Product Development & Design Manager

Our client is proud to be one of the world’s leading designers and distributors of high-quality plush toys, souvenirs, gifts and accessories for attractions, tourist destinations, and leading mass retailers. Their mantra—Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, guides us in creating eco-friendly products without compromising on quality. Their global headquarters is located in Middelfart, Denmark and the North American regional headquarters is based in Atlanta, GA. The majority owner of the group is a Private Equity Fund, and the company is positioned well to drive strong sales growth in the coming years.

We are seeking a commercially driven Design & Product Development Manager with a background in design to lead new product initiatives and oversee the ongoing development of a dynamic branded product portfolio. This on-site role in Atlanta, GA offers the opportunity to shape the creative direction of this well-loved brand in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

About the Role

As the Design and Product Development Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing new ideas to life and enhancing the performance of existing products. You’ll work closely with sales and internal stakeholders to align design strategy with customer expectations, brand identity, and business goals. Your ability to balance creative vision with practical execution will be key to success in this role.

What You’ll Be Doing

• This is a “hands-on” end-to-end sketch ideation to retail market product development role
• Manage the entire product development process including product design and creative development, material specifications, managing cost of goods, determining retail price positioning, and serve as primary liaison with overseas factories
• Lead the evolution and management of the growing product portfolio working hands-on, ensuring offerings remain relevant, competitive, and aligned with customer needs.
• Responsible for developing, designing, and creating the collection, using your extensive experience with Adobe Illustrator.
• Collaborate with sales and business teams to deliver custom solutions for client opportunities.
• Translate brand values into innovative, audience-driven designs that resonate in the market.
• Maintain quality, consistency, and alignment across all product and design initiatives.

About You

• You are a creative thinker with strong design instincts and a strategic mindset, with experience in brand and custom/private label product development
• You have experience managing the entire product development process – from sketch to retail market
• Strong commercial skill set and ability to design, cost and position products within the market
• Experience communicating and partnering with overseas factories
• You have prior experience in consumer product design and development, with preferred experience in the toy industry or with textiles, soft lines, home/gifts, or similar items
• You have a background in consumer packaged goods with knowledge of retail and merchandising solutions
• You’re proactive, organized, and able to manage multiple design projects simultaneously.
• You communicate clearly and collaborate effectively across teams.
• You are expressive and passionate about plush toys
• You are highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• You bring curiosity, positivity, and a hands-on approach to problems