Jobs

SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER UK & EMEA – THOMAS DIVISION

HIT Entertainment is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual with good experience within a children’s brand environment. Based in the UK, the Senior Product Development Manager will be responsible for the management of a stand alone focus for multi product category development and product approvals across UK and EMEA territories.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
   
·    Provide leadership to and daily management of Product Development Manager(s) for UK & EMEA territories
·    Responsible for UK/EMEA product development, primarily Toys & games and Global development where appropriate
·    Ensure product development for Thomas Master Toy licensee – Fisher Price, is in line with territorial expectations.
·    Responsible for Global product development of Attractions  design, and UK Live events
·    Provision of day-to-day creative and logistical support to licensees
·    Ensure all feedback given to licensees within 10 day contractual turnaround time
·    Attendance at key licensee meetings to provide creative product/design direction.
·    Working with sales team, understand financial and contractual requirements/limitations and subsequently make recommendations for product course correction
·    Proactively develop style direction through production of mood boards and subsequent presentation of development materials both internally and externally
·    Prepare any necessary product development related budgets and proposals for approval by SVP Global Brand Manager
·    Undertake competitor market analysis and recommend product ideas/improvements. Research key product and retail trends and competitive activity and proactively develop proposals for new business opportunities for all brands
·    Liaise with other key commercial areas of the business – Product Development teams in US/Asia Pacific to ensure all product is in line with strategic objectives
·    Work with Creative team to ensure Style Guides are effective and user friendly. Have input into creative direction for Style Guides, highlighting requirements for PD of Hard Goods
·    Write packaging and product development briefs. Identify/brief artwork/image requirements. 
·    Compiling and management of category product reference guide for sales teams
·    Support where necessary to other divisions – Marketing/brand team (catalogue and advert approvals), Production & Programming (Character & Script development), Home Entertainment (interactive games or consumer product) and Live Events & Attractions (character development, Days out with Thomas, Global product development of Attraction design).
·    Ensure professional transition to HAL and provide relevant licensee training and service.

SPECIFIC SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

·    Strong understanding and knowledge of UK and EMEA/International markets
·    Highly creative
·    Attention to detail and analytical
·    Possess good time management and organisational skills
·    Strong understanding of product licensing industry and dynamics
·    Proactive, able to work under pressure and multi task
·    Strong leadership and motivational qualities.

TECHNICAL ABILITIES

*    Highly efficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook,  
*    Adobe, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Reader. Mac and PC literate.

To apply for this job please contact: hrlondon@hitentertainment.com