Senior Manager, Brand- Squishmallows (Non-Licensed Properties)

The Senior Brand Manager acts as a brand champion and is responsible for managing the overall execution of product development and its associated activities, which are focused on achieving product development milestones and will assure that products are brought to market in a timely fashion. The Senior Brand Manager acts as the hub for their select brand(s) and work cross functional teams to manage project management timelines and business needs required to develop each product line including design intent, manufacturability, and costing, while ensuring all quality standards are proactively met. Additionally, serves as a liaison within the company to freelance designers, global project managers, contract manufactures, and key international subsidiaries, to ensure new product development efforts are focused, well-coordinated and obtain key development milestone timelines and profitability. The Senior Brand Manager alongside senior leadership assists in developing and executing strategic goals and lead their team to achieve results.

What you will do:

• Work collaboratively with product design, packaging design, marketing, licensing, and other internal team partners to create a product that is the best fit for the brand
• Drive day-to-day line development for assigned brand(s) and manage to key development milestones and financial objectives
• Understand and identify retailer-specific channel strategies to create diverse product lines that satisfy the evolving needs of all global markets and retail channels
• Utilize project management software for assigned projects
• Coordinate design approvals with respective licensors and/or stake holders throughout the development process
• Consistently follow up with brand and cross-functional teams to communicate project status, updates, issues, and opportunities to the broader organization.
• Evaluates the competitive landscape and industry trends to help drive strategic decisions around product development and customer execution
• Analyze and evaluate sales data, understand the competition, and current industry trends to aid in product line architecture and development and identify growth opportunities and new product segments
• Provide consumer, category, and competitive insights and co-develop targeted retail exclusives plans working closely with the Business Director in identifying new trends, product concepts and development opportunities.
• Assist in brand and product strategies including themes and positioning, for every product development season
• Lead point of contact and communication with cross functional teams for assigned brands throughout the brand planning and product development phase
• Ensures brand integrity and development schedules are kept on track
• Ensure that all outsourced work is quoted in a timely fashion and approved prior to work performed
• Help verify that potential expenditures are in line with the proposed development budget of the item and negotiate competitive pricing with vendors and external partners
• Interface with key vendors/suppliers and product managers, to ensure a smooth business process
• Verify necessary changes are communicated to the responsible party and executed, elevating concerns to the Product Manager, Sr Director of Product Development, SVP of Product Development and Brand Team lead
• Liaise with Brand Managers to build licensor relationships and coordinate design approvals with respective licensors and/or stake holders throughout the development process by collaborating throughout development to achieve design and performance requirements while advising on costing, manufacturing, and scheduling parameters
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to plan and execute effective presentations
• Stay up to date with compliance/ style guides/ approvals through internal systems and external communication
• Provide timely feedback to cross functional teams
• Gather domestic and international field input on new and existing products
• Solicit and incorporate sales input into the development of new products
• Lead and participate in key account calls
• Track and analyze sales and profitability of new and existing products
• Work with Sales and Contract Manufacturing to proactively manage inventory (excess, backorders, etc.)
• Leads team to achieve results and ensure best in class products and brand integrity
• Perform other duties as assigned
  
  

Manages People: Yes

What we look for:

• Bachelor’s degree industry relevant field preferred
• 5+ years of product development, product management, brand development, licensing, project management or relevant experience
• 5+ years of experience in a consumer products industry
• 3+ year of leadership experience
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office & G-Suite
• Knowledge of digital rights management systems
• Creative out of the box thinker that values innovation
• Able to multitask, organize, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
• Able to work independently or collaboratively
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Articulate and eloquent speaking skills that can engage an audience
• Can easily adapt to shifting priorities, and can manage multiple priorities at one time while simultaneously working on multiple projects/tasks and meeting deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail
• Trend Savvy
• Effective interpersonal skills, and able to build positive and productive working relationships
• Leadership skills: can train, mentor, coach, inspire, motivate and develop others
• Strong Analytical Skills with a deep understanding of tracking and measuring metrics
• Advanced presentation skills including the ability to develop and deliver informative and influential presentations
• Effective project management skills
• Effective problem solver and critical thinker; proactive in resolving issues
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced, and time-sensitive environment
• Ability to gain an in-depth knowledge about our brands and products
• Ability to deal effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels in a professional manner
• Knowledge of product development and manufacturing processes
• Strong ability to use independent judgment, analyze information, and formulate recommendations
• Knowledge of adobe creative suites
• Experience in the toy/baby/pet/costume industry
• Experience in a global organization
• Multilingual a plus
  
  

Working Conditions

Environment: Office

Extreme Exposures: None

Schedule: Regular office

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary; Lifting up to 10 lbs

Must be able to sit at desk for long periods of time

Travel Required: Yes - Often

Who We Are:

Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global toy manufacturer with an award-winning, robust portfolio of wholly owned and licensed brands. Founded in 1997, Jazwares celebrates imaginative play with a progressive focus on identifying new and relevant trends to transform into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares engages consumers through innovative play experiences with popular brands such as Squishmallows, Pokémon, Star Wars, CoComelon, Fortnite, AEW, Adopt Me!, Hello Kitty, and many more. In addition to toys, offerings also include Metaverse gaming, costumes, and products for pets. Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, Jazwares has offices worldwide and sells its products in over 100 countries.

Working at Jazwares:

At Jazwares, we believe an innovative idea can come from anywhere, and anyone. Through our three pillars, we foster innovation and encourage creativity in every area of our business.

Humility: We recognize the value in others and treat everyone with respect. Our strength lies in our people and talent.

Passion: Our conviction and enthusiasm show in our products, relationships, and commitment to our community.

Collaboration: We share one vision worldwide, constantly striving to improve and innovate together.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to be part of the fastest growing toy company in the industry. Connect with us today and let's shape the future of play together!

What We Offer:

At Jazwares, we believe in providing our employees with comprehensive and competitive benefits that support their well-being and overall satisfaction. The salary range for this position: $107,755 - $130,000 /Yr. Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, peer and market data, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location. Eligibility for annual performance incentive may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, salary range may not apply to other states.

Our benefits package includes basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children, employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K)-retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.

Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes a Monday to Friday on-site, Fridays Work from Home, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year and Time Off for vacation, sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you can volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects!

JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.