Product Development Manager, Brand Management

Creative Artists Agency•New York, NY

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is the leading entertainment and sports agency, with global expertise in filmed and live entertainment, digital media, publishing, sponsorship sales and endorsements, licensing, media finance, consumer investing, fashion, trademark licensing, and philanthropy. Distinguished by its culture of collaboration and exceptional client service, CAA’s diverse workforce identifies, innovates, and amplifies opportunities for the people and organizations that shape culture and inspire the world. The trailblazer of the agency business, CAA was the first to build a sports business, create an investment bank, launch a venture fund, found technology start-up companies, establish a philanthropic arm, build a business in China, and form a brand marketing services division, among other innovations. For more than 30 years, CAA Brand Management has helped brands of all shapes and sizes show up in new consumer product categories, experiences and territories, through licensing, strategic partnerships and joint ventures. CAA Brand Management is a division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Together we represent many of the most successful global brands and professionals working in television, film, music, theatre, video games, sports, and digital content. We also provide a range of strategic and marketing consulting services to corporate clients.

Requirements

Experience working in product development and licensing approvals - ideally within consumer products.
Knowledge of product development timelines and a good breath of understanding of multiple consumer product categories.
Ability to take initiative, handle multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize in a fast-paced environment while also maintaining attention to detail.
Positive can-do approach, proactive and self-motivated work ethic.
Strong communication skills – written and verbal.
Fluent in Microsoft Office; Illustrator and Photoshop skills are a plus.
Must be growth minded, collaborative and accountable.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of product approval platforms and online systems desirable. (e.g. Brand Comply).

Responsibilities

Manage the product development end-to-end process for selected brands across multiple categories (e.g. toys, F&B, apparel, health & beauty).
Ensure product development processes are adhered to by licensees across each brand program and product ranges and marketing align with relevant brand guidelines.
Manage the product development critical path from initial concept through to mass production.
Lead product development projects independently.
Working closely and collaborate with client leads and commercial teams to drive and grow brand programs, ensuring licensee develop and launch successful and compelling products and marketing campaigns to retail.
Provide update on PD projects on key client calls.
Commercial awareness and understanding of the bigger picture to ensure the role of the product development team makes a positive contribution to delivering overall brand strategy and budget.
Build, nurture, and manage strong relationships with licensors/ client & licensees across specific brands to drive projects forward and get approvals across the line.
Understand the ‘pressure point’ of product approvals and use effective influence and diplomatic skills to achieve results for the Licensors/Client & Licensees.
Provide training and guidance to licensees on approval systems.
Highly organized, multitasker ensuring all submissions are turned around within 48 hours, either via the approval systems or emails.
Ensure prompt, accurate and clear feedback is provided to licensees and clients.
Excellent communicator at all levels and highly adaptive to each Licensor’s culture and tone.
Lead creative kick offs/ new licensee onboarding meetings and other creative calls where applicable.
Manage each client brand style guide and asset distribution to licensees.
Inspire and advise licensee to use creative assets effectively, delivering innovative brand-appropriate products to market.
Act as a Brand Guardian to ensure products align with each brand guidelines.
Own and take responsibility for product development trackers, status reports, and key process documents.
Work collaboratively on specific brand QBRs, brand decks and presentations.
Work with internal teams in Creative, core brand management and business development to help execute cross-functional synergy and collaboration.
Ensure product assortment is aligned with granted rights and category strategy for licensees.
Where relevant manage and distribute physical samples, including storing and sending out to the relevant partners, offices, and clients.