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
Assist and collaborate with Product Development Managers through all aspects of product development, from concept to market, and ensure that the concept phase and production phases align.
Utilize project management software for assigned projects.
Manage licensing portal submissions and work with the internal team to ensure timely brand compliance.
Help 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.
Maintain communication with licensors and work with them throughout the product development process.
Assist in evaluating 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.
Assist in brand and product strategies, including themes and positioning, for every product development season.
Manage product line plans, with all item details, including item adds and deletes.
Assistthe Business Director in identifying new trends, product concepts, and development opportunities.
Work with licensors to ensure brand integrity and development schedules are kept on track
Assist 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 before work is 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...)
Assist in interfacing 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.
Work closely with the Director of Consumer Products on all projects and show proficient follow-through.
Provide timely feedback to the creative and design teams to assist in current product line innovations
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, as needed
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 trainer and mentor for jr staff
Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisor Responsibilities:

Manages People: No

What We Are Looking for:

Bachelor’s degree in an industry-relevant field is a plus.
5+ years of product development, product management, brand development, project management, or relevant experience
5+ years of experience in the consumer products industry
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office & G-Suite
Knowledge of digital rights management systems
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
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
Knowledge of product development and manufacturing processes
Strong ability to use independent judgment, analyze information, and formulate recommendations
Ability to communicate and deal effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels in a professional manner

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 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 jazlegal@jazwares.com. We look forward to you experiencing a safe and enjoyable application process at Jazwares!

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Jazwares, LLC

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Brand Manager - Squishmallows