Product Manager - Plush Toys
About The Position
Fairfield Processing Corporation is seeking a Product Manager to lead the development, marketing, and commercialization of plush toy programs serving leading mass-market retailers through both private label and branded product lines. This is a highly visible role that requires strong product instincts, commercial judgment, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to independently manage multiple initiatives from ideation through production launch. The successful candidate will work closely with Sales, Design, Engineering, Operations, customers, and overseas manufacturing partners to develop innovative products that deliver growth and profitability.
Requirements
- 4-6+ years of experience in Product Management, Product Development, Merchandising, Consumer Products Marketing, Category Management, or Toy Industry Product Development
- Experience managing physical consumer products from concept through launch
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously
- Proven problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Comfortable working independently and taking ownership
Nice To Haves
- Experience in Plush Toys, Toys, Children's Products, Seasonal Products, Gifts, or Licensed Products
- Experience selling into Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam's Club, Mass Retail, Club Retailers, or National Retail Accounts
- Experience with Private Label Programs, Overseas Manufacturing, Chinese Factory Partnerships, Product Costing, Packaging Development, or Product Commercialization
Responsibilities
- Own plush toy product lines from concept through retail launch
- Develop seasonal and evergreen assortments aligned with market trends and customer needs
- Translate retailer opportunities into actionable product development plans
- Drive product sampling, revisions, materials selection, approvals, costing, packaging, and production readiness
- Manage communication with overseas manufacturing partners, primarily in China
- Evaluate product viability and make recommendations on product advancement, modification, or discontinuation
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Operations throughout commercialization
- Develop compelling product positioning and assortment strategies
- Create effective product stories and selling points for retailer presentations
- Support customer meetings, line reviews, and product presentations
- Partner with Design on packaging concepts and product presentation
- Analyze competitive products, retail trends, consumer insights, and market opportunities
- Support growth initiatives for both private label and branded assortments
- Maintain visibility across multiple concurrent product development programs
- Prioritize investments and development resources
- Monitor product performance, margins, timelines, and commercialization success
- Identify opportunities to improve speed-to-market and development efficiency
- Drive cross-functional communication and decision-making
Benefits
- Growing product portfolio
- Direct interaction with major retailers
- High-impact role with decision-making authority
- Entrepreneurial environment
- Opportunity to shape future product strategy
- Collaborative and supportive leadership team
- End-to-end product ownership
- Exposure to international manufacturing and product commercialization
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
