Associate Product Manager

As the Associate Product Manager, you will be responsible for assisting in the overall execution of product development and its associated activities, which are focused on achieving product development milestones and ensuring that products are brought to market in a timely fashion. Working with the Product Development Manager, you will support managing 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.

 What You Will Do:

• Assist the Product Development Manager with 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 the 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 stakeholders throughout the development process by collaborating throughout development to achieve design and performance requirements while advising on costing, manufacturing, and scheduling parameters.
• Work with the 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 Are Looking For: 

• A bachelor's degree in engineering, industrial design, or industry relevant field is a plus. 
• 2+ years of relevant experience in product development in the consumer goods industry. 
• Experience with plastics, materials, and manufacturing. 
• 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 the ability to define a problem, collect data, determine root cause, and work towards a resolution with a team             

Nice To Have:

• Experience in the toy/baby/costume/pets industry is a plus. 
• Experience with domestic and international travel.
• Multilingual a plus.
• PMP or equivalent project management certificate is a plus

What we offer:  

The salary range for this position is $70,304.00 - $79,740.00/ 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