Senior Manager Product Development

BBC Studios

Bold. British. Creative: that’s BBC Studios. Combining the strengths of the UK’s most-awarded production company with a world-class distributor, we fund, create, distribute and commercialize world-class content forthe BBC and other UK and international companies. Our aim is to inspire audiences around the globe with quality content that informs, educates and entertains and to strengthen the BBC, our partners and wider industry both creatively and financially.

We seek to be the best British content company in the world; a first-choice partner and employer, where everyone can flourish and do their best work.

Brands & Licensing is responsible for developing and deepening fan engagement to commercialize our IP content. This includes exploring digital growth opportunities for the business, looking at innovative licensing models and driving value from BBC Studios' world-famous brands such as Doctor Who, Bluey, Top Gear, Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing With The Starsand BBC Earth. We run global businesses from live events to merchandise through to music and magazine publishing.

We are right at the heart of helping BBC Studios identify opportunities for growth and future proof its success through scaling digital business models such as social media monetization and gaming through our new business division to identify the business models of the future. On top of that we are the center of global data and do world class marketing to ensure BBC Studios brands generate fame globally.

We really understand the business we are in and know how to drive impact and growth through smart and innovative partnerships. We live and breathe as one cohesive team with great spirit and an inclusive approach to everything we do that draws our the best of each of us. Welcome to Brands & Licensing.

We are seeking a Senior Manager of Product Development to lead and transform our plush category into a Center of Excellence. This strategic lead will oversee all plush development, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of plush design, construction, and materials. Working as a critical counterpart to the Licensing Sales team, you will ensure our plush product strategies perfectly align with commercial goals while elevating brand integrity.

Currently, we have +100 partners (including licensees and agents) to create & launch branded product for hit TV show Bluey. In this role, you will work with mostly internal partners and some external partners, agents, production partners and various global teams to support our product development creative output, approvals and sample management processes. Ideal candidate should have capability to work from our NY office at least 2-3 days per week, with the option to be remote for the remaining days each week.

In this role, you will champion creative excellence and the product approval process for the plush category, unlocking high-impact innovation across hardlines while providing expert softlines guidance to establish industry-best design practices. As our resident plush expert, you will guide and shape lines looks and best practices for our licensees and our internal product development team. You will collaborate with the Senior Director to establish the visual and stylistic vision for plush, direct the Softlines Coordinator on textile selection and pattern execution, and align with the Hardlines Coordinator on integrated feature-plush mechanisms and packaging.

You will also partner with the Latam Product Development Manager to ensure regional design relevance. Tapping into extensive experience guiding core, seasonal, thematic, and trend-driven plush, you will serve as the final critical eye for design quality and…