Associate Director, Product Development

Associate Director, Product Development Jazwares, LLC - 3.9 Los Angeles, CA Job Details $128,280 - $160,380 a year 6 hours ago Benefits AD&D insurance Disability insurance Health insurance 401(k) Tuition reimbursement 401(k) matching Flexible schedule Qualifications Project management tools Vendor relationship building Google Workspace Market research projects Pricing Budget management Vendor management Product roadmapping Tooling Inventory management Sales analysis Supply chain Competitive analysis Risk mitigation strategy implementation Team development Analysis skills Supervising experience Bachelor's degree Mentoring Smartsheet Vendor relationship management Organizational skills Quality standards in production Product strategy Productivity software Manufacturing Root cause analysis Senior level Negotiated pricing SaaS Full Job Description The Associate Director, Product Development leads the end-to-end execution of product development across assigned product lines, ensuring alignment with brand strategy, financial targets, product functionality requirements, and operational excellence. This role drives cross-functional collaboration, oversees global development processes, and ensures products are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality and licensor standards.

What You Will Do:

Lead all aspects of the product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization. Oversee and guide Product Managers and Associate Product Managers in execution, prioritization, and delivery of development milestones. Ensure accurate and consistent use of project management tools, maintaining up-to-date documentation and communication across teams. Partner cross-functionally with Design, Brand, Sales, Finance, and Licensing to ensure product alignment with specifications, brand standards, and safety requirements. Collaborate with Sales, Brand, and Design teams to develop product concepts aligned with retail opportunities. Provide direction and support to design resources across assigned product lines. Serve as a key liaison with global partners, including Asia Product Managers, vendors, and suppliers, to ensure seamless development and production processes. Drive alignment between concept and production phases through close collaboration with international teams. Identify communication gaps and proactively implement solutions to ensure timely issue resolution. Oversee delivery and validation of product costs, including 3D model costs, unit costs, and tooling investments. Develop and manage product development budgets, ensuring alignment with financial targets. Evaluate and approve development expenditures, ensuring cost efficiency and adherence to budget. Conduct cost and margin analysis to support pricing recommendations across product lines. Partner with vendors to negotiate competitive pricing and optimize cost structures. Collaborate with Brand and Licensing teams to manage licensor relationships and approval processes. Ensure all products meet licensor standards, contractual requirements, and design expectations throughout development. Partner with Brand teams to develop and maintain a 3-5 year product roadmap. Support the creation and execution of annual product line plans and collections. Conduct competitive analysis and market research to identify growth opportunities and inform product strategy. Incorporate feedback from domestic and international sales teams into product development. Participate in key account meetings and support product presentations as needed. Track product performance, sales, and profitability to inform ongoing product decisions. Partner with Sales and Operations to proactively manage inventory, including excess and back orders. Ensure timely escalation of critical issues, including cost overruns, delays, and development risks. Own key development tracking tools and processes, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and visibility. Drive adherence to timelines, ensuring all milestones support on-time product launches. Lead planning and execution of product reviews (line reviews, model reviews), ensuring readiness without impacting timelines. Oversee sample tracking, approvals, and documentation throughout development phases. Identify risks proactively and implement mitigation plans to meet delivery targets. Support capacity planning, tooling allocation, and resource optimization. Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment and support the development of team capabilities.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

Manages People:

Yes What We Are Looking For:

Bachelor's degree in a related field is a plus. 8+ years of progressive experience in product development, preferably in consumer products or toy industry Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing product lifecycles from concept through commercialization Prior experience managing or mentoring team members preferred Experience working with global teams and external vendors, including Asia-based partners, preferred Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause identification and solution development Advanced organizational skills and attention to detail Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Smartsheets and Google Workspace and SaaS software Deep understanding of product development processes, timelines, and global supply chain operations Experience in toy manufacturing, including plastics and tooling, preferred 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:

The salary range for this position is $128,280 - $160,380 / 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 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 . We look forward to you experiencing a safe and enjoyable application process at Jazwares!