Brand Manager - Trends

Jazwares, LLC; Culver City (CA); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) matching

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible schedule

WFH Fridays

Job summary

Jazwares, LLC in Culver City, CA is seeking a Brand Manager to lead end-to-end product execution for a high-growth portfolio of trend-driven brands. You will manage plush and plastic lines from concept to shelf, driving collaborations with licensors and cross-functional teams to bring emerging pop culture and entertainment trends to market.

The role requires strong analytical and presentation skills, a track record in product development and brand management, and the ability to coordinate with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an industry-related field is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in product development, brand management, or project management within the consumer products industry.
• Strong knowledge of product development and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, cross-functional projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Robust analytical and critical thinking skills with a demonstrated capability to measure metrics and formulate strategic recommendations.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse individuals at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and G-Suite; knowledge of DRM systems highly preferred.
• Proactive problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end product execution from concept to shelf for plush and plastic lines.
• Liaise with licensors, manage portal submissions, and coordinate design approvals.
• Analyze POS data, trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage line plans and project expenditures; negotiate costs with global PMs and partners.
• Collaborate with Sales to gather input, manage inventory, and present brand decks.
• Act as the central communications hub using project management software.
• Coordinate development samples, models, and photography approvals.
• Mentor junior staff on the brand team.

Skills

Brand management

Project management

Product development

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Presentation skills

Microsoft Office

G-Suite

Digital rights management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

G-Suite

Digital rights management systems

Job description

As the Brand Manager, you will lead end-to-end product execution for a high-growth portfolio of trend-driven brands. Manage plush and plastic lines from concept to shelf, bringing emerging pop culture and entertainment trends to market at global retail.

What You Will Do:

• Drive day-to-day product development from concept to market, ensuring concept and production phases align while collaborating with cross-functional teams including product design, packaging design, and marketing
• Act as the primary liaison with licensors by managing portal submissions, coordinating design approvals, and building strong relationships to ensure brand integrity and adherence to development schedules
• Analyze point-of-sale data, industry trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities, co-develop retail exclusive plans, and formulate strategic product positioning
• Manage product line plans and track project expenditures by requesting, documenting, and negotiating 3D model, tooling, and product unit costs with global Product Managers and external partners to ensure profitability
• Collaborate with the Sales team to gather domestic and international input, proactively manage inventory, participate in key account calls, and create compelling brand decks for effective presentations
• Serve as the central communication hub by utilizing project management software to consistently update stakeholders on project statuses, issues, and opportunities
• Coordinate the timely creation, placement, and approval of development samples, presentation models, and marketing photography
• Act as a trainer and mentor for junior staff on the brand team
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisor Responsibilities:

No

What We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in an industry-related field is a plus
• 5+ years of experience in product development, brand management, or project management within the consumer products industry
• Strong knowledge of product development and manufacturing processes
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, cross-functional projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment as a highly adaptable and organized professional
• Robust analytical and critical thinking skills with a demonstrated capability to measure metrics, evaluate information, and proactively formulate strategic recommendations
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulately engage, influence, and collaborate with diverse individuals at all organizational levels
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and G-Suite, with knowledge of digital rights management systems highly preferred
• Proactive problem-solving abilities and excellent attention to detail, with the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee, but provide the primary duties and responsibilities of the role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What We Offer

The salary range for this position is $86,400 - $105,420 / Yr. The base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for the annual performance incentive may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, so the salary range may not apply to other states.

• basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children
• employee basic life and AD&D insurance
• a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post‑tax deferrals
• short and long-term disability
• tuition reimbursement

Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects.

Reasonable Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working at Jazwares

At Jazwares, we believe an innovative idea can come from anywhere and anyone. Through our three pillars, we foster innovation and encourage creativity in every area of our business.

• Passion: Our conviction and enthusiasm show in our products, relationships, and commitment to our community.
• Collaboration: We share one vision worldwide, constantly striving to improve and innovate together.
• Humility: We recognize the value in others and treat everyone with respect. Our strength lies in our people and talent.

JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Jazwares is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

Who We Are

Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global toy manufacturer with a robust portfolio of owned and licensed brands. Founded in 1997, Jazwares celebrates imaginative play with a progressive focus on identifying new and relevant trends to transform into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares engages consumers through innovative play experiences with popular brands such as Squishmallows™, Pokémon™, Hello Kitty™, Star Wars™, Five Nights at Freddy’s™, Disney™, BumBumz™, and BLDR™. In addition to toys, offerings include costumes, games, and pillows. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Jazwares has offices worldwide and sells its products in over 100 countries. For more information, visit www.jazwares.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.