Manager, Product Lifestyle Management & Implementation

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

About The Position

JOB SUMMARY: The Manager, Product Lifecycle Management & Implementation leads the design, integration, and implementation of future state product creation, design/creative, development, and assortment planning processes and tools (PLM + upstream assortment), ensuring they integrate with merchandising, Global Merch Partners, planning, sourcing, finance, and supply chain. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Own End-to-End PLM Workstream Delivery Define and manage scope, roadmap, milestones, and resourcing for the PLM/product workstream within the overall program. Run regular workstream forums and reviews (risks, open issues, critical dependencies, and design checkpoints) and provide clear reporting to the central PMO. Process Design (Concept → Launch) Map current state processes for concepting, design, tech pack creation, sampling, costing, approvals, and line build; identify gaps and pain points. Design future state workflows across the four PLM phases (concept, development, production, launch), including hand-offs to Merch Planning and Supply Chain. Define standard templates (BOMs, tech packs, line sheets), status frameworks, and stage gate criteria for product decisions. Data, Templates, & Governance Define product data standards and attributes needed for design, compliance, sustainability, pricing, planning, and reporting (e.g., collection, IP, fabrication, theming). Set governance for item creation in PLM: who creates, who approves, and when data is deemed “planning/ordering ready.” Align product structures and attributes with downstream merchandise hierarchy and inventory planning structures. Solution & Integration Design SME for requirements and solution design workshops with Design, Creative, Product Development, Merch, Planning, Sourcing, and QA. Translate business needs into functional designs and integration requirements (PLM → Merch/Planning, PLM → ERP/Sourcing, PLM → DAM/creative tools). Ensure PLM configuration (workflows, roles, forms, libraries) adheres to vendor best practices and supports scalability. Testing, Cutover, & Hypercare Own PLM-related test strategy: SIT/UAT scope, test scripts, test data, and defect triage priorities. Lead cutover planning for PLM (item migration, open development work, in-flight collections) and coordinate with other workstreams. Oversee hypercare post go-live, including issue management, quick fixes, and prioritization of post go-live enhancements. Change, Training, & Adoption Define role-based training for designers, developers, planners, and sourcing partners; leverage super users as trainers. Create playbooks and visual process maps that show “how we develop products now” from the user perspective. Monitor adoption (usage metrics, feedback sessions) and adjust process or configuration where necessary Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required in related field.
7+ years’ proven experience developing products from concept through commercialization for major retail channels; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong understanding of retail requirements, including packaging, compliance, costing, timelines, and vendor management.
Hands-on experience implementing or optimizing product development systems (e.g., PLM, ERP, PIM, workflow tools).
Ability to map current processes, identify gaps, and design scalable workflows that improve speed to market.
Comfortable partnering with IT and cross functional teams to configure systems, test functionality, and train end users.
Strong documentation skills for SOPs, process maps, and system guidelines.
Experience driving adoption of new tools and processes across teams with varying levels of technical comfort.
Detail-oriented with a structured, process-driven mindset.
Excellent project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple timelines and priorities.
Strong communication skills with the ability to influence across functions.
Ability to step into an ambiguous environment and quickly create clarity and structure.
Comfortable working in a temporary or contract capacity with fast onboarding and immediate contribution.
Skilled in managing product lifecycles, line architecture, and SKU rationalization.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Consistent attendance is a job requirement.

Nice To Haves

Theme park retail, entertainment, consumer products, or merchandising experience strongly preferred.
Knowledge of global supply chain processes, vendor management, and import logistics preferred.

Responsibilities

Own End-to-End PLM Workstream Delivery
Define and manage scope, roadmap, milestones, and resourcing for the PLM/product workstream within the overall program.
Run regular workstream forums and reviews (risks, open issues, critical dependencies, and design checkpoints) and provide clear reporting to the central PMO.
Process Design (Concept → Launch)
Map current state processes for concepting, design, tech pack creation, sampling, costing, approvals, and line build; identify gaps and pain points.
Design future state workflows across the four PLM phases (concept, development, production, launch), including hand-offs to Merch Planning and Supply Chain.
Define standard templates (BOMs, tech packs, line sheets), status frameworks, and stage gate criteria for product decisions.
Data, Templates, & Governance
Define product data standards and attributes needed for design, compliance, sustainability, pricing, planning, and reporting (e.g., collection, IP, fabrication, theming).
Set governance for item creation in PLM: who creates, who approves, and when data is deemed “planning/ordering ready.”
Align product structures and attributes with downstream merchandise hierarchy and inventory planning structures.
Solution & Integration Design SME for requirements and solution design workshops with Design, Creative, Product Development, Merch, Planning, Sourcing, and QA.
Translate business needs into functional designs and integration requirements (PLM → Merch/Planning, PLM → ERP/Sourcing, PLM → DAM/creative tools).
Ensure PLM configuration (workflows, roles, forms, libraries) adheres to vendor best practices and supports scalability.
Testing, Cutover, & Hypercare
Own PLM-related test strategy: SIT/UAT scope, test scripts, test data, and defect triage priorities.
Lead cutover planning for PLM (item migration, open development work, in-flight collections) and coordinate with other workstreams.
Oversee hypercare post go-live, including issue management, quick fixes, and prioritization of post go-live enhancements.
Change, Training, & Adoption
Define role-based training for designers, developers, planners, and sourcing partners; leverage super users as trainers.
Create playbooks and visual process maps that show “how we develop products now” from the user perspective.
Monitor adoption (usage metrics, feedback sessions) and adjust process or configuration where necessary
Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.