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BBC UK

Manager, Product Development LatAm & NA

BBC UK, New York, NY


BBC Studios

Bold. British. Creative: that's BBC Studios. Combining the strengths of the UK's most-awarded production company with a world-class distributor, we fund, create, distribute and commercialize world-class content for the BBC and other UK and international companies. Our aim is to inspire audiences around the globe with quality content that informs, educates and entertains and to strengthen the BBC, our partners and wider industry both creatively and financially. We seek to be the best British content company in the world; a first-choice partner and employer, where everyone can flourish and do their best work.

Consumer Products

Brands & Licensing is responsible for developing and deepening fan engagement to commercialize our IP content. This includes exploring digital growth opportunities for the business, looking at innovative licensing models and driving value from BBC Studios' world-famous brands such as Doctor Who, Bluey, Top Gear, Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing With The Stars and BBC Earth. We run global businesses from live events to merchandise through to music and magazine publishing. We are right at the heart of helping BBC Studios identify opportunities for growth and future proof its success through scaling digital business models such as social media monetization and gaming through our new business division to identify the business models of the future. On top of that we are the center of global data and do world class marketing to ensure BBC Studios brands generate fame globally.

We really understand the business we are in and know how to drive impact and growth through smart and innovative partnerships. We live and breathe as one cohesive team with great spirit and an inclusive approach to everything we do that draws our the best of each of us. Welcome to Brands & Licensing.

Job Purpose

BBC Studios' North America & Latin America licensed consumer products team is seeking a Product Development Manager to join our ever-expanding department. Selected candidate will work closely with our Latam and Global Product Development teams, as well as with regional Licensing Sales, Retail Development, Operations, Legal, and Ethical Policy teams, to manage product development for all hardlines and softlines partners in Latin America, as well as US and Canada.

Currently, we have +100 partners (including licensees and agents) in place to create & launch branded product for hit TV shows including Bluey & Doctor Who. In this role, you will work with external partners, agents and various internal teams to support our product development approvals and sample management processes. Ideal candidate should have capability to work from our NY office at least 2 days per week, with the option to be remote for the remaining 3 days each week. Competitive benefits & insurance package included.

Day-to-day, the Product Development Manager will be responsible for supporting BBCS' Latin America Licensing team, working closely alongside the Product Development team's Director and Senior Creative Manager, and Coordinator. The Manager will serve as a critical eye to assure the consistency of our products' brand integrity & design quality for this region, as well as to ensure the efficiency of our product approvals & samples management processes.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

In this role, you will:

  • Directly support full life-cycle of product development process for NA & Latam teams, with a focus on driving development for Latin America partners, from concept through to production stage. Ensure the product development process proceeds smoothly, meets production deadlines, and maintains a high degree of design integrity and commercial competitiveness throughout. Role will primarily focus on Bluey, covering all hardlines & softlines product ranges, but may require support on other brands, such as Doctor Who.
  • Work closely with UK based Latam licensing team, local territory agents (Mexico, Brazil, rest of Latam) and regional partners. Align closely to identify needs, adapt style guides and advocating for assets for the unique needs of this retail landscape.
  • Provide high-quality design services & clear, consistent communication, to licensing partners as needed. Be hands on to illustrate and direct partners visually with product mockups and artwork files.
  • Collaborate with all relevant BBCS teams and stakeholders to ensure product development adheres to brand guidelines and all internal approval stages. This involves managing a high volume of design input/feedback, product range plans, and creative and commercial guidance from various stakeholders, including Licensing Sales, Ethical Policy, & Brand Protection teams.
  • Process inbound/outbound samples packages in a timely manner. In addition, routinely organize and log sample inventory and record what is in our samples "library" so the team can provide accurate, quick-turn samples requests for executives, events, and other marketing and retail needs. Ensure to support coordinator for onsite sample storage rooms are kept organized, neat and easily accessible.
  • Develop relationships with BBCS brands' rights owners to maximize brand potential. Where necessary, mediate between rights owners and partners, in order to overcome specific design and market challenges that arise, as well as to meet technical requirements of retailers and partners, without loss of brand integrity.
  • Build strong market awareness and supply insight/inspiration for ongoing development of product line extensions & new product launches. Will require a high degree of innovation, visualization, trend awareness and design guidance, to ensure all concepts have a unique selling position at market for consumers & retail buyers.
  • Actively evaluate current & future needs of partners beyond existing brand materials. Gather information from partners on a regular basis to understand what's working or not design-wise. Share relevant feedback with Director, Product Development. Work with team as needed to create & provide regional creative briefs to Global Product Development team, to inform pipeline of core/trend style guides.
  • Ensure that all product follows BBCS' design requirements through adherence to style guides and rights owner feedback. Confirm that all necessary Legal, Ethical Policy, Sustainability, and Brand Protection requirements are featured on products and packaging.
  • Support live events and ensure brand integrity throughout the experience that are specifically created for Latam regions. Partner with local teams to inspire and collaborate in order to develop best in class product that aligns to the experience.
  • Support Marketing, Licensing Sales, and Retail Development teams as needed by creating presentation-ready trend/inspiration boards and product development plans. Research & report on wider industry trends as needed. Provide print-ready artwork files for retail opportunities, marketing events and .com assets as needed.


Knowledge, Skills, Training & Experience
• Deep understanding and experience managing Latin America licensed goods and product development.
• Previous experience (5+ years) in product development required.
• Effortless multi-tasker, able to handle multiple projects on accelerated timelines.
• Advanced skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite & Microsoft Office required.
• Highly skilled in creative & analytical thinking capabilities.
• Deep passion for and ability to identify trends for Latam region
• Proven ability to adapt core guides to fit needs of the region while upholding brand integrity.
• Effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly organized, efficient, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to be self-motivated & to work independently on complex projects and deadlines.
• Aptitude for learning new systems and software.
• Experience working with Mediabox Product Approvals system preferred, or similar approvals software.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Bilingual english & spanish language skills highly desirable.
• Art and/or design-related degree highly desirable.
• Experience with licensing/entertainment industry required.

If you possess a keen eye for detail and have experience managing complex projects, we invite you to apply for this exciting position at BBC Studios! Join our dynamic team and contribute to the success of BBCS' North America & Latin America licensed consumer products team, working with hit TV shows and well-established partners in the licensing/entertainment industry

Compensation

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $100,000-$110,000k. This does not include other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and geographic location of the position.

Benefits and Perks
• 100% Employer-Paid Medical and Dental Insurance (PPO plans)
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Flexible, Hybrid Working Arrangements
• Work/life balance
• Free Retirement Consulting to All Employees
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Gym Reimbursement

About the BBC

We don't focus simply on what we do - we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us.

Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC - whether that's to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

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Manager, Product Development LatAm & NA

Brands, Marketing and Audiences

Permanent - Full Time