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Product Development Specialist (Merchandise)

Poppy Playtime fans and their engagement with the brand and its lore are at the heart of what we do in consumer products at Mob Entertainment. As the Product Development Specialist (Merchandise) you play a critical role in extending the Poppy Playtime brand and favorite characters like Huggy Wuggy and the Smiling Critters into new areas, and working with best-in-class licensees to bring great products and experiences to life for our fans around the world.

While having a deep expertise in plush and figure product development is critical for this position, the ideal candidate will also have experience working across a broad range of categories including apparel and accessories. We are looking for a product developer that combines their understanding of the brand, characters and fans with an awareness of the industry and trends (including pop culture and fashion), plus has a great eye for design. Experience with graphic design including designing logos, packaging and style guides will also be helpful in this role, as well as traditional and digital drawing skills and concepting skills.

This position reports to the Manager, Product Development, Licensing. A portfolio of previous product development and design experience will be required during the interview process. Candidates need to have the ability to be flexible on working hours when needed to accommodate meetings with licensees across multiple time zones. Candidates must also have the ability for occasional travel to licensee meetings and industry events.

Responsibilities:

Product Development

• Provide guidance and concepts (including design sketches) for inspiration to licensees in design kick off meetings and as needed throughout the product development process
• Attend meeting with licensees to discuss outstanding product approvals, business issues and new opportunities
• Ensure product designs are in line with the Poppy Playtime brand DNA, style characteristics and brand requirements
• Develop and design product mock-ups in collaboration with licensees
• Guide plush and figural line planning including new product assortments and refresh strategy
• Complete product and licensed packaging approvals through online systems and collaborative approval meetings – achieve high quality standards in character execution, storytelling, color, material, form and function
• Recommend character selection and product development focus considering a variety of factors such as a character’s role in upcoming video games, fan interest and industry knowledge
• Review licensee product development submissions (pre-production and physical) in Mob Entertainment’s product approval system and provide written requests for changes and approval
• Ensure product development is high quality and designed for viable retail price points taking into account the features
• Ensure design details accurately reflect the characters – get input as needed from others on the Mob Entertainment team such as the Art Director
• Assist in creating and updating pitch decks, one sheets and brand sizzle videos
• Assist with marketing approvals needed by licensees with input from Mob Entertainment’s Marketing Department

Design and Ideation

• Monitor competitive product lines and what is trending including reviewing retail placement and online/social media content
• Provide product ideation and concepts – assist as needed with creating new licensee pitch presentations
• Provide input on style and seasonal guides, packaging and creative asset development
• Share art assets with licensees and manage access to embargoed art assets
• Support onboarding of new licensees

Skills:

• 2+ years minimum industry experience in product development
• Excellent knowledge of the hardlines product development process (raw materials, plastic, textiles, print, pattern, graphic composition and manufacturing).
• Strong product design skills (e.g., 3D product design, technical design, sketching, creative application and manipulation of art, final mechanical art, fabric and trim identification)
• Demonstrate a strong design sense and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and able to provide clear direction, along with organization skills
• Strong attention to detail and quality – maintains and promotes high standards
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment – ideally with some experience working with entertainment and/or video game brands
• Experience managing multiple design projects happening simultaneously and meeting deadlines
• Proactively observes and gains understanding of the competitive marketplace
• Proficient with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Excellent computer software skills (Adobe Creative Suite, Keynote, Google Suite & Microsoft Office Suite)

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or a demonstrated equivalent level of applicable experience

About Mob Entertainment

Founded in 2015 as EnchantedMob, Mob Entertainment was created by brothers Zach and Seth Belanger, who united their passion for art and storytelling. Their dedicated team continually pushes the boundaries of entertainment, delivering top-tier content that entertains and inspires in an ever-evolving industry. Mob Entertainment, creators of the indie horror sensation Poppy Playtime set in an abandoned toy factory, has seen its characters, including Huggy Wuggy, amass a significant following on YouTube and in consumer products. Mob Entertainment is on a mission to craft unconventional stories, captivating characters, and exceptional experiences that redefine norms, enthrall audiences, and achieve both artistic and commercial success.

OUR CORE VALUES:

• Storytelling
• Quality
• Obsession
• Creativity
• Subversion
• Collaboration
• Scrappiness

EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS:

• Kindness
• Result-Oriented
• Autonomy
• Efficiency
• Humility
• Be real.
• Be weird.

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