Product Development Manager, Consumer Products

Position: Product Development Manager, Consumer Products (Future Opportunity)
In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.

Who We Are:

Launched in 2012, IMG Arena leveraged our rights expertise to pioneer the mainstream introduction of official data rights. We paved the way for a new revenue stream for our Rights holder clients, whilst at the same time delivering greater value to the sports betting industry. We have gone on to expand our sports betting product suite with the addition of Event Centres and Official Virtual Sports.

At IMG Arena the job is yours. We want you to be yourself. We are focused on building an inclusive and empowering environment that's welcoming for everyone, where you are trusted and empowered to do what you're good at. It's your arena and your opportunity to shape it and your career. You'll have the opportunity to pick up the latest technology, develop your own ideas and run with them.

There's loads of room for improvement and innovation. You get to prove and own the process from start to finish.

Who We Are:

IMG Licensing represents renowned brands, institutions, and entertainment properties spanning sports, films, and talent - creating marketing and revenue opportunities through licensed products. Our portfolio includes premier brands such as Lionsgate Films (John Wick, Hunger Games, Saw), Dolly Parton, Rovio/Angry Birds, Ubisoft and Fortnite. As part of the Endeavor ecosystem, we create some of the world's most iconic cultural moments and experiences, with unparalleled access to artists and creators represented by our vast network of talent agencies and businesses

Endeavor is a global sports and entertainment company, home to the world's most dynamic and engaging storytellers, brands, live events and experiences. The company is comprised of industry leaders including entertainment agency WME; sports, fashion, events and media company IMG; and premier mixed martial arts organization UFC. The Endeavor network specializes in talent representation, sports operations & advisory, event & experiences management, media production & distribution, experiential marketing and brand licensing.

The Role and What You'll Do:

Reporting to the VP of Licensing, the Product Development Manager will act as our key creative lead for a major client account (Epic Games) liaising with global and USA based licensees. You will be responsible for supporting smooth and efficient product development of the consumer products program and creative activities together with our clients' internal teams. You should be passionate about gaming, culturally relevant brands that resonate with the gaming community and bringing innovation and creativity to the merchandising programs to support these globally known brands.

Job Description

Creative Support

• Manage and execute licensed consumer products designs in line with client brand guidelines.
• Identify style guide gaps and Licensee needs together with the client business team.
• Maintain a calendar of annual events and creative deliverables needed
• Conduct market analysis and trend spotting to deliver back to business and client teams for review and implementation.

Client/Licensee management

• Manage and support key relationships with Licensee creative and product development personnel.
• Provide robust and smooth onboarding for new Licensees reassessing and updating materials where necessary.
• Drive product brainstorming and ideation to drive innovation and point of difference in the marketplace
• Ensure timely review and approvals of product development to ensure we are hitting key launch dates of product at retail.

Product Development

• Responsible for managing the end-to-end approvals process and delivering innovative brand-appropriate products to market.
• Support the wider PD team on key partner submissions when necessary.
• Collaborate with the Creative Services Director and Head of PD in developing creative strategies to facilitate future growth.
• Develop additional sales materials such as collaborations booklets, inspiration & benchmark presentations & look books.
• Keep up to speed with gaming IP updates, brand guidelines and key design needs to deliver exceptional products for the fans.

You Have These

• Strong Design and Creative background
• Strong passion about the gaming industry (whether in your personal or work life)
• Experience working within product development ideally within the consumer products industry.
• Understanding of product development timelines across wide product categories.
• Keen interest in spotting market trends, new creative styles and keeping up to speed with players interests.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple design projects, running simultaneously with varying levels.
• Self-starter and problem solver. Able to escalate issues to management as well as provide solutions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Able to build trusting and respectful relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Be Growth minded, solution…