We're excited to be hiring a dynamic Senior Product Development Manager for our brand new Consumer Products and Merchandise Licensing team.
The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and proactive professional with a proven track record in developing consumer products at a multi-territory and category level. They should be comfortable taking a hands-on approach across all stages of the product lifecycle—working closely with creative, production, and marketing teams to bring innovative products to market in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
The Commercial department is responsible for planning, licensing, and overseeing development of products and experiences across Theatrical & Live, Immersive and Themed Entertainment, Consumer Products (CP), and Merchandise in line with ALW Musicals’ franchise strategy.
The Senior Product Development Manager will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and success of the global consumer products & merchandise (CPM) business. Reporting into Head of Licensing (Consumer Products & Merchandise) with a dotted line report to Director of Development, this position will manage and expand product across in-venue merchandise, third-party retail, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) / eCommerce channels, including andrewlloydwebber.com.
The ideal candidate will bring strong commercial acumen, a deep understanding of the creative process and development of licenced goods, and exceptional relationship management skills. This role will be instrumental in driving the CPM business through the development of best-in class product across fashion & lifestyle, toys & games and publishing both directly and in collaboration with agents.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
- With Head of Licensing (CPM), develop product development strategy in line with ALW Musicals franchise strategy and core brand values.
- With agents, develop a deep understanding of key markets to inform creative and range planning development.
- Own relationships with creative & product development team at agent level and designers at licensee & retail level.
- Establish meeting cadence including implementation of regular range review and planning sessions and build out product development roadmap informed by franchise strategy, sales data and market trends.
- On-going day to day management of agent partners and licensees across territories to drive product development success and meet commercial targets.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal departments to ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Conduct regular global and market specific trend and cultural research to stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences and competitive activity to inform product range and development.
- Develop understanding of and differences between customer purchase across in-venue merchandise, DTC and 3rd party retail.
- Use market trends and consumer insights to inform product roadmap and identify new product categories, brands, licensees, and retailers to work with.
- Develop deep understanding of ALW Musicals to inform relevant and intelligent interpretation on products.
- Create and deliver directional tools such as pitch decks, seasonal trend & look books, white space analyses, and competitor benchmarking to unlock new revenue opportunities and continuously push and evolve creative boundaries.
- With Director of Development, formulate and implement creative asset development strategy and roadmap (including tool kits, style guides, look books, display and merchandise solutions and pitch material) which is informed by trends, local market nuances, category requirements, retail, market and channel differentiation. This should be aligned with overarching franchise strategy and wider business initiatives.
- Work with internal stakeholders to implement approval system and manage the end-to-end product development process, from concept through to execution, in partnership with internal and external stakeholders (as required).
- Implement range planning tools, product trackers, and commercial critical paths to ensure timely product launches aligned with revenue goals.
- Merchandising support of in venue and third-party retailers to ensure product ranges are optimised in retail environment to attract audiences and drive sales.
- Showcase CPM internally to the wider business to raise profile of department and celebrate success.
- Represent the company at key trade fairs, retail summits, and industry events to build relationships and identify new commercial opportunities.
- Work with internal stakeholders to create onboarding pack and session and implement for all new partners.
- Manage all incoming samples and set up and run cataloguing and storage solution.
- Manage gifts and samples required for internal and external stakeholders as needed.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
- Proven track record in product development at a multi-market and category level. Demonstrating an understanding and interpretation of market nuances, differentiation between retailers, channel and category.
- A deep understanding of how to interpertate brands and their audiences and create relevant retailers, categories and products.
- Broad multi-category design and manufacturing knowledge such as graphic application (incl. use of repeat patterns and key art), print techniques, tooling 3D products, stability testing, packaging, display and merchandising solutions.
- Team player with great communicative skills who builds strong, collaborative partnerships across internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Creative problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment, navigates change with agility and a nimble solution-focused mindset, making smart decisions that drive commercial impact for CPM.
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects efficiently, prioritises effectively, and consistently meet deadlines.
- Experience of briefing and working with designers and design agencies
- Design skills an advantage.
- Appreciation for Musical Theatre desirable.
