Product Development Manager

Are you an experienced Product Development Manager with a passion for toys, games, licensed consumer products and creative development?

Join a leading global entertainment and consumer products organisation and play a key role in shaping innovative product ranges across the EMEA region. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of design, licensing, storytelling and product innovation, helping transform world-renowned entertainment properties into compelling consumer products.

Location: London, UK

Contract: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Maternity Cover)
Day Rate:  Up to £250 GBP per day

About the role

We are seeking a Product Development Manager to oversee day-to-day product development activities across Toys, Games and Promotional categories throughout EMEA.

A significant focus of the role will involve collaborating with major global licensing partners, supporting product development, inspiring new concepts and ensuring products align with brand guidelines, consumer expectations and commercial objectives.

Working closely with Creative, Commercial, Franchise and Licensing teams, you'll help bring entertainment brands to life through innovative physical products that resonate with fans across multiple age groups and markets.

What you'll do

Product Development

• Manage product development initiatives across Toys, Games and Promotional categories throughout EMEA.
• Partner closely with licensees and product development partners to create innovative and commercially successful products.
• Review and guide product concepts, prototypes and final submissions.
• Ensure products align with brand guidelines and creative standards.
• Support the development process from concept through approval and launch.
• Provide timely feedback and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.

Trend Research & Design

• Monitor trends across toys, games, collectibles and promotional products.
• Conduct market and competitor research to identify emerging opportunities.
• Translate storytelling, characters and brand attributes into engaging product concepts.
• Apply strong visual design principles to product and packaging development.
• Create and present inspirational concepts, mood boards and product direction.
• Support the integration of contemporary design and consumer trends into product ranges.

Creative Collaboration

• Work closely with Creative Directors and Franchise teams to develop compelling product concepts.
• Collaborate with licensing, marketing and commercial stakeholders to ensure alignment across initiatives.
• Present ideas, concepts and recommendations clearly and effectively.
• Support creative workshops and product ideation sessions.

Product Approval & Stakeholder Management

• Own product approval timelines and ensure efficient review processes.
• Manage communication between internal teams and external partners.
• Ensure feedback is provided within established timelines.
• Build strong relationships with licensees, manufacturers and creative stakeholders.
• Support cross-functional project coordination from concept through market launch.

Manufacturing & Technical Product Expertise

• Understand product construction and manufacturing processes.
• Assess technical feasibility of product concepts.
• Provide guidance on materials, production methods and design considerations.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and development partners to ensure products meet quality standards.

What we're looking for

Experience

• 5+ years' experience in product development, toy design, toy manufacturing or a related discipline.
• Experience working with licensed consumer products or entertainment brands.
• Experience managing product development projects from concept to execution.
• Experience collaborating with external partners, manufacturers or licensees.
• Understanding of consumer products and retail marketplaces.

Skills

• Strong product design and development expertise.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Strong illustration and visual communication abilities.
• Knowledge of toy packaging and product presentation.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and production constraints.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.

Software & Technical Skills

• Advanced Adobe Creative Suite skills including:
  • Illustrator
  • Photoshop
• Experience working with 3D design software.
• Proficiency with:
  • InDesign
  • Microsoft Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint

Nice to Have

• Experience within licensed consumer products.
• Understanding of the licensing business model.
• Experience working with toys, collectibles, games or promotional products.
• Knowledge of global entertainment, franchise or character brands.
• Availability to travel when required.

Working Style & Behaviours

• Creative and commercially minded.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach.
• Collaborative team player.
• Comfortable working under tight deadlines.
• Able to balance creative excellence with commercial objectives.

Why join?

• Work with globally recognised entertainment brands and franchises.
• Shape products enjoyed by consumers across multiple markets.
• Collaborate with leading creative, franchise and commercial teams.
• Influence product innovation across EMEA.
• Gain exposure to licensing, consumer products and international product development.
• Join a dynamic and creative environment where your ideas can have significant impact.

If you're an experienced product development professional with a passion for toys, games, licensing and creative innovation, we'd love to hear from you.  Apply now or email Joe McKernan - View email address on skillsearch.com