Manager, Brand - Licensed Squishmallows bei Jazwares

As the Brand Manager, you'll lead the charge, execute, and accelerate the overall development for one of the hottest plush brands in the market - Squishmallows. This role is crucial for ensuring we hit all product development milestones and bring new products to market on time. You will manage the day-to-day business operations and act as a central liaison, coordinating with freelance designers, global project managers, contract manufacturers, and key international teams. Your focus will be on ensuring new product development efforts are concentrated, well-coordinated, and meet both strict development timelines and core profitability goals. Join us to directly shape a market-leading brand's success!                       

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 key development milestones and financial objectives
• Analyze and evaluate sales data, understand the competition, and current industry trends to aid in product line architecture and development
• Conducts 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 channels
• Lead a cross-functional team to ensure best-in-class products with brand integrity, maintaining consistency in product, packaging, sales, and marketing communication.
• Utilize project management software for assigned projects
• Coordinate design approvals with respective licensors and/or stakeholders 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 point-of-sale data by product line, SKU, and retailers to determine 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.
• Collaborates 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 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.
• Request and document 3D model costs, product unit costs and tooling costs as received from global Product Managers and suppliers.
• Ensure 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 process.
• Work with Brand Management and Design Teams to coordinate the timely creation and placement of development, photography, and presentation models/samples.
• 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 stakeholders throughout the development process by collaborating throughout development to achieve design and performance requirements while advising on costing, manufacturing, and scheduling parameters.
• Collaborate with Sales 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.
• 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.).
• Act as a leader, trainer, and mentor for jr staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisor Responsibilities: 

Manages People: Yes

What We Are Looking For: 

• 3-5 years of product development, product management, brand development, licensing, project management, or relevant experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in the consumer products industry. 
• 1+ year of direct leadership experience. Leadership skills: can train, mentor, coach, inspire, motivate, and develop others.
• 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.
• Effective interpersonal skills and able to build positive and productive working relationships.
• 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.

Nice To Have:                                                                                                                     

• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suites
• Experience in the toy/baby/pet/costume industry
• Experience in a global organization
• Bachelor’s degree in an industry-relevant field is a plus.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

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 $98,640.00 - 110,320.00/Yr. The base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for the annual performance incentive may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, so the 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 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 will have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects.  

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.  

• 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 Are  

Jazwares, 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™, Pokémon™, 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 Facebook

Recruitment Safety 

Please be wary of unsolicited communications from individuals or websites you are not familiar with, or any communications requesting sensitive personal data or information. All official Jazwares employment information will come from our company email ending in @jazwares.com. Jazwares will never request any monetary payments at any point during its hiring process. If you have any questions about any unsolicited communications, you can reach out to [email protected]. We look forward to you experiencing a safe and enjoyable application process at Jazwares!