EMEA Product Development Manager

Aston Carter; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Product Development Manager for Toys, Games & Consumer Products in London. The role supports day-to-day development across the EMEA region, translating global brands into innovative product ranges and aligning with brand objectives.

The position involves partnering with a major global toy manufacturer, providing creative guidance and ensuring projects meet timelines and quality standards. Hybrid work arrangement offered.

Qualifications

• Degree in Design or equivalent practical experience in product development or toy design.
• 5+ years' experience in product design, toy manufacturing or consumer product development.
• Strong ability to communicate ideas, concepts and creative vision effectively.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Collaborative team player with strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Trend Analysis & Design: monitor trends, develop compelling product concepts, translate brand narratives into product experiences, apply packaging knowledge, produce illustrations.
• Product Development & Management: collaborate with licensees and partners to deliver innovative product solutions, align with quality standards, understand materials and manufacturing methods, manage from concept to execution.
• Strategic Global Partner Support: learn entertainment brands, partner with stakeholders to create concepts, work with international toy manufacturer, manage approvals and timelines, ensure high-quality consumer experience.

Skills

Product development experience

Communication

Fast-paced environments

Self-motivated

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Creative design

Education

Degree in Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

InDesign

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Product Development Manager - Toys, Games & Consumer Products

Location: London (Hybrid)

Contract: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

Job Summary

This Product Development position will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Toys, Games and Promotional product development activities across the EMEA region. The role will focus on translating globally recognised entertainment, family and consumer brands into innovative product concepts and commercially successful product ranges. A significant proportion of the role will involve partnering with a major global toy manufacturer, providing creative guidance, supporting product development initiatives and ensuring alignment with brand objectives and consumer engagement strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Trend Analysis & Design

• Monitor and interpret trends across the toys, games and promotional product sectors.
• Develop compelling product concepts and graphic assets suitable for a broad range of age demographics.
• Translate brand narratives and storytelling into engaging product experiences.
• Apply strong knowledge of toy packaging, product presentation and consumer appeal.
• Conduct trend and market research across illustration, graphics, design and consumer products.
• Maintain awareness of market dynamics, competitive activity and industry developments.
• Demonstrate understanding of product design principles and manufacturing processes.
• Produce high-quality illustrations and visual concepts.

Product Development & Management

• Collaborate closely with licensees, product development teams and external partners to deliver innovative product solutions.
• Ensure product development activities align with established quality standards and best practices.
• Understand technical aspects of product construction, materials and manufacturing methods.
• Support the development and approval of products from concept through to final execution.

Strategic Global Partner Support

• Develop strong knowledge of key entertainment and consumer brands within the portfolio.
• Partner with Commercial, Brand, Franchise and Creative stakeholders to create inspiring product development concepts.
• Work collaboratively with a major international toy manufacturing partner to support product innovation and development.
• Understand manufacturing capabilities and their impact on product design and execution.
• Manage product approval timelines and provide timely feedback to stakeholders.
• Ensure products deliver a high-quality consumer experience while remaining aligned to brand guidelines and strategic objectives.

Skills, experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Design or equivalent practical experience within product development, toy design or consumer products.
• 5+ years' experience in product design, toy manufacturing or consumer product development.
• Strong ability to communicate ideas, concepts and creative vision effectively.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Collaborative team player with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in fast-paced environments with tight deadlines.
• Self-motivated, proactive and highly organised.
• Strong understanding of product construction and manufacturing techniques.
• Good awareness of industry trends and competitor activity.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and relevant 3D design software.
• Strong product illustration and concept development skills.
• Additional proficiency in InDesign, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• experience working within licensing, entertainment, consumer brands or related industries would be advantageous.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Skills

• product design
• creative design
• product management
• Trend and design
• Production
• trends
• promotional product development

Job Title: EMEA Product Development Manager

Location: London, UK

Job Type: Contract