Senior Manager, Brand - Trends

About the role

As the Senior Brand Manager, you will lead end-to-end product execution for a high-growth portfolio of trend-driven brands. You will manage plush and plastic lines from concept to shelf, bringing emerging pop culture and entertainment trends to market at global retail.

Responsibilities

• 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 to key development milestones and financial objectives
• Understand and identify retailer-specific channel strategies to create diverse product lines that satisfy the evolving needs of all global markets and retail channels
• 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
• Evaluate the competitive landscape and industry trends to help drive strategic decisions around product development and customer execution
• Analyze and evaluate sales data, understand the competition, and current industry trends to aid in product line architecture and development and identify 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
• Ensure brand integrity and development schedules are kept on track
• 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
• Interface with key vendors/suppliers and product managers, to ensure a smooth business process
• Verify necessary changes are communicated to the responsible party and executed, elevating concerns to the Product Development and Brand Leadership
• 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 cross functional teams 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
• Lead and 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.)
• Lead team to achieve results and ensure best in class products and brand integrity
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisor Responsibilities

Yes

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; P&L experience a plus
• 5+ years of product development, brand management, or licensing experience in consumer products or toys
• Experience with plush, plastic products, and/or action figures strongly preferred
• 3+ years of demonstrated team leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong understanding of sports, pop culture trends, and fan-driven consumer products
• Solid knowledge of product development lifecycle, manufacturing processes, and licensor approval workflows
• Advanced analytical skills with experience analyzing sales data, retail exclusives, and competitive landscapes
• High proficiency in project management software, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace
• Knowledge of digital rights management (DRM) systems
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills across all levels of an organization
• Proactive, critical thinker capable of managing shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment

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 that includes Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays
• Up to 20 workdays fully remote each year
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Up to 16 hours per year of paid volunteer time through Jazwares Cares

Pay

The salary range for this position is $112,440.00 – $139,440.00 per year. 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.