Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Sony Interactive Entertainment is the company behind the PlayStation brand, known for delivering cutting-edge hardware and network services. They are seeking a Product Development Manager for Hardlines, Global Licensed Merchandise to lead the development of licensed hardline products, focusing on toys and collectibles inspired by PlayStation’s iconic franchises.
Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end product development of licensed hardlines products (e.g., action figures, statues, replicas, prop collectibles, roleplay items) from concept through production
- Act as a key point of contact with licensees for approvals, submissions, and product reviews
- Work closely with product managers, engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to define product requirements and specifications
- Ensure all products align with IP guidelines, storytelling, and franchise positioning
- Facilitate approvals process from start to finish for all product and packaging from licensees
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends and opportunities for product improvement
- Develop and maintain project documentation, including timelines, budgets, and risk assessments
- Track development progress against timelines, proactively identifying risks and driving solutions to keep projects on schedule
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize the product development process and enhance team efficiency. Improve our portal (MyMediabox) to streamline workflows
- Collaborate with licensing, marketing, and sales teams to develop go-to-market strategies and support product launches
- Partner closely with licensing to align on line plans, providing informed recommendations and adjustments to support brand strategy and commercial objectives
- Collaborate with studio partners to communicate product direction, gather feedback, and ensure alignment throughout the product development lifecycle
- Onboard submission process with licensees, agents, and brand collaboration partners
- Catalog, manage and distribute final product samples including the coordination of sample archive
- Clearly communicate and manage workback schedules, ensuring cross-functional teams are aligned on key milestones and deliverables
- Demonstrate a solutions-oriented mindset, troubleshooting challenges and adapting plans to meet evolving business and partner needs
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Design or equivalent
- 7+ years of experience in licensed consumer products, specifically in toys, collectibles, gaming, or entertainment hardlines
- Advance understanding of product lifecycle management principles and best practices
- Portfolio of demonstrated experience working with global IP and licensing approval processes
- Solid proficiency with collectible formats, materials, manufacturing methods, and cost drivers for collectibles and toy categories (e.g., action figures, statues, blind box, premium collectibles)
- Strong product sensibility—balancing fan authenticity, quality, and commercial viability
- Proven track record of successfully delivering projects in a timely manner
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
- Highly detail-oriented and exceptionally organized, with a proven ability to prioritize workstreams and consistently deliver against timelines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset and a passion for driving results
- Experience in Photoshop, MyMediabox (or similar approval systems), PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator etc
- Passion for gaming, pop culture, entertainment, or collectible markets is a plus
Benefits
- SIE’s top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products.
- This role also may be eligible for a bonus package.
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