Senior Manager Product Development

BBC Studios

Bold. British. Creative: that’s BBC Studios. Combining the strengths of the UK’s most-awarded productioncompany with a world-class distributor, we fund, create, distribute andcommercialize world-class content forthe BBC and other UK and international companies. Our aim is to inspire audiences around the globe withquality content that informs, educates andentertains and to strengthen the BBC, our partners and widerindustry both creatively and financially. We seek to be the best British content company in the world; a first-choice partner andemployer, where everyone can flourish and do their best work.

Brands & Licensing

Brands & Licensing is responsible for developing and deepening fan engagement to commercialize our IP content. This includes exploring digital growth opportunities for the business,looking at innovative licensing models and driving value from BBC Studios' world-famous brands such as Doctor Who, Bluey, Top Gear, Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing With The Starsand BBC Earth. We run global businesses from live events to merchandise through to music and magazine publishing. We are right at the heart of helping BBC Studios identifyopportunities for growth and future proof its success through scaling digital business models such as social media monetization and gaming through our new business division toidentify the business models of the future. On top of that we are the center of global data and do world class marketing to ensure BBC Studios brands generate fame globally.

We really understand the business we are in and know how to drive impact and growth through smart and innovative partnerships. We live and breathe as one cohesive team with greatspirit and an inclusive approach to everything we do that draws our the best of each of us. Welcome to Brands & Licensing.

Sr. Manager - Product Development (Plush)

We are seeking a Senior Manager of Product Development to lead and transform our plush category into a Center of Excellence. This strategic lead will oversee all plush development, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of plush design, construction, and materials. Working as a critical counterpart to the Licensing Sales team, you will ensure our plush product strategies perfectly align with commercial goals while elevating brand integrity.

Currently, we have +100 partners (including licensees and agents) to create & launch branded product for hit TV show Bluey. In this role, you will work with mostly internal partners and some external partners, agents, production partners and various global teams to support our product development creative output, approvals and sample management processes. Ideal candidate should have capability to work from our NY office at least 2-3 days per week, with the option to be remote for the remaining days each week. 

In this role, you will champion creative excellence and the product approval process for the plush category, unlocking high-impact innovation across hardlines while providing expert softlines guidance to establish industry-best design practices

As our resident plush expert, you will guide and shape lines looks and best practices for our licensees and our internal product development team. You will collaborate with the Senior Director to establish the visual and stylistic vision for plush, direct the Softlines Coordinator on textile selection and pattern execution, and align with the Hardlines Coordinator on integrated feature-plush mechanisms and packaging. You will also partner with the Latam Product Development Manager to ensure regional design relevance. Tapping into extensive experience guiding core, seasonal, thematic, and trend-driven plush, you will serve as the final critical eye for design quality and brand consistency across US, Canadian, and Latin American markets.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Architect global plush design playbooks to elevate uniform character execution across hardlines toy partners categories while carving out distinct, high-revenue visual identities for core, seasonal, trend, collectible, and plush-adjacent lines
• Establish a plush center of excellence to pioneer cutting-edge design, construction techniques, and material innovation
• Maintain rigorous plush quality control to serve as the critical eye for brand integrity and character accuracy across region
• Creative direction of plush guide development to establish consistency
• Support Marketing, Licensing Sales, and Retail teams by creating presentation-ready plush trend/inspiration boards and product development boards for pitch meetings
• Build extensive licensed preschool character plush design experience, adapt brand art seamlessly for multiple uses and themes, create artwork that lives alongside guides to elevate and reimagine world of Bluey artwork
• Partner closely with product development, marketing, and creative teams to ensure design alignment
• Provide high-quality visual direction, design overlays, supporting day-to-day development with licensees, agents and Ludo to translate feedback into elevated commercial design solutions
• Prepare and deliver production-ready artwork, offer hands-on support through product mockups, illustrations, repeatable patterns, packaging solutions, retail mockups and graphic assets for use across all licensing categories and file organization to ensure accurate and efficient partner execution
• Partner with Ludo production partners as needed to advocate for bespoke asset needs to create trend-forward executions
• Ensure that all product follows design requirements through adherence to style guides and rights owner feedback and all necessary Legal, Sustainability, and Brand Protection requirements are featured on products and packaging
• Update internal kick off guides, mini guides and tool kits to align with global brand themes and new partner onboarding
• Drive cross-category alignment by extending plush design expertise into apparel, co-brands, and high-profile collaborations to guarantee absolute consistency in 3D patterning, material execution, and character integrity
• Direct and mentor PD Coordinators on textile selections, structural pattern execution, and sewing construction considerations
• Provide guidance to develop integrated electronic features, mechanisms, and unique packaging

Knowledge, Skills, Training and Experience

• 7+ years of Product Development experience with 2+ years supporting plush and/or toys
• Deep understanding and experience designing for preschool licensed plush for North America and Latin America, as well licensed goods and product development
• Hands on design experience in licensing/entertainment industry is a must
• Effortless, enthusiastic multi-tasker, able to handle multiple projects on accelerated timelines with a positive, can-do mindset
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator and Photoshop required
• Adept at using AI tools to generate concepts, brand right assets and quick mockups for proof of concept
• Highly skilled in creative & analytical thinking capabilities
• Deep passion for and ability to identify global and regional plush trends as it applies to North America and LatAm business
• Proven ability to adapt style guides to fit needs of the region while upholding brand integrity
• Effectively collaborate, influence and communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Highly organized, adaptable, efficient, patient, and detail oriented
• Proactive and positive mindset team player - bring inspiration and drive to the team to perform at the best of class
• Self-motivated to work independently on complex projects and deadlines
• Deep curiosity and aptitude learning new systems and software
• Experience working with Mediabox Product Approvals system a plus, or similar approvals software
• Strong written and oral communication skills

If you possess a keen eye for detail and have experience managing complex projects, we invite you to apply for this exciting position at BBC Studios! Join our dynamic team and contribute to the success of BBCS' North America & Latin America licensed consumer products team, working with hit TV shows and well-established partners in the licensing/entertainment industry.

Compensation

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $90,000 - $110,000. The actual base salary offered depends on the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specificand unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and geographic location of the position.

About the BBC

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us.

Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achievetheir full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC – whether that’s to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles.

The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcomeapplications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.