New Product Developer – Toys & Compounds

Paladone; Shoreham-by-Sea; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the toy industry seeks a New Product Developer to spearhead the development of innovative products within the WeCool Toys brand. This hybrid position calls for someone with strong project management skills and a creative flair to drive the product lifecycle from concept to market. Responsibilities include collaborating with internal and external teams, ensuring compliance, and delivering compelling market-ready products.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Flexible working hours

Holiday buy/sell scheme

Paid time off for medical appointments

Free fruit and wellbeing days

Bonus scheme and annual pay review

Staff discount on products

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in new product development, preferably in toys or consumer goods.
• Strong understanding of packaging and product compliance.
• Experience with Far East manufacturing is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver trend-led product ranges for WeCool Toys.
• Collaborate with USA-based Design and Product Development teams.
• Manage product lifecycles through design and approvals.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Creative mindset

Project management

Tools

Microsoft Office

BeCPG

Job description

Location: Hybrid (UK-based, with 2-3 days per month in our Shoreham by Sea office)

Are you passionate about creating exciting toy and compound products for global markets?

Do you combine creative flair with commercial focus and project management expertise?

Would you love the chance to work with a global business at the forefront of trend-led product innovation?

If so, we'd love to hear from you. Paladone is looking for a New Product Developer to lead development of exciting, high-volume products under the WeCool Toys brand.

WeCool Toys is a global designer and manufacturer of dynamic toys, crafts, compounds, and more. We manage the full production and distribution lifecycle from concept through to shelf -with a focus on creativity, innovation, and fun.

As part of Paladone Group Holdings, you'll be joining a wider team known for creating award-winning consumer products and licensed giftware for the world's best-loved brands.

The Opportunity

As a New Product Developer, you'll take ownership of planning, developing, and delivering new toy and compound product ranges - ensuring they are innovative, commercially viable, and production-ready.

You'll collaborate closely with internal departments including Design, Compliance, and Supply Chain, as well as with our USA-based creative team supporting a seamless partnership with their Product Development and Design functions to align product concepts, packaging, and timelines across regions.

This is a hybrid role, with 2-3 in-office days per month and flexibility the rest of the time.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver trend-led product ranges for WeCool Toys
• Collaborate with our USA-based Design and Product Development teams to align concepts and execution
• Lead concept creation, competitor research, and market opportunity identification
• Manage product lifecycles through design, artwork, approvals, and factory handover
• Oversee packaging development, proofing, and final approvals
• Maintain and track project progress using internal systems (e.g. BeCPG)
• Partner with Sales to develop customer-exclusive lines and attend meetings when required
• Ensure compliance and margin targets are met, with accurate copy and labelling
• Work collaboratively with global teams, especially supply chain and Far East factories
• Champion process improvements and support mentoring junior team members
  
  

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience in new product development, within toys, crafts, compounds or consumer goods
• Strong understanding of packaging, product compliance, and supplier communication
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet critical deadlines
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of retailer and consumer needs
• Creative mindset with a practical, hands-on approach
• Experience working with Far East manufacturing is highly desirable
• Confident using Microsoft Office and product management tools (BeCPG experience is a plus)
  
  

What We Offer

Work-Life Balance & Flexibility

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Flexible start/finish times and hybrid working (2-3 office days/month)
• Holiday buy/sell scheme
• Early finish on your birthday and Christmas closure
  
  

Wellbeing & Lifestyle

• Paid time off for medical appointments
• Free fruit, eye tests, flu jabs
• Wellbeing days and mental health support
• Cycle to work scheme
  
  

Financial & Social Benefits

• Bonus scheme and annual pay review
• Staff discount on products
• Tech & furniture discount schemes
• Free parking, team socials, company events
• £100 annual team social budget per person
  
  

Learning & Development

• Tailored training plans
• Access to ILM leadership courses
• LinkedIn Learning and more
  
  

Ready to Join the Team?

If you're excited to help shape the future of toy and compound product development at Paladone for the WeCool Toys brand, click apply and send your CV and cover letter. We aim to respond to all applicants within 10 working days.

Location: Hybrid (UK-based, with 2-3 days per month in our Shoreham by Sea office)