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- Tasks: Lead product development and manage a dynamic engineering team for an innovative ride system.
- Company: Join Holmes Solutions, a creative hub pushing the boundaries of adventure recreation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options, competitive salary, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Diverse team environment fostering innovation and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of exciting projects that redefine amusement experiences worldwide.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with strong technical leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
Join our evolving team of creative problem solvers! SWITCHBACK has achieved what the industry said couldn't be done - a ride system that combines the reach of a zipline with the creativity of a roller coaster, proven in the field and ready to scale. We're on the lookout for a Product Manager to form part of our growing Ride team for SWITCHBACK. This is an exciting opportunity for a rare individual who can hold Chief Engineer authority alongside product ownership to complete the product, build the team and processes, and take Switchback to the world. This is a full-time role, based in Christchurch, with hybrid working options. If you're keen to be part of the action, please read on!
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide combined technical authority and product ownership as Switchback transitions to a standalone product entity.
- Own the product vision, roadmap, and customer proposition, driven by market intelligence and business objectives.
- Act as Chief Engineer and final technical authority across all sub-systems: structural, mechanical, electroâmechanical, powertrain, controls, and rider experience.
- Own the systems engineering discipline - requirements, interfaces, configuration, ECM, V&V, and technical risk.
- Define and embed structured product development processes as Switchback transitions from consultancy model to standalone organisation.
- Manage endâtoâend product development - backlog, design reviews, acceptance testing, documentation, and budget.
- Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team of 8â10, building systems engineering capability and a culture of rigour.
- Act as primary technical interface to customers, operators, commercial functions, regulators, and senior leadership.
What you'll bring to the team:
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or closely related discipline.
- Strong working knowledge across structural, mechanical, and electroâmechanical systems and all subâsystem domains.
- Working knowledge of powertrain and drive systems - motors, controllers, gearboxes, battery systems, and BMS.
- Knowledge of product development lifecycles, roadmap development, and backlog management.
- Understanding of structured engineering processes - design reviews, DFMA, FMEA, FAT, and SAT.
- Demonstrated ability to act as technical authority on a complex, multiâdisciplinary product.
- Proven experience leading systems engineering and managing technical risk across complex programmes.
- Demonstrated experience leading endâtoâend product development from concept to market deployment.
- Proven ability to establish and embed structured engineering processes in a team transitioning to formalised ways of working.
- Proven ability to engage with customers in a technical capacity during preâsales and proposal activities.
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop multidisciplinary engineering teams through process maturity uplifts.
It would be desirable to have the following:
- Knowledge of amusement ride design, ropeways, cableâdriven systems, railâguided vehicles, or similar.
- Familiarity with relevant standards for amusement rides and safetyârelated control systems.
- Knowledge of CADâbased layout planning and visualisation tools.
- Experience working with battery certification, functional safety, or SIL/PLârated systems.
About Holmes Solutions:
We work with international clients in many industries including adventure recreation, construction, and roadside hardware. We cover everything from ideation and R&D, to testing, compliance and accreditation. It's fair to say there's never a dull moment in our design hub!
Why Join Holmes Solutions?
We're a closeâknit team that champions innovation, knowledgeâsharing, and workâlife balance. We celebrate diversity, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds because we believe in the power of varied perspectives to drive innovation.
Take Your Next Step With Us:
If you're an experienced Product Manager with a similar Engineering background looking for your next exciting challenge, we'd love to hear from you!
Product Manager in Christchurch employer: Holmes Group
Contact Detail:
Holmes Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Product Manager in Christchurch
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their vision and how your skills as a Product Manager can help them achieve it. Tailor your answers to show you're the perfect fit for their team.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role. Highlight your technical authority and leadership skills, especially in multidisciplinary teams, to make a lasting impression.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our innovative team at SWITCHBACK.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager in Christchurch
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about joining our team and contributing to the innovative work we're doing at SWITCHBACK.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the Product Manager role. We love seeing how your background in mechanical engineering or product development can bring value to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. This helps us see how you fit into our vision for SWITCHBACK.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! Itâs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youâre considered for this exciting opportunity with SWITCHBACK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Holmes Group
â¨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into SWITCHBACK's ride system and its unique features. Understand how it combines zipline and roller coaster elements, and be ready to discuss how your engineering background can enhance this innovative product.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Product Manager, you'll need to lead a multidisciplinary team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your coaching and development strategies that foster a culture of rigour and innovation.
â¨Understand the Engineering Processes
Brush up on structured engineering processes like DFMA, FMEA, and design reviews. Be prepared to discuss how youâve implemented these in previous roles and how they can be applied to ensure the success of the Switchback product development.
â¨Engage with Technical Knowledge
Since you'll act as the primary technical interface, be ready to engage in discussions about complex systems. Highlight your experience with powertrain systems, safety standards, and any relevant certifications to demonstrate your technical authority.