Product Development Manager

Trends International is the leading publisher and manufacturer of licensed posters, wall art, and other products that celebrate pop culture, entertainment, and lifestyle. As the parent company of both  and , we bring creativity and culture into homes, offices, and spaces around the world.

The New Product Development Manager is a hands-on builder who thrives at the start of something new. This role lives at the front edge of innovation, turning raw ideas into tested, execution-ready product formats, then partnering closely with Product Line Managers to finalize costing and transition approved concepts into development and lifecycle ownership. Working fast and collaboratively across teams and channels, this role blends curiosity, experimentation, and disciplined follow-through to build what’s next and help scale it for long-term impact.

• Lead new product and format development from early ideation through concept validation and formal handoff to Product Line Managers
• Own front-end development deliverables, including concept definition, requirements, success criteria, and strategic rationale
• Initiate and advance new product ideas, including vetted concepts from leadership and cross-functional partners
• Develop creative briefs and oversee initial concept visualization, including baseline templates and licensed print samples where applicable
• Manage RFQs, BOMs, cost breakdowns, and collaborate on margin targets (wholesale & MSRP) to validate feasibility and scalability
• Partner with Sourcing and Operations to assess materials, manufacturing methods, and timelines
• Maintain development documentation, version control, stage gates, and approval workflows
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align development decisions with brand, channel, and other business needs
• Ensure clear, complete handoff of approved formats, including intent, constraints, risks, initial presentation framework and next steps
• Conduct trend research and targeted discovery to inform innovation priorities
• Partner with leadership to help refine development processes and improve cross-team communication

• Strong ability to translate ideas into clearly defined, execution-ready product concepts
• Proven experience managing early-stage product development, including RFQs, BOMs, cost modeling, version control, and approvals
• Ability to write clear, effective creative briefs and communicate product intent through strong written and verbal communication
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail; able to manage multiple development work streams simultaneously
• Strong cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to present concepts and align stakeholders
• Ability to balance creative innovation with practical constraints such as cost, timelines, and manufacturability
• Comfortable working in evolving environments and helping build or refine development processes
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills informed by trend research and project-specific discovery

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Management, Design, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• 4-6 years of experience in product development, new product innovation, or related roles within consumer products or licensed merchandise
• Proven experience leading early-stage product development from concept through validation and handoff

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time while working at a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Trends International, LLC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA). Per the ADA, Trends International, LLC will make reasonable accommodation for known physical or mental disabilities of a qualified and disabled applicant or employee. Trends International, LLC may decline to accommodate the request should it cause an undue hardship on the operations of the company.

It is the responsibility of the employee or applicant to request accommodation. The individual should identify what accommodation they believe is needed to successfully perform the functions of the job above. Employees may be asked to provide medical evidence to support the need for the requested accommodation. Please contact the People & Culture department with any questions or requests for accommodation.