Director, Product Development

Spin Master International•Wilton, CT

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Director, Product Development to join our team based in our Wilton, CT headquarters on a hybrid schedule and report to the VP, Product Development . The Director, Product Development is responsible for managing the end-to-end product development process from early concepting through design, preliminary engineering, costing, and final delivery, while ensuring products meet brand, quality and timeline expectations. This is a people leadership role with direct management responsibilities.

Requirements

Willing to share a portfolio and representative body of work
Systems knowledge with SAP, Smartsheet's & Wrike Software systems experience a plus
Ability to travel domestically and internationally, up to 2-3X per year
Flexibility to adjust working hours, as needed, for evening or early-morning calls with China based teams on an as-needed basis
4 days on-site as part of a hybrid schedule

Nice To Haves

Toy and/or CPG experience is preferred but not required
Demonstrated retail experience including knowledge of developing retail exclusive product development across key accounts such as Amazon, Walmart, Target) and mid-tier eCommerce partners

Responsibilities

Ensure product timelines are adhered to through management of the milestone tracking process
Drive alignment across Marketing, Design, Packaging, and Engineering to ensure adherence to development milestones and product launch schedules
Partner with the Brand team to address issues impacting development timelines and escalating as appropriate
Manage cross-functional team to ensure timely and accurate turnovers
Work with cross-functional teams (Design, Engineering, Packaging, QA/Compliance and Sourcing offices) to resolve product development issues that impact timelines and intended product functionality and design
Oversee timely communications on project status throughout the organization
Lead product costing & preliminary engineering initiatives to improve productivity and efficiency in the early design and engineering process
Help streamline the development and quality of turnover packages to the Far East office. Ensure turnover packages are timely and complete
Work with Marketing and Design to optimize content and features of the products. Review proposed materials and functional designs against marketing requirements and ensure preliminary design turnovers maximize the best design solutions given the constraints of selling price, target cost and margins
Review utilization of materials, methods and processes to help meet cost objectives and quality specifications. Assist Far East teams in trouble shooting products both before and after turnover to the Far East office
Oversee product costing to maximize cost and value and integrate budget considerations into all evaluations
Participate in business and product strategy development
Participate in the Stage Gate process to ensure product concepts advance through each phase with the appropriate technical, design and cost requirements