freedom to operate, and the commercial mandate to deliver meaningful growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategy & Market Development
- Define and own the long-term vision and strategic roadmap for the Youth and Amateur business unit.
- Identify key sports markets and amateur segments with the greatest opportunity for Hawk-Eye technology adoption.
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform strategic decisions and prioritise investment.
- Develop and manage business cases for new market entry and product expansion.
- Work closely with senior leadership to align Youth & Amateur strategy with wider Hawk-Eye and Sony Sports business objectives.
- Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to ensure Hawk-Eye remains ahead of the competitive curve in amateur sports tech.
- Product Development
- Lead end-to-end development of new Youth & Amateur products; built from the ground up for amateur, grassroots, and recreational markets.
- Translate complex, professional-grade technology into accessible, scalable, and affordable solutions without compromising on quality.
- Define product requirements, user stories, and success metrics in collaboration with engineering and design teams.
- Oversee the full product lifecycle: concept, prototyping, testing, launch, and continuous iteration.
- Ensure products meet high standards of usability, performance, and reliability appropriate for consumer and semi-professional markets.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the product team.
- Commercial
- Own the commercial strategy for Youth & Amateur, including pricing models, go-to-market planning, and revenue targets.
- Identify and develop partnerships with sporting bodies, clubs, leagues, and retail or digital distribution channels in target markets.
- Lead commercial negotiations and manage key stakeholder relationships.
- Drive customer acquisition, retention, and growth strategies across amateur sports markets globally.
- Collaborate with marketing to develop compelling campaigns and differentiated brand positioning for Youth & Amateur products.
- Report on commercial performance against plan, providing clear insight and strategic recommendations to leadership.
- Deliver growth expectations and ROI as defined within the agreed business plan.
- Operations & Team Building
- Build and manage the operational infrastructure required to support the Youth & Amateur business unit at scale.
- Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing cross-functional team across product, engineering, commercial, and operations.
- Establish processes and frameworks for efficient product delivery, team collaboration, and performance management.
- Manage budgets, resources, and timelines to ensure delivery against strategic milestones.
- Work cross-functionally with Hawk-Eye's existing technology, engineering, and operations teams to leverage internal capabilities.
- Identify and manage third-party vendors, partners, and suppliers as required.
- Implement robust reporting mechanisms to track operational performance and drive accountability.
About You
You are an entrepreneurial senior leader with a track record of building businesses or business units from early-stage through to commercial scale. You combine strategic clarity with hands-on delivery, and you are motivated by the chance to bring transformative technology to a market that has never had access to it. Proven senior leadership experience, ideally within sports technology, consumer technology, or a related B2C or B2B2C industry. Demonstrated track record of building and scaling products or business units; ideally from a standing start. Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and commercial outcomes. Commercially astute, with direct experience owning revenue targets and go-to-market strategies. Solid understanding of product development processes with the ability to lead cross-functional teams through the full product lifecycle. Experience working in or alongside amateur, grassroots, or participatory sports markets is highly desirable. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills; able to influence at all levels, from engineers to board. Entrepreneurial mindset: comfortable with ambiguity, adaptable, and relentlessly driven by results. Thrives in fast-paced, high-expectation environments where ownership and initiative are rewarded. Genuinely passionate about sport and the power of technology to transform participation at every level. A natural leader and talent magnet; someone who builds strong teams and creates an environment where people do their best work.
Head of Youth & Amateur Products employer: HEI
Hawk-Eye Innovations is an exceptional employer for Computer Vision Engineers, offering a dynamic hybrid working environment in Budapest that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong emphasis on continuous learning and professional growth, employees are encouraged to take ownership of their projects while enjoying exclusive perks such as access to sporting events and comprehensive wellness benefits. Join a passionate team dedicated to developing cutting-edge technology that shapes the future of elite sports.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Youth & Amateur Products
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like HEI. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including HEI. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Youth & Amateur Products
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining HEI aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at HEI
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with HEI, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
