Director, Product Development

Company: Jazwares, LLC
Location: Culver City
Posted on: May 3, 2025

Job Description:

The Director or Product Development is responsible for driving the strategic development and execution of assigned product portfolios from conception to distribution, and the formulation and implementation of product development policies and objectives. This role is responsible for the leading the product development team and ensuring that timelines and business needs are met, while ensuring all quality standards are proactively met and that the end product meets consumer needs and is within industry trends. This role collaborates closely with internal cross functional teams. Additionally, this role participates in all stages of the employee life cycle.Duties and ResponsibilitiesProduct Development (60%)

• Manage all aspects of product development, from concept to market
• Establishing robust and clearly articulated outcomes and key performance indicators (KPI's) to ensure that all development is specific, measurable, and meaningful
• Manage and regularly maintain all project management software; i.e. Smartsheets
• Maintain and update project documentation and regularly communicate to the team of any changes and/or updates.
• Liaise cross functionally to ensure that product meets functional specifications, licensor standards and safety requirements.
• Collaborate w/ sales and design resources to spec new products
• Assist with direction/management of design resources for each product line assigned
• Interface with key vendors/suppliers and Asia product managers, to ensure a smooth business process
• Collaborate closely with Asia product management leads to ensure concept phase and production phases align.
• Identify communication shortfalls and schedule regular conference calls with Asia counterparts to resolve issues in a timely fashion.
• Oversee and coordinate design approvals with respective licensors and/or stake holders throughout the development process.
• Manage and document 3D model costs, product unit costs and tooling costs as received from Asia Product Managers and suppliers
• Verify necessary changes are communicated to the responsible party and executed, elevating concerns to the Sr Director, VP, and SVP of Product Development and Brand Team leads.
• 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
• Utilize cost/margin-based analysis to form pricing recommendations for each product and product line.
• 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
• Work with Brand Management Team to develop competitive assessments and research trends to identify future opportunities and to develop product expansion strategies for successful product lines.
• Assist in responsibility for assortment and item number set up and ongoing updates.
• Work with Brand Management and Design Teams to coordinate the timely creation and placement of development, photography and presentation models/samples.
• Help manage and gather domestic and international field input on new and existing products.
• Solicit and incorporate sales input into the development of new products
• Participate in key account calls, as needed
• Collaborate with Sales to plan and execute effective presentations and achieve profitability targets.Ongoing Product Line Management/Maintenance (15%)
  • Ensure item master is accurate and updated on an ongoing basis (costing, factory info, product dimensions, etc...)
  • Track/analyze sales & profitability of new & existing products
  • Work w/Sales and Contract Manufacturing to proactively manage inventory (excess, backorders, etc.Product Roadmap (15%)
    • Liaise with Brand Managers to develop and maintain a 3-5 year vision for the evolution of the product lines
    • Help oversee development/approval of annual product collections
    • Validate direction with sales & international subsidiaries
    • Conduct required research & business analyses
    • Identify areas of optimization
    • Creating clear and compelling articulations of the product portfolio vision and associated definition of success tied to company and organizational outcomes
    • Perform other duties as assignedLeadership
      • Leading the product development team, inspiring them to achieve excellence and encouraging development for each direct report
      • Provides guidance and insight for extended team of indirect reports
      • Participates in all stages of employee lifecycleManages People: YesRequired QualificationsEducation/Years of Experience
        • Bachelor's degree in engineering, industrial design, or industry relevant field required
        • 7+ years of relevant experience
        • 3+ years of leadership experience
        • Experience with plastics, materials, manufacturing
        • Experience in the consumer goods industryCertifications
          • PMP or equivalent project management certificateKnowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAO's)
            • Strong verbal and written communication skills
            • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
            • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop productive and professional relationships
            • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office & G-Suite
            • Able to work cross functionally, collaboratively, and reciprocally with multiple departments
            • Self-Motivated, and a self-starter
            • Able to multitask, organize, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
            • Can easily adapt to shifting priorities, and can manage multiple priorities at one time
            • Excellent attention to detail
            • Ability to deal effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels in a professional manner
            • A mindset that is collaborative, flexible, and growth oriented
            • Ability to gain an in-depth knowledge of our brands and products
            • Proven track record of successfully managing long and short-term projects
            • Effective planning and analytical skills, including ability to define a problem, collect data, determine root cause, and work to resolution with a team
            • Experience working in the agile product management space and strong technical knowledge to be able to challenge the status quo
            • Leadership skills including the ability to lead, coach, mentor, train, motivate, inspire, and develop othersPreferred Qualifications
              • Experience in the toy/baby/costume/pets industry
              • Experience with domestic and international travelAt 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 is $146,00 to $185,000 /Yr. Base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, 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 through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation, and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects.Working at JazwaresAt 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.
                • 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.
                • Humility: We recognize the value in others and treat everyone with respect. Our strength lies in our people and talent.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!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. Jazwares is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.Who We AreJazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global toy manufacturer with a robust portfolio of 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, Pok--mon, Hello Kitty, Star Wars, Disney, BumBumz, and Adopt Me. In addition to toys, offerings include virtual games, costumes, and pet products. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Jazwares has offices worldwide and sells its products in over 100 countries. For more information, visit www.jazwares.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and FacebookWorking ConditionsExtreme Exposures: NoneSchedule: Regular office; may require calls with Asian counterparts outside of normal business hoursPhysical Requirements:Light; Lifting up to 25 lbsMust be able to sit at desk for extended periods of timeTravel Required: Yes - Limited#updated08-22Equal Opportunity Employer
                  This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Keywords: Jazwares, LLC, Highland , Director, Product Development, Executive , Culver City, California