Product Performance Manager Bicycle Tires

Job Description

Do you want to help shape the fastest bicycle tires of tomorrow, working side by side with professional athletes and teams where performance truly matters?

As Product Performance Manager, you will be at the intersection of elite cycling, performance engineering, and product innovation. You will spend time where products prove themselves, on the road, at training camps, during testing sessions, and in direct exchange with athletes and teams around the world. By combining real-world rider feedback with performance data and technical expertise, you will help transform insights from the field into the next generation of category-leading Continental bicycle tires. If you are passionate about cycling performance, love being close to the action, and thrive on turning athlete needs into measurable product advantages, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a visible impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary interface between Product Management, R&D, Testing, Professional Teams, Athletes, and OE Team, building a strong global performance network across the cycling ecosystem.
• Translate real-world performance requirements into clear product specifications and development priorities.
• Establish and manage a structured, data-driven performance feedback loop to accelerate innovation cycles.
• Generate, analyze, and interpret performance data to guide product development and strategic decisions.
• Validate product advantages through laboratory testing, field testing, and race-day performance assessments.
• Lead performance benchmarking against competitors and emerging market standards
• Evaluate critical performance metrics including Rolling Resistance (Crr), Aerodynamic Drag (CdA), Aero Efficiency, and Complete Tire System Performance.
• Apply advanced analytical methods such as the Chung Method to quantify real-world performance gains.
• Collaborate closely with professional teams and athletes, building trusted relationships to collect, assess, and translate race validation data into actionable product improvements.

Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering, Sports Science, Product Development, Data Analytics, or a related field is beneficial. However, we are equally interested in candidates who have gained relevant expertise through professional experience, competitive cycling, performance engineering, testing, or similar hands-on environments.
• Several years of experience in product development, performance engineering, testing, sports technology, competitive cycling, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of bicycle performance metrics, including Rolling Resistance (Crr), Aerodynamic Drag (CdA), tire-system efficiency, and performance optimization methodologies, combined with the ability to analyze and interpret complex performance data and connect technical insights with athlete needs and real-world riding experiences.
• Ability to build strong relationships with athletes, teams, customers, and internal stakeholders and turn feedback into actionable outcomes.
• Passion for cycling, endurance sports, and performance optimization, combined with a curiosity for understanding what drives product success.
• Experience with performance testing and validation methods such as field testing, laboratory testing, aero testing, power-based testing, competitor benchmarking, Chung Method analysis, or similar approaches.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to prioritize performance initiatives and development projects based on athlete value, customer needs, market potential, development effort, and commercial impact.
• Business fluent English skills (written and spoken); additional language skills are considered a plus
• Willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis (approx. 25% with higher travel activity during testing camps and race periods) and enthusiasm for working directly with athletes and teams in the field.

Applications from severely handicapped people are welcome.

Imagine discussing tire performance with professional athletes in Spain one week, analyzing aerodynamic test results the next, and seeing your insights influence future Continental race products used at the highest level of cycling. If that sounds like the perfect blend of performance, technology, and sport, we'd love to talk to you!

Additional Information

• Attractive Compensation: You will receive a salary based on the collective agreement of the chemical industry, including an annual pay and vacation bonus – transparent, fair, and future-oriented.
• Flexibility that fits your life: This position is generally intended to be filled on a full-time basis. At the same time, we are open to individual part-time arrangements, provided they are compatible with the requirements of the role. With flexible working hours, mobile working, and sabbaticals, we will find a working model that suits your individual needs.
• Time off that truly matters: Enjoy 30 days of paid vacation per year – plus three additional days off for individual use as part of our “Future Value” program.
• Secure your future: With our company pension plan, we already invest today in your financial security of tomorrow.
• Career with perspective: We actively support you in shaping your career through individual trainings, access to learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, and a wide range of development opportunities.
• Borderless opportunities: As an EU citizen, you can work remote from other EU countries for up to 40 days per year – offering greater freedom and international flexibility.
• Exclusive employee benefits: Take advantage of attractive discounts and a wide range of employee benefits.
• Stay fit – nationwide: With our comprehensive range of health and wellness initiatives, you stay active – wherever you are in Germany.
• Sustainable mobility: Use our “JobRad” bike leasing program and secure your preferred bicycle at attractive conditions – for more fitness, climate protection, and enjoyment on your daily commute.
• A family-friendly culture: We support you with various offers that help balance work and family life, such as on-site childcare places and free emergency childcare services.
• Support when it matters most: The Fürstenberg Institute provides you with a confidential external point of contact for professional advice and support in both personal and professional matters.
• A work environment that embraces diversity: Look forward to working in a diverse and international environment through collaboration with our global locations.

For more information about the employee benefits you can expect at Continental, please visit our benefits page. If you would like to learn more about our location, feel free to visit our site page: Hannover Corporate Headquarters.

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging are important to us and make our company strong and successful. We offer equal opportunities to everyone - regardless of age, gender, nationality, cultural background, disability, religion, ideology or sexual orientation.

If this sounds like a perfect match for you and if you want to become the next supporter of our core values: Trust, for one another, passion to win and freedom to act - we are looking forward to receiving your application.

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Salary Classification for internal Posting: E12 - E13 (auf Basis Tarif Chemie, je nach Qualifikation und Berufserfahrung)