Technical New Product Developer

Leadingnation; Hong Kong; Hybrid; HKD 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Annual leave 16–18 days

Staff discount

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Paladone Group Holdings is seeking a technically minded Technical New Product Developer to join the Technical NPD team. You will drive end-to-end development from concept to market launch, coordinating with internal teams, suppliers and manufacturers to meet quality, cost and timing goals.

You will manage multiple projects, provide technical guidance, and ensure adherence to regulatory standards while driving innovation and continuous improvement across the development process.

Qualifications

• Experience in product development, manufacturing or sourcing within FMCG, toys or giftware.
• Knowledge of plastic moulding, decoration techniques and packaging production.
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
• Excellent PM and organisational abilities with multiple priorities.
• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience using PLM systems.
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook.
• Fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of products across categories to tooling and sample approval.
• Define specs and technical requirements aligned with manufacturing capabilities.
• Act as liaison between design team and suppliers for feasibility and margins.
• Provide technical guidance throughout development.
• Negotiate supplier costs to balance quality and value.
• Conduct supplier visits to review projects and identify innovation opportunities.
• Prepare progress updates for stakeholders and senior management.
• Ensure products meet global regulatory requirements.
• Research and source new product ideas, materials and technologies.

Skills

Product development

Supplier management

Project management

Negotiation

MS Excel

PLM systems

Manufacturing processes

English

Cantonese

Mandarin

Education

Degree in Merchandising/ Product Design or related

Tools

PLM systems

Job description

Would you like to join a fast-growing (200+ staff), exceptionally brilliant global company?

Do you have experience in new product development, supplier management and manufacturing processes, with the ability to manage multiple projects from concept through to market launch while delivering quality, cost and timing objectives?

Do you want the chance to work with award-winning, globally recognised brands such as Disney, Harry Potter, Netflix, Minecraft and many more?

If so, we want you to join our Technical NPD team and become part of our journey.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual to be part of a growing business, contributing their expertise while developing their skills within a supportive and established team environment.

Want to know more? Just read on!

Who are Paladone & WeCool?

Paladone is an award-winning global wholesale giftware company, creating innovative lifestyle products that put a smile on customers' faces worldwide. Alongside our own branded ranges, we work with some of the world's most recognisable licences, including Disney, Warner Bros, Nintendo, Hasbro & Many more!

In recognition of our continued growth, culture and international success, Paladone was proud to be named Employer of the Year and International Business of the Year at the UK Sussex Business Awards.

WeCool Toys is a global designer and manufacturer of dynamic toys, crafts and compounds, managing end-to-end production, packaging and distribution. As part of Paladone Group Holdings, WeCool plays a key role in our international growth strategy.

The opportunity

We are looking for a talented and commercially minded Technical New Product Developer to join our Technical NPD team.

Reporting to the Technical NPD Manager, you will be responsible for the end-to-end development and delivery of new products, from initial concept through to production and market launch.

Working closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers and manufacturing partners, you will ensure products are delivered to the required quality, cost and timing expectations whilst driving innovation and continuous improvement throughout the development process.

What are key duties of the role?

Product Development

• Lead the end-to-end development of products across multiple categories, from concept through to tooling and sample approval.
• Define product specifications and technical requirements aligned with manufacturing capabilities.
• Act as the key liaison between the design team and suppliers to ensure product feasibility, timely sample delivery and achievement of target margins.
• Provide technical guidance and feedback throughout the product development process.
• Negotiate and benchmark supplier costs to achieve the optimum balance of quality and value.
• Conduct regular supplier visits to review projects, identify opportunities for innovation and improve product engineering.
• Prepare and present progress updates to stakeholders and senior management.
• Work closely with Compliance teams to ensure products meet global regulatory requirements.
• Research and source new product ideas, materials and technologies to support future product ranges.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Research emerging market trends, technologies and opportunities within the toy and consumer products industry.
• Contribute to brainstorming sessions and idea generation activities.
• Monitor competitor activity and new product developments.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve processes and ways of working across the team.

Systems & Processes

• Maintain accurate and complete product information within PLM systems, including specifications, dimensions, weights, factory data and packaging details.
• Follow project management best practices to ensure milestones and launch deadlines are achieved.
• Support continuous improvement of product and data quality within business systems.
• Ensure products meet required quality assurance and regulatory standards.

What we need you to bring to the team

Essential

• Previous experience in product development, manufacturing or sourcing within FMCG, toys, giftware or a related industry.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, including plastic moulding, decoration techniques and packaging production.
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.
• Fluent communication skills in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Desirable

• Degree in Merchandising, Product Design or a related discipline.
• Experience successfully bringing products from concept to market.
• Experience working with international suppliers and manufacturing partners.

What we will offer in return

You’ll enjoy flexible hours, hybrid working (1-2 days per week from home), 16 days' annual leave rising to 18 with service (this includes closure days at Lunar New Year and Christmas), wellbeing days, and a shorter working day on your birthday.

Our culture is friendly and communityfocused, with fully funded company events, team socials, team building events and an annual HK$1,000 allowance per person for departmentled activities.

Your health and wellbeing matter to us. We offer healthcare cover via Bupa, paid time off for medical and dental appointments, wellbeing resources, free fruit, Mental Health First Aiders and dedicated wellbeing initiatives.

We also support your financial wellbeing with a 35% staff discount on products, retail discounts via Telus Health, and participation in the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF), with employer contributions matched at 5%.

You’ll be recognised and rewarded through annual pay reviews, company and performance bonuses, long service awards, peertopeer recognition, a referafriend scheme and our Employee Benefit Trust.

With tailored development plans, funded training, leadership courses and access to Litmos and LinkedIn Learning, you’ll have the support you need to grow your career with an awardwinning global business.