Licensing Product Development Manager, Transmedia

Job Type: Location Type: Hybrid

 

Hybrid Work Model

#LI-hybrid

Job Summary:

This is an exciting opportunity for someone wanting to be a part of some of the most exciting consumer products programs in Entertainment, working on SEGA’s iconic brands, including Like a Dragon, Persona, and Sonic the Hedgehog!

SEGA of America Licensing is seeking an experienced Product Development Manager Transmedia to join the rapidly growing Consumer Products business. This position plays a critical role in the development and management of product categories, including Publishing, Hardlines, Softlines, Novelty, Small Accessories, and Seasonal products. Additionally, this role specifically oversees product development for Rovio (Angry Birds).

We are searching for an organized and dynamic individual with product development experience in Consumer Products, particularly Publishing. The ideal candidate is adept at multitasking, thrives in a fast-paced environment with shifting timelines and priorities, and is capable of managing projects independently or collaboratively as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage product development across assigned categories from concept through production, ensuring timelines and milestones are met.
• Initiate and track the status of sample requests for all assigned categories, ensuring proper documentation and approvals.
• Review prototypes to ensure quality execution, detail consistency, and alignment with brand guidelines.
• Coordinate with Licensing business managers to ensure product assortments align with granted rights and category strategies.
• Ability to handle a dynamic workload and meet deadlines across several simultaneous initiatives.
• Conduct product development kick-off calls with licensees and maintain strong communication with approval contacts with Rovio Studio
• Work closely with internal partners (Marketing, Creative, Production, Management, International Licensing) to ensure seamless cross-functional execution and collaboration.
• Lead and execute style guide development for Licensing consumer products.
• Utilize and maintain applicable tools such as Dependable Solutions to track product developments, resolve unknown SKU issues, and manage status updates.
• Organize and manage internal product sample requests and strategic sample distributions.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor products to inform development strategies and identify innovation opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and sustainability standards across all product categories.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in product development processes, tools, and workflows.
• Working in-office is an essential function of this position. This requirement of face-to-face interaction is in place to ensure effective supervision, collaboration, and teamwork. In-office attendance is required for the following reasons:
  • For effective supervision of employees and our work product, which includes ensuring all employees have necessary oversight of their work and access to supervisory assistance, which includes meetings to review work product, deadlines, and status.
  • To foster communication and collaboration among team members, which includes the following: allowing for spontaneous brainstorming sessions and exchanges of ideas, quick access to team members to enable collaborative problem-solving, and stronger cohesion among co-workers and within teams.
  • To enhance the sharing of information necessary to effective job performance and product creation.
  • To enhance understanding of our stakeholders’ work and business needs, facilitate a more seamless and organic workflow, and ultimately increase efficiency and successful outcomes.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Proven experience in product development within Consumer Products with familiarity in overseeing projects within multi-category environments
• Sound understanding of hardlines terminology and toy line planning. Demonstrated knowledge of product lifecycle management, product approvals, and style guide creation
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities, paired with exceptional communication skills to coordinate with internal and external teams at all levels.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines while maintaining professionalism and efficiency.
• Experience working with stakeholders from diverse departments, such as Marketing, Mobile, Animation, and International Licensing.
• A proactive and flexible problem solver who thrives in high-pressure environments, demonstrates professionalism in handling confidential matters, and takes ownership and accountability for tasks.
• Familiarity working with cross-cultural teams and managing communication with partners globally
• Must be familiar with Rovio (Angry Birds)
• Have a passion for Gaming and Entertainment
• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
• 8+ years of experience in hardlines/softlines/publishing product development approval and brand assurance
• Deep comprehension of product development cycle from concept to production
• Excellent relationship builder with collaborative team player mentality
• Clear written and oral communication skills
• Team player and collaborator
• Resourceful, takes initiative and self-starter
• Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Ability to operate autonomously & efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Limited travel required (annual trade shows, etc)
• Familiar with online asset management systems
• Applicable experience in entertainment licensing specifically
• General understanding of character licensing
• Reading/Writing Japanese language is a plus but not required