Associate Product Manager - Trends

About the Role

As the Associate Product Manager, you will bring assigned product lines from concept to market on time and on cost. This role keeps project timelines, documentation, and cost records current, coordinates samples and information between internal teams and the Asia office, and carries the day-to-day work that keeps development moving. This role works closely with internal cross-functional teams throughout the development cycle. This is a development role with growing responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Support the Product Manager across all phases of product development, from concept through production
• Maintain project timelines and documentation in Smartsheet, and communicate changes and updates to the team
• Work closely with internal cross-functional teams to keep development on schedule
• Coordinate with Asia Product Managers to keep concept and production phases aligned
• Request and log 3D model costs, product unit costs, and tooling costs from Asia Product Managers and suppliers
• Review costs against the approved development budget, analyze variances, and report findings to the Product Manager
• Confirm outsourced work is quoted and approved before work begins
• Support the Product Manager in confirming that product meets functional specifications and safety requirements
• Coordinate the creation and delivery of development, photography, and presentation samples with the Brand Management and Design teams
• Prepare samples and materials for sales presentations
• Maintain the item master, including costing, factory information, and product dimensions
• Compile competitive and trend research at the direction of the Product Manager
• Participate in meetings and presentations with senior management, gaining exposure to cross-functional leadership
• Communicate approved changes to the responsible party and escalate concerns to the Product Manager

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, industrial design, or industry-relevant field is a plus
• 1+ years of relevant experience in product development, product design, or project management
• Exposure to plastics, materials, and manufacturing
• Experience in consumer goods is a plus
• Ability to take direction and apply constructive feedback
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy with data
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting deadlines
• Works effectively across departments and builds professional relationships at all levels
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and G-Suite, with strength in Excel
• Self-motivated and comfortable asking questions when direction is unclear
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Interest in developing in-depth knowledge of our brands and product categories

Benefits

• Basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children
• Employee basic life and AD&D insurance
• 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals
• Short and long-term disability
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible work schedule: Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year
• Time Off for vacation and sick leave
• Opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects through Jazwares Cares

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™, Five Nights at Freddy’s™, Disney™, BumBumz™, and BLDR™. In addition to toys, offerings include costumes, games, and pillows. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Jazwares has offices worldwide and sells its products in over 100 countries.

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.