Product Development Lead – Consumer Products

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group; Montreal (administrative region); Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is seeking a Product Development Lead for Consumer Products in Montréal. This role oversees the merchandise development lifecycle from concept through production, coordinating with Merchandising, Show Teams and external vendors to ensure brand alignment, quality, and timely delivery.

The position supports hybrid work arrangements (in-office and remote) with a focus on innovative, high-visibility product launches and cross-functional collaboration across

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent experience in business, merchandising, design, or supply chain.
• At least 3 years of experience in traditional or non-traditional retail outlets, preferably entertainment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing conditions.
• Proven time management and ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Knowledge of ethical sourcing and sustainable practices is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Products.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development for merchandise across all categories.
• Coordinate with vendors for sampling timelines and product approvals to ensure on-time delivery.
• Provide design direction with vendors to align with brand vision, quality, and commercial goals.
• Track development pipeline, calendars, costs, and milestones for launches.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Show Teams and Creative/Brand teams to translate concepts into ready-to-produce products.
• Ensure products meet quality, design, and brand standards before production approval.
• Identify and resolve development issues, including delays, quality concerns, and cost challenges.
• Maintain documentation: specs, samples, pricing, and vendor records.
• Support seasonal launches, special projects, and new store/show rollouts.
• Improve development processes to increase efficiency, speed, and quality.

Skills

Fluent English

Time management

Prioritization

Attention to detail

Education

Associates degree in Business, Merchandising, Design, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Products

Job description

Product Development Lead – Consumer Products

Customer Experience

Full-Time Position

Reporting to the Business Partner Relationship Manager, this role supports the product development lifecycle, including concept development, vendor coordination, sampling, design direction, cost and timeline management.

This role leads the product development process for merchandise, from concept through production, ensuring alignment with brand vision, quality standards, and commercial goals. It serves as the primary liaison between Merchandising, and external vendors to manage timelines, sampling, approvals, and production execution. The role also oversees critical development tools and processes, including line sheets, visual plans, and merchandising toolkits.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process for merchandise collections across all categories;
• Communicate with vendors, sampling timelines, and product approvals to ensure on-time delivery;
• Lead design direction with vendors, providing clear creative guidance and feedback to ensure product development aligns with brand vision, quality standards, and commercial objectives;
• Track development pipeline, calendars, costs, and production milestones to ensure alignment with launch schedules;
• Partner with Merchandising, Show Teams and Creative/Brand teams to translate concepts into viable, production-ready products;
• Ensure all products meet quality, design, and brand standards prior to production approval;
• Identify and resolve development issues, including potential production delays, quality concerns, and cost challenges;
• Maintain accurate product development documentation, including specs, samples, pricing, and vendor records;
• Support seasonal launches, special projects, and new store/show rollouts;
• Continuously improve product development processes to increase efficiency, speed, and quality outcomes;
• Maintain all merchandising toolkits in alignment with brand and merchandise standards, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and readiness for execution across all locations and launches;
• Update and maintain line sheets and visual line plans for each market, ensuring accurate product assortments, clear merchandising direction, and alignment with regional strategy and brand standards;
• Coordinate internal art requests, ensuring timely submission, clear creative brief, and alignment with brand and merchandising standards;
• Manage the end-to-end sample process, including tracking, organization, review, and approval to ensure products meet design, quality, and brand standards prior to production;
• Support new show openings and product launches by coordinating merchandise readiness, ensuring timely delivery, and aligning product assortments with launch requirements;
• Complete all other job-related duties as assigned;

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Business, Merchandising, Design, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or on the job/work equivalent experience;
• At least 3 years of experience in traditional and/or non-traditional retail outlets, preferably in the entertainment industry;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing market conditions;
• Proven time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively;
• Knowledge of ethical sourcing and sustainable practices is a plus;
• Strong attention to detail and robust organizational skills;
• Advanced knowledge of all Microsoft Office and Adobe Products is an asset;
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken;

To keep pace with the creation, production and distribution of our products, our employer proposal is unique.

Here Is An Overview

• A hybrid work model (4 days in-office and 1 day remote) that promotes team collaboration and scheduling flexibility.
• Access to a private workspace when working from our Montréal Studio, in an inspiring environment where you can fully express your creativity.
• A culture focused on equitable practices and engaging team-building activities.
• Professional growth opportunities through high-quality, large-scale projects designed to accelerate your career.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including group insurance, retirement savings plans, and other perks we would be happy to discuss with you.
• Personalized support aligned with your professional aspirations, including training programs, regular check-ins, and cross-functional collaboration opportunities.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible and inclusive workplace. Proud ambassador of equality in employment, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is committed to eliminating discrimination based on age, skin color, origins, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation and any other characteristic. Neutral and inclusive writing is now preferred for all new job postings.