Product Specialists (Product Developer / Buyer)

Zachary Daniels Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Zachary Daniels Recruitment is partnering with a Manchester-based business seeking a Product Specialist (Product Developer / Buyer) for licensed products. You will own licensed product categories, drive end-to-end development from concept through to launch, and manage licensing approvals with licensors to ensure brand consistency.

You'll balance creativity with commercial thinking, working with UK and international suppliers to build strong ranges, optimise pricing and margins, and monitor

Qualifications

• Experience in Product Development or Product Management within licensing.
• Experience with licensed brands and managing product approvals with licensors.
• Experience managing products from concept through to launch.
• Commercial awareness with pricing, margins and supplier negotiations.
• Experience with UK and international suppliers and manufacturers.
• Ability to interpret sales and performance data to guide decisions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent organisation with ability to manage multiple projects.
• Experience in consumer products such as homewares, gifting, toys or general merchandise.
• Exposure to international sourcing is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage licensed product categories aligned to commercial objectives.
• Lead end-to-end product development from concept to launch.
• Manage licensing approvals, ensuring artwork packaging meets brand guidelines.
• Build commercially successful ranges with clear pricing and margins.
• Oversee sampling, approvals, costing and production handover.
• Conduct market, competitor and trend analysis to identify opportunities.
• Ensure products meet quality, commercial and licensor expectations.
• Build relationships with licensors, UK and international suppliers.
• Negotiate costs, lead times, MOQs and terms.
• Identify new sourcing opportunities and capabilities.
• Monitor sales, stock and category performance for growth.

Skills

Product Development

Product Management

Own Label Buying

Licensing Experience

Supplier Management

Commercial Acumen

Data Interpretation

Stakeholder Management

Multi-Category Experience

Trend Analysis

Job description

Product Specialists (Product Developer / Buyer) Licensed Products

Greater Manchester 35,000 - 50,000 DOE

Overview:

Are you passionate about developing licensed products and looking for a business where you can genuinely make an impact?

We're open to speaking with ambitious product professionals at different stages of their career - whether you're an emerging Junior Product Developer, Buyer an experienced Product Developer, or an established Product Manager. What matters most is your commercial mindset, experience within licensed consumer products, and your desire to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

This is an opportunity to join a business with an exceptional culture, inspiring leadership team and an impressive track record of growth. You'll become part of a collaborative team where ideas are valued, ownership is encouraged and success is recognised.

Depending on your experience, you'll take ownership of multiple licensed product categories, managing the product lifecycle from concept and licensing approvals through to launch, trading and ongoing performance.

Blending product development, category management and supplier management, this role requires someone who enjoys balancing creativity with commercial thinking while working closely with licensors, suppliers and internal teams to bring exciting products to market.

What We're Looking For:

• Experience within Product Development, Product Management or Own Label Buying, within a licensing environment.
• Experience working with licensed brands and managing the product approval process with licensors.
• Experience managing products from concept through to launch (appropriate to your level).
• Commercial awareness with exposure to pricing, margins and supplier negotiations.
• Experience working with UK and international suppliers and manufacturers.
• Ability to interpret sales and performance data to support commercial decisions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent organisation with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Experience within consumer products such as homewares, gifting, toys, lifestyle, stationery or general merchandise.
• Exposure to international sourcing would be advantageous.

You’ll Be Someone Who

• Is commercially minded with a passion for creating products customers genuinely love.
• Enjoys working with well-known brands and bringing licensed products to life.
• Thrives in a fast-moving, ambitious environment.
• Is proactive, curious and eager to learn.
• Takes ownership and enjoys making things happen.
• Builds strong, collaborative relationships with licensors, suppliers and internal teams.
• Is adaptable, resilient and comfortable managing changing priorities.

The Role

Depending on your experience and level, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Develop and manage licensed product categories aligned to commercial objectives.
• Lead the end-to-end product development process from concept through to launch.
• Manage the licensing approval process, ensuring artwork, packaging and products meet brand guidelines.
• Build commercially successful ranges with clear pricing and margin strategies.
• Manage sampling, approvals, costing and production handover.
• Conduct market, competitor and trend analysis to identify new opportunities.
• Ensure products meet quality, commercial, customer and licensor expectations.
• Build and develop strong relationships with licensors, UK and international suppliers.
• Negotiate costs, lead times, MOQs and commercial terms.
• Identify new sourcing opportunities and manufacturing capabilities.
• Monitor sales, stock and category performance, identifying opportunities for growth.
• Analyse trading performance and implement actions to maximise results.
• Support forecasting and range planning alongside Merchandising and Planning teams.
• Attend supplier meetings, licensor meetings and trade shows where required.

What’s On Offer

• Salary: 35,000 - 50,000, depending on experience and level.
• Genuine career progression as the business continues to grow.
• An ambitious, entrepreneurial culture where people are trusted and empowered.
• Exceptional leadership team with a proven track record of success.
• The opportunity to make a real commercial impact within a growing licensing business working with globally recognised brands.

BH36898