Associate Brand Manager - Anime & Collectibles

At Jazwares, we believe an innovative idea can come from anywhere, and anyone. We work collaboratively to achieve our goals and we have fun doing it! Jazwares is a global leader in consumer products including toys, plush, action figures, collectibles and musical instruments. Jazwares' portfolio includes a variety of dynamic, wholly owned and licensed brands like preschool powerhouses Blippi, Cabbage Patch Kids®, CoComelon and unstoppable action and gaming brands like Fortnite, Halo®, Micro Machines, Nerf, Pokémon and Roblox, leading lifestyle and entertainment brands like All Elite Wrestling™ (AEW), Blinger®, UFC, musical property First Act™, and beloved plush Hug-A-Pet and Squishmallows®, just to name a few. With over 20 years of design, development and manufacturing expertise, Jazwares is an award-winning company with a progressive focus on identifying new trends and transforming them into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares, which is headquartered in Sunrise, FL, has offices around the world and sells in over 100 countries. Since its inception in 1997, Jazwares continues to grow through the development of new products and the strategic acquisitions of companies like First Act™, Russ Berrie™, Zag Toys™, Wicked Cool Toys™ and Kellytoy®.

As the Associate Brand Manager in our Collectible division, you will be the anchor, go-to team member on your assigned anime brand(s) for development, creative and organizational support. You will be a valued resource to the team and work alongside cross-functional teams members from design, packaging, marketing, sales and international teams to help bring innovative play experiences to market.

What you will do:

• Work collaboratively with product design, packaging design, marketing, licensing, and other internal team partners to create a product that is the best fit for the brand
• Under direction or supervision of Brand Manager, assist and collaborate with Product Development Managers through all aspects of product development, from concept to market and ensure that concept phase and production phases align
• Utilize project management software for assigned projects
• In partnership with (Sr.) Global Brand Associate, manage licensing portal submissions and work with the internal team(s) to ensure timely brand compliance.
• In partnership with (Sr.) Global Brand Associate, help coordinate design approvals with respective licensors and/or stake holders throughout the development process
• Consistently follow up with brand and cross-functional teams to communicate project status, updates, issues, and opportunities to the broader organization
• Maintain communication with licensors and work with them throughout the product development process.
• Assist Brand Manager in evaluating the competitive landscape and industry trends to help drive strategic decisions around product development and customer execution.
• Analyze point-of-sale data by product line, SKU, and retailers to determine growth opportunities and new product segments.
• Provide consumer, category, and competitive insights and co-develop targeted retail exclusives plans.
• Assist Brand Manager in brand and product strategies including themes and positioning, for every product development season.
• Own and manage product line planning docs, ensuring all item details, including item adds, changes, and deletes are promptly and accurately updated and communicated to the appropriate team(s) same day.
• Assist Brand Manager and/or Business Director in identifying new trends, product concepts and development opportunities.
• Work with licensors to ensure brand integrity and development schedules are kept on track
• Assist Brand Manager in the creation and regular maintenance of brand decks and other sales materials
• Work with Brand Management and Design Teams to coordinate the timely creation and placement of development, photography, and presentation models/samples
• Own and manage the Copy and Photography brief process and documents to ensure content deliverables (product photography, lifestyle photography, product videos, and copy) are created on time, approved by licensor(s), and published to appropriate servers for Sales use.
• Assist Brand Manager to collaborate with Sales to plan and execute effective presentations
• Stay up to date with compliance/ style guides/ approvals through internal systems and external communication.
• Assist Brand Manager with gathering domestic and international Sales input on new and existing products
• Assist Brand Manager with soliciting and incorporating sales input and consumer feedback (e.g., online reviews) into the development of new products
• Participate in key account calls, as needed
• Track and analyze sales and profitability of new and existing products
• Perform other duties as assigned

What we are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree industry relevant field required
• 2+ years of product development, product management, brand development, project management or relevant experience
• 2+ years of experience in a consumer products industry
• Toy experience or direct to consumer a plus
• Passion for anime and Asian pop culture
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office & G-Suite
• Knowledge of digital rights management systems
• Able to multitask, organize, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
• Able to work independently or collaboratively
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Articulate and eloquent speaking skills that can engage an audience
• Can easily adapt to shifting priorities, and can manage multiple priorities at one time while simultaneously working on multiple projects/tasks and meeting deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong Analytical Skills with a deep understanding of tracking and measuring metrics
• Advanced presentation skills including the ability to develop and deliver informative and influential presentations
• Effective project management skills
• Effective problem solver and critical thinker; proactive in resolving issues
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced, and time-sensitive environment
• Ability to gain an in-depth knowledge about our brands and products
• Ability to deal effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels in a professional manner
• Knowledge of product development and manufacturing processes
• Strong ability to use independent judgment, analyze information, and formulate recommendations

What we offer:

• Medical Insurance 100% Company paid for Employee andChildren
• Employee Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401(K) Retirement Program - Jazwares matches up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals.
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Sick Leave, Vacation, Holiday Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Summer Fridays

JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

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