Associate Product Manager- Plush

As the Associate Product Manager, you will be responsible in assisting in 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. Working with the Product Development Manager, you will support manage project management timelines and business needs required to develop each product line and brand assigned, including design intent, manufacturability, and costing, while ensuring all quality standards are proactively met. This role collaborates closely with internal cross functional departments.

What you will do:

• Assist the Product Development Manager all aspects of product development, from concept to market
• Create and regularly maintain all project management software; i.e. Smartsheet’s
• 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.
• Assist in Interfacing with key vendors/suppliers and Asia product managers, to ensure a smooth business process
• Collaborate closely with Asia product managers to ensure concept phase and production phases align.
• Request 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 Product Manager, Sr. Director of Product Development, SVP of Product Development and Brand Team lead.
• 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
• 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.
• Work with Brand Management and Design Teams to coordinate the timely creation and placement of development, photography and presentation models/samples.
• Gather domestic and international field input on new and existing products.
• Collaborate with Sales to plan and execute effective presentations and achieve profitability targets
• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Manages People: No

What we look for:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, industrial design, or industry relevant field preferred
• 2+ years of relevant experience
• Experience with plastics, materials, manufacturing
• Experience in the consumer goods industry
• PMP or equivalent project management certificate a plus
• 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

Working Conditions

Environment: Office

Extreme Exposures: None

Schedule: Regular office; may require calls with Asian counterparts outside of normal business hours

Physical Requirements:

Light; Lifting up to 25 lbs

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

Travel Required: Yes – Limited

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 may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for annual performance incentives 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, 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 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.