Product Development Manager, Hardlines (Brand / Consumer Product)

WildBrain CPLG•Los Angeles, NY

12d•$57,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Product Development Manager will act as a central resource for CPLG across North America, supporting product development and creative activities across the territories. As a member of the Creative Services Department, you will work on a spectrum of brands, from Entertainment to Lifestyle, developing innovative hardlines products (toys, games, collectibles, gifting, housewares, stationery, sporting goods, electronics accessories, and home décor) for licensees, retailers, and target markets.

Requirements

Relevant design-related experience
Computer software skills (e.g. MS Office, Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender (3D) / Clo 3D) - for 3D hardlines visualization
Strong portfolio of work demonstrating layout and communication
Sound knowledge of the product development and approval processes and experience in creatively driving range development
Proficient with using on-line approval software, including running reports
Good knowledge of Hardlines categories (toys, collectibles, housewares, gifting, stationery, sporting goods, consumer electronics accessories) and DTR retailers
Ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple design projects running simultaneously with varying levels
Self-starter and problem solver
Experience in influencing key partners and stakeholders
Able to filter through complex issues, find solutions, gain support and implement change
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Strong product, industrial, or hardlines design , graphical and visualization skills

Responsibilities

Manage and execute licensed hardlines product development and design
Develop and design product mock-ups, compile line sheets for line reviews, layout creative presentations and retail pitch decks.
Support key hardlines retail initiatives, including category differentiation and channel-specific product direction across the Territories.
Manage workflow & Critical paths (on Monday.com) in line with KPI’s.
Develop retail in-store mock-ups to demonstrate how a brand can be represented to consumers on the shop floor.
Identify style guide gaps and Licensee needs in line with the wider Creative Services team, ensuring coverage across all relevant hardlines categories
Manage key relationships with Hardlines Licensor creative and product development personnel e.g. Supercell, Penguin Random House, Van Gogh Museum.
Onboard new Licensees, DTR, halo partners globally and locally.
Plan and run ideation sessions to drive interest and innovation in hardlines product categories
Maintain key communication with the WildBrain Brands team, receiving and feeding into style guide updates and management of asset storing.
Deliver weekly updates to the local commercial team, including reports noting Licensee developments, status and asset updates.
Collaborate with designers to drive up-front trends and overall creative direction and identify future areas of growth within hardlines franchises and sub-categories
This includes preparing custom design tools and retail pitches to differentiate by category.
Monitor competitors, product innovation and market dynamics within hardlines sectors
Develop internal and external style guides in conjunction with agency and freelance support, with a focus on hardlines product structure and material requirements
Responsible for managing the end-to-end approvals process and delivering innovative brand-appropriate hardlines products to market.
Support the wider PD team on key partner submissions when necessary.
Develop additional sales materials such as collaborations booklets, inspiration & benchmark presentations & look books, focused on hardlines assortment storytelling