Jazwares
Manager, Brand (Plush-IP)
Jazwares, Culver City, California, United States, 90232
The 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. They will be 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. The brand manager 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.
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 brandDrive day-to-day line development for assigned brand(s) and manage to key development milestones and financial objectivesAnalyze and evaluate sales data, understand the competition, and current industry trends to aid in product line architecture and developmentConducts competitive and consumer analysis, understanding and applying toy trends and play patterns.Understand and identify retailer-specific channel strategies to create diverse product lines that satisfy the evolving needs of all global markets and retail channelsLead a cross-functional team to ensure best in class products with brand integrity, maintaining consistency in product, packaging, sales, and marketing communicationUtilize project management software for assigned projectsCoordinate design approvals with respective licensors and/or stake holders throughout the development processConsistently 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 point-of-sale data by product line, SKU, and retailers to determine growth opportunities and new product segmentsProvide 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 seasonLead point of contact and communication with cross functional teams for assigned brands throughout the brand planning and product development phaseEnsures brand integrity and development schedules are kept on trackCollaborates in the creation and maintenance of brand decks and other sales materials.Ensure that all outsourced work is quoted in a timely fashion and approved prior to work performedHelp verify that potential expenditures are in line with the proposed development budget of the item and negotiate competitive pricing with vendors and external partnersRequest and document 3D model costs, product unit costs and tooling costs as received from global Product Managers and suppliersEnsure item master is accurate and updated on an ongoing basis (costing, factory info, product dimensions, etc...)Interface with key vendors/suppliers and product managers, to ensure a smooth business processWork with Brand Management and Design Teams to coordinate the timely creation and placement of development, photography, and presentation models/samplesVerify 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 leadLiaise 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 parametersCollaborate with Sales to plan and execute effective presentationsStay up to date with compliance/ style guides/ approvals through internal systems and external communicationProvide timely feedback to cross functional teamsGather domestic and international field input on new and existing productsSolicit and incorporate sales input into the development of new productsParticipate in key account callsTrack and analyze sales and profitability of new and existing productsWork with Sales and Contract Manufacturing to proactively manage inventory (excess, backorders, etc.)Act as a leader, trainer and mentor for jr staffPerform other duties as assignedManages People:
Yes
What We Look For:
Bachelor's degree industry relevant field preferred3-5 years of product development, product management, brand development, licensing, project management or relevant experience3-5 years of experience in a consumer products industry1+ year of leadership experienceStrong proficiency in Microsoft Office & G-SuiteKnowledge of digital rights management systemsCreative out of the box thinker that values innovationAble to multitask, organize, prioritize, and manage time efficientlyAble to work independently or collaborativelyExceptional verbal and written communication skillsArticulate and eloquent speaking skills that can engage an audienceCan easily adapt to shifting priorities, and can manage multiple priorities at one time while simultaneously working on multiple projects/tasks and meeting deadlinesExcellent attention to detailTrend savyEffective interpersonal skills, and able to build positive and productive working relationshipsLeadership skills; can train, mentor, coach, inspire, motivate and develop othersStrong Analytical Skills with a deep understanding of tracking and measuring metricsAdvanced presentation skills including the ability to develop and deliver informative and influential presentationsEffective project management skillsEffective problem solver and critical thinker; proactive in resolving issuesAbility to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced, and time-sensitive environmentAbility to gain an in-depth knowledge about our brands and productsAbility to deal effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels in a professional mannerKnowledge of product development and manufacturing processesStrong ability to use independent judgment, analyze information, and formulate recommendations
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.
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 is $94,000 - $110,000/ salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, location. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, salary range may not apply to other states .The 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.
The flexible work environment includes a hybrid schedule with 4 days, Fridays WFH, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, Time Off for vacation, sick leave, and volunteer work.
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!
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.
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 brandDrive day-to-day line development for assigned brand(s) and manage to key development milestones and financial objectivesAnalyze and evaluate sales data, understand the competition, and current industry trends to aid in product line architecture and developmentConducts competitive and consumer analysis, understanding and applying toy trends and play patterns.Understand and identify retailer-specific channel strategies to create diverse product lines that satisfy the evolving needs of all global markets and retail channelsLead a cross-functional team to ensure best in class products with brand integrity, maintaining consistency in product, packaging, sales, and marketing communicationUtilize project management software for assigned projectsCoordinate design approvals with respective licensors and/or stake holders throughout the development processConsistently 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 point-of-sale data by product line, SKU, and retailers to determine growth opportunities and new product segmentsProvide 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 seasonLead point of contact and communication with cross functional teams for assigned brands throughout the brand planning and product development phaseEnsures brand integrity and development schedules are kept on trackCollaborates in the creation and maintenance of brand decks and other sales materials.Ensure that all outsourced work is quoted in a timely fashion and approved prior to work performedHelp verify that potential expenditures are in line with the proposed development budget of the item and negotiate competitive pricing with vendors and external partnersRequest and document 3D model costs, product unit costs and tooling costs as received from global Product Managers and suppliersEnsure item master is accurate and updated on an ongoing basis (costing, factory info, product dimensions, etc...)Interface with key vendors/suppliers and product managers, to ensure a smooth business processWork with Brand Management and Design Teams to coordinate the timely creation and placement of development, photography, and presentation models/samplesVerify 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 leadLiaise 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 parametersCollaborate with Sales to plan and execute effective presentationsStay up to date with compliance/ style guides/ approvals through internal systems and external communicationProvide timely feedback to cross functional teamsGather domestic and international field input on new and existing productsSolicit and incorporate sales input into the development of new productsParticipate in key account callsTrack and analyze sales and profitability of new and existing productsWork with Sales and Contract Manufacturing to proactively manage inventory (excess, backorders, etc.)Act as a leader, trainer and mentor for jr staffPerform other duties as assignedManages People:
Yes
What We Look For:
Bachelor's degree industry relevant field preferred3-5 years of product development, product management, brand development, licensing, project management or relevant experience3-5 years of experience in a consumer products industry1+ year of leadership experienceStrong proficiency in Microsoft Office & G-SuiteKnowledge of digital rights management systemsCreative out of the box thinker that values innovationAble to multitask, organize, prioritize, and manage time efficientlyAble to work independently or collaborativelyExceptional verbal and written communication skillsArticulate and eloquent speaking skills that can engage an audienceCan easily adapt to shifting priorities, and can manage multiple priorities at one time while simultaneously working on multiple projects/tasks and meeting deadlinesExcellent attention to detailTrend savyEffective interpersonal skills, and able to build positive and productive working relationshipsLeadership skills; can train, mentor, coach, inspire, motivate and develop othersStrong Analytical Skills with a deep understanding of tracking and measuring metricsAdvanced presentation skills including the ability to develop and deliver informative and influential presentationsEffective project management skillsEffective problem solver and critical thinker; proactive in resolving issuesAbility to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced, and time-sensitive environmentAbility to gain an in-depth knowledge about our brands and productsAbility to deal effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels in a professional mannerKnowledge of product development and manufacturing processesStrong ability to use independent judgment, analyze information, and formulate recommendations
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.
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 is $94,000 - $110,000/ salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, location. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, salary range may not apply to other states .The 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.
The flexible work environment includes a hybrid schedule with 4 days, Fridays WFH, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, Time Off for vacation, sick leave, and volunteer work.
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!
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.