Softlines Product Development Manager

SEGA Europe; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join SEGA Europe as a Softlines Product Development Manager to oversee product development in apparel and accessories for iconic brands like Sonic the Hedgehog. You will manage a team, ensure brand integrity, and leverage your experience in licensed products to deliver innovative experiences in a vibrant gaming community.

Benefits

Private medical and dental insurance

Health screening

Electric car scheme

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in product development within entertainment or gaming.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor the product development team.
• Manage the product lifecycle from concept to production.
• Conduct market research to inform product strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Relationship Building

Commercial Awareness

Project Management

Creativity

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Softlines Product Development Manager

Based at SEGA HQ, Brentford, West London.

Working Model: Hybrid

Why Us:

SEGA employees are passionate about entertaining the world with creative, innovative experiences while being part of a vibrant gaming community. We are a global company with the resources to match, coupled with a place where everyone knows each other on a first-name basis, working together to create innovative experiences, one community at a time.

As Softlines Product Development Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Product Development in the Softlines category, including back-to-school stationery, apparel, accessories, and footwear, along with managing a direct report. Reporting to the Senior Product Development Manager, you will be part of our talented European Licensing team, working on major brands like Sonic the Hedgehog and more. Your responsibilities will include end-to-end management of product approvals for licensing programs across Europe, including high-value global apparel partners.

We believe in investing in our people through our benefits package, flexible working, and a community-focused culture. Our compensation and benefits include competitive salary and bonus schemes, private medical and dental insurance, health screening, electric car scheme, home technology scheme, and more!

Why You:

You have extensive experience in managing consumer product development within entertainment or gaming licensing, with exposure to character licensing or kids' IP. You possess a strategic mindset, ensuring licensed products align with brand positioning and commercial goals. You are confident in managing external relationships, leading projects, and mentoring team members to improve workflow efficiencies. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing creativity with commercial insight to deliver high-quality products at retail.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Management & Mentorship: Supervise and mentor the Softlines Product Developer, fostering growth and ensuring best practices in product approvals and design feedback.
• Trend Analysis: Conduct market research to identify consumer trends and competitor activity to inform product development strategies.
• Licensee & Partner Management: Build strong relationships with external partners, providing clear feedback to drive product excellence.
• Product Development Oversight: Manage the entire product lifecycle from concept to production, focusing on quality, brand consistency, and commercial viability.
• Brand Guardianship: Ensure all licensed products maintain the integrity of SEGA IP, adhering to brand guidelines and assets.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work with internal teams like Creative, Marketing, PR, and Licensing to drive synergy and awareness.
• Business Development Support: Collaborate with licensing managers to identify new business opportunities, product extensions, and growth areas.
• Trade Show & Event Representation: Represent SEGA at industry events, trade shows, and partner meetings; some travel may be required.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Significant experience in licensed product development or brand management, especially in character licensing.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Proven ability to develop strategic product plans.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with stakeholders and partners.
• Commercial awareness with a balance of creativity and business objectives.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for product mock-ups.
• Understanding of product timelines, manufacturing, and printing techniques across categories.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Passion for video games, entertainment, and pop culture.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging:

At SEGA, we celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applicants regardless of age, race, ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurotype, socioeconomic background, or family status. Our inclusive culture is supported by various employee networks and wellbeing groups, fostering a supportive and engaging workplace.