Associate Director, Product Development

Jazwares Careers • Los Angeles, CA

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Product Development leads the end-to-end execution of product development across assigned product lines, ensuring alignment with brand strategy, financial targets, product functionality requirements, and operational excellence. This role drives cross-functional collaboration, oversees global development processes, and ensures products are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality and licensor standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is a plus.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in product development, preferably in consumer products or toy industry
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing product lifecycles from concept through commercialization
• Prior experience managing or mentoring team members preferred
• Experience working with global teams and external vendors, including Asia-based partners, preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause identification and solution development
• Advanced organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Smartsheets and Google Workspace and SaaS software
• Deep understanding of product development processes, timelines, and global supply chain operations
• Experience in toy manufacturing, including plastics and tooling, preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of the product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization.
• Oversee and guide Product Managers and Associate Product Managers in execution, prioritization, and delivery of development milestones.
• Ensure accurate and consistent use of project management tools, maintaining up-to-date documentation and communication across teams.
• Partner cross-functionally with Design, Brand, Sales, Finance, and Licensing to ensure product alignment with specifications, brand standards, and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with Sales, Brand, and Design teams to develop product concepts aligned with retail opportunities.
• Provide direction and support to design resources across assigned product lines.
• Serve as a key liaison with global partners, including Asia Product Managers, vendors, and suppliers, to ensure seamless development and production processes.
• Drive alignment between concept and production phases through close collaboration with international teams.
• Identify communication gaps and proactively implement solutions to ensure timely issue resolution.
• Oversee delivery and validation of product costs, including 3D model costs, unit costs, and tooling investments.
• Develop and manage product development budgets, ensuring alignment with financial targets.
• Evaluate and approve development expenditures, ensuring cost efficiency and adherence to budget.
• Conduct cost and margin analysis to support pricing recommendations across product lines.
• Partner with vendors to negotiate competitive pricing and optimize cost structures.
• Collaborate with Brand and Licensing teams to manage licensor relationships and approval processes.
• Ensure all products meet licensor standards, contractual requirements, and design expectations throughout development.
• Partner with Brand teams to develop and maintain a 3–5 year product roadmap.
• Support the creation and execution of annual product line plans and collections.
• Conduct competitive analysis and market research to identify growth opportunities and inform product strategy.
• Incorporate feedback from domestic and international sales teams into product development.
• Participate in key account meetings and support product presentations as needed.
• Track product performance, sales, and profitability to inform ongoing product decisions.
• Partner with Sales and Operations to proactively manage inventory, including excess and back orders.
• Ensure timely escalation of critical issues, including cost overruns, delays, and development risks.
• Own key development tracking tools and processes, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and visibility.
• Drive adherence to timelines, ensuring all milestones support on-time product launches.
• Lead planning and execution of product reviews (line reviews, model reviews), ensuring readiness without impacting timelines.
• Oversee sample tracking, approvals, and documentation throughout development phases.
• Identify risks proactively and implement mitigation plans to meet delivery targets.
• Support capacity planning, tooling allocation, and resource optimization.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment and support the development of team capabilities.

Benefits

• Basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children
• Employee basic life and AD&D insurance
• 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals
• Short and long-term disability
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible work schedule
• Optional WFH on Fridays
• Up to 20 workdays fully remote each year
• Time Off for vacation and sick leave
• Opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree