Product Manager for Franchise Development

Sportika Labs is an ambitious startup redefining the children's soccer industry. With over 750 soccer schools launched and 1,000+ coaches trained across non-US markets, we’re now entering the U.S. market to create a game-changing experience for children, franchisees, and their communities. Leveraging our expertise in franchising and sports education, we aim to deliver a unified franchise product tailored to the American market.

1. Ensure your CV highlights your international product management experience.

2. Include a tailored cover letter explaining why you believe you are an excellent fit for this role Applications without a cover letter will not be reviewed.

3. Be prepared to work flexible hours that align with American time zones.

4. Exceptional written and spoken English skills are mandatory

5. Ability to work in American time zones to ensure seamless collaboration with our U.S.-based team and partners

6. You should have proven track record of building and managing products across multiple markets, preferably with exposure to the U.S. market.

7. US Visa / authorization to work in the U.S. is a plus.
   

As our Product Owner, you’ll take ownership of creating and adapting a unified franchise product that integrates technology, processes, and client needs into one seamless solution. Your responsibilities will include:

• Define and execute the vision for our franchise product tailored to the U.S. market.

• Leverage Sportika Labs' existing experience to consolidate and adapt our franchise model for American consumers.

• Identify revenue opportunities while managing the project’s P&L.

• Gather requirements, select, and integrate IT systems that streamline operations and centralize functions for franchisees.

• Establish relationships with technology providers to integrate innovative solutions into the franchise model (e.g., POS systems, CRM platforms).

• Oversee the creation of tools or platforms that enhance operational efficiency using AI-technologies

• Organize offline processes and products, such as coach training, merchandising, and others.

• Engage with clients to understand their needs, address objections, and continuously improve the product through iterative feedback loops.

• Develop training materials to ensure effective use of systems by franchisees.

• Adapt the product to regional tastes and cultural nuances to maximize market fit.

• Work with cross-functional teams (sport, marketing, sales) to align on product goals.

• Identify, recruit, and onboard key team members or external vendors to support product development and operational needs.

• Collaborate with the co-founder to negotiate partnerships with top soccer clubs, celebrities, and other influential figures to promote co-branding opportunities.
  

We seek a individual with:

1. Proven experience in international product management or franchising (preferably in sports, education, franchising sectors).

2. Strong technical background with familiarity in IT system integration.

3. Leadership skills with ability to manage cross-functional teams

4. Project management skills, incl. creation of the offline products.

5. Strategic thinking with a customer-centric approach.

6. Experience in negotiating partnerships with high-profile organizations or individuals.