Licensing Product Development Specialist

Description

Hybrid Work Model

Job Summary:

This is an exciting opportunity for someone wanting to be a part of some of the most exciting consumer products programs in Entertainment, working on SEGA’s iconic brands, including Sonic the Hedgehog!

SEGA of America Licensing is searching for a Product Development Specialist to help manage the rapid growth of SEGA’s Consumer Products business. This candidate will be responsible for product development submissions focusing on LATAM territory reviewing a wide range of submissions from softlines to hardlines. This person will also be responsible for reviewing and routing all SEGA IP for LATAM territory. This includes all new assets, as well as existing assets that need to be updated or modified. We are looking for an individual with product development experience in Consumer Products across all product categories and would have a desire to learn more about and grow within the licensing business. This person would be adept at multi-tasking and comfortable with shifting dates and priorities. Should be an organized and flexible problem solver who takes ownership and responsibility of tasks and can act independently or as part of a team as required by the circumstance. Must possess the ability to work well with all levels of internal teams including Marketing, Mobile, Animation, Management, international teammates, and outside business partners. Should also be able to manage a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion. This candidate must also be able to communicate read and write in Spanish.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute day-to-day tasks with licensees and internal teams related to product development of assigned partners and categories. Will also handle ad hoc projects as delegated by supervisor
• Ensure timely approval of products by working closely with internal and external partners to manage product development processes from concept to production for assigned licensees
• Liaise with Licensing business managers to ensure product assortment is aligned with granted rights and category strategy for assigned licensees.
• Utilize, update, and maintain applicable tools in Dependable Solutions including resolving unknown SKU issues.
• Initiate and track status of sample requests.
• Review and route all new assets to the appropriate department for review and approval for LBE projects. Update and modify existing assets as needed. Track the progress of all asset reviews and approvals. Communicate with all stakeholders involved in the asset review and approval process.
• Review of prototypes to meet Product Development timeline milestones with a focus on product execution, consistency of details and brand guidelines.
• Work with licensing translator and communicate with the approval contacts in US and Japan.
• Conduct product development kick-off calls with assigned new licensees.
• Manage and distribute product samples to internal teams and manage internal product requests.
• Manage all aspects of product development including sample organization, tracking, and archiving.
• Work with internal partners in Creative, Marketing/Brand, Production, and our international licensing teams to help execute cross functional synergy and collaboration.
• Manage Product Development Agenda for weekly LATAM meetings and ad hoc calls.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Working in-office is an essential function of this position. This requirement of face-to-face interaction is in place to ensure effective supervision, collaboration, and teamwork.  In-office attendance is required for the following reasons:
  • For effective supervision of employees and our work product, which includes ensuring all employees have necessary oversight of their work and access to supervisory assistance, which includes meetings to review work product, deadlines, and status.
  • To foster communication and collaboration among team members, which includes the following: allowing for spontaneous brainstorming sessions and exchanges of ideas, quick access to team members to enable collaborative problem-solving, and stronger cohesion among co-workers and within teams.
  • To enhance the sharing of information necessary to effective job performance and product creation. 
  • To enhance understanding of our stakeholders’ work and business needs, facilitate a more seamless and organic workflow, and ultimately increase efficiency and successful outcomes.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Skills:

• A plus if you have experience and knowledge working with LATAM Markets and Agents
• Have a passion for Gaming and/or Entertainment
• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent a plus.
• Must be able to read and write Spanish
• 4 years of experience in product development approval and brand assurance
• Basic comprehension of product development cycle from concept to production
• Excellent relationship builder with collaborative team player mentality
• Experience with asset review and routing
• Clear written and oral communication skills
• Team player and collaborator
• Resourceful, takes initiative and self-starter
• Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Ability to operate autonomously & efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Limited travel required (annual trade shows, etc.)

Preferred Skills:

• Familiar with online asset management systems
• Applicable experience in entertainment licensing specifically
• General understanding of character licensing
• Experience in amusement park design or operations a plus

Salary : $70,000 - $85,000