Creative Director, Product Development

9 Story Media Group; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in children's media is seeking a Creative Director for Product Development. This role involves translating series content into engaging merchandise and overseeing product strategies across various categories. The ideal candidate will have a background in design, strong project management skills, and a passion for children's media.

Benefits

Competitive benefits

Opportunities for career growth

Creative environment

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of relevant experience in product development.
• Proficiency in design and approval platforms.
• Knowledge of children's media and CP landscape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement creative consumer products strategies.
• Oversee the creation of Fashion and Trend guides.
• Conduct market research for brand positioning.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Attention to Detail

Education

Degree in product/industrial/fashion design

Tools

Design and approval platforms

Job description

Join to apply for the Creative Director, Product Development role at 9 Story Media Group.

Reporting to the VP of Consumer Products, the Creative Director, Product Development will be responsible for translating series content into engaging merchandise across Hard and Soft Lines globally. The successful candidate will join an experienced licensing team focused on creating top-tier consumer products for kids worldwide and growing Scholastic/9Story revenue.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement creative consumer products strategies aligned with Franchise and CP strategies.
2. Collaborate with Development & Production on asset development, providing feedback on play patterns, characters, locations, props, branding, and design trends.
3. Lead and oversee the creation of Fashion and Trend guides, including branding and packaging.
4. Provide creative and artistic direction to support products across categories such as softlines, hardlines, FMCG, and publishing.
5. Manage the creative approval process for all product categories from inception to launch, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
6. Coordinate with cross-functional teams—Franchise, Development, Production, Marketing, Digital Consumer Products—to build brands and explore new business opportunities.
7. Conduct market research to inspire innovation and establish unique brand positioning at retail.

Key Requirements:

1. Stay updated on the latest fashion and product trends.
2. Ability to clearly communicate creative visions and guide product development considering manufacturing constraints.
3. Proactive leadership and teamwork skills, with attention to detail.
4. Strong project management skills, capable of working under tight deadlines.
5. Proficiency with relevant design and approval platforms.
6. Knowledge of children’s media, CP landscape, and brands targeting ages 2-15.
7. Degree in product/industrial/fashion design or equivalent experience; 5-7 years of relevant experience.

Why work with us? We offer a creative environment, competitive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. Our Toronto office in Liberty Village is home to over 200 talented artists working on award-winning children’s content. Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to providing accommodations during the recruitment process.