Licensing Product Development Specialist, Softlines

SEGA OF AMERICA INC•Burbank, CA

4d•$70,000 - $80,300•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an exciting opportunity for someone wanting to be a part of some of the most exciting consumer products programs in Entertainment, working on SEGA’s iconic brands. SEGA of America Licensing is searching for a Product Development Specialist to join the rapid growth of SEGA’s Consumer Products business. This candidate will be responsible for all categories including Softlines, Bags, Backpacks, Bedding, Bath, Accessories and Seasonal product development and various categories for SEGA IP. The ideal individual will have product development experience in Consumer Products, preferably in softlines product categories and would have a desire to learn more about and grow within the licensing business. This person would be adept at multi-tasking and comfortable with shifting dates and priorities. Should be an organized and flexible problem solver who takes ownership and responsibility of tasks and can act independently or as part of a team as required by the circumstance. Must possess the ability to work well with all levels of internal teams including Marketing, Mobile, Animation, Management, international teammates and outside business partners. Should also be able to manage a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion. Working in-office is an essential function of this position. This requirement of face-to-face interaction is in place to ensure effective supervision, collaboration, and teamwork. In-office attendance is required for the following reasons: For effective supervision of employees and our work product, which includes ensuring all employees have necessary oversight of their work and access to supervisory assistance, which includes meetings to review work product, deadlines, and status. To foster communication and collaboration among team members, which includes the following: allowing for spontaneous brainstorming sessions and exchanges of ideas, quick access to team members to enable collaborative problem-solving, and stronger cohesion among co-workers and within teams. To enhance the sharing of information necessary to effective job performance and product creation. To enhance understanding of our stakeholders’ work and business needs, facilitate a more seamless and organic workflow, and ultimately increase efficiency and successful outcomes.

Requirements

Must be familiar with SEGA IP and SONIC
Have a passion for Gaming and Entertainment
Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
4+ years of experience in hardlines/softlines product development approval and brand assurance
Deep comprehension of product development cycle from concept to production
Excellent relationship builder with collaborative team player mentality
Clear written and oral communication skills
Team player and collaborator
Resourceful, takes initiative and self-starter
Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
Ability to operate autonomously & efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Limited travel required (annual trade shows, etc)
Familiar with online asset management systems
Applicable experience in entertainment licensing specifically
General understanding of character licensing

Nice To Haves

Reading/Writing Japanese language is a plus but not required

Responsibilities

Execute day-to-day tasks with licensees and internal teams related to product development of assigned partners and categories. Will also handle ad hoc projects as delegated by supervisor.
Ensure timely approval of products by working closely with internal and external partners to manage product development processes from concept to production for assigned licensees.
Liaise with Licensing business managers to ensure product assortment is aligned with granted rights and category strategy for assigned licensees.
Work Closely with Internal business teams to drive strategy and execute collaboration projects
Familiar with executing and leading style guide development for Licensing consumer products.
Utilize, update, and maintain applicable tools in Dependable Solutions including resolving unknown SKU issues.
Stay up to trend reports and consumer product trends
Review prototypes to meet Product Development timeline milestones with a focus on product execution, consistency of details and brand guidelines.
Work with licensing translator and communicate with the approval contacts in US and Japan.
Conduct product development kick-off calls with assigned new licensees.
Work with internal partners in Creative, Marketing/Brand, Production and our International licensing teams to help execute cross functional synergy and collaboration.
Work closely and review IP Fraudulent product with vendor and respond in a timely manner.
Manage and distribute product samples to internal teams and manage internal product requests.
Maintain and keep organization of contractual product samples and status. Manage samples approvals and storage. Initiate and track status of sample requests.