Development Manager - Toys/Collectibles

CultureFly; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CultureFly in New York City seeks a highly organized Development Coordinator to support toy and collectible production from concept to sample. You will coordinate with internal teams and overseas factories, primarily in China, to keep projects on schedule, on budget, and aligned with design intent and safety standards.

This role rewards strong communication across time zones and meticulous tracking of samples, materials, colors, finishes, and packaging.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in production coordination, product development, or sourcing.
• Experience with overseas factories, especially in China.
• Strong understanding of product development and sampling workflows.
• Excellent organizational and follow-up skills with multi-project handling.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication across time zones.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate end-to-end development for new toy/collectible concepts from idea to samples.
• Manage sample requests, revisions, approvals, and timelines across formats.
• Track iterations of samples, materials, colors, finishes, packaging.
• Ensure development aligns with design intent, safety standards, and cost targets.
• Serve as primary contact with overseas factories until orders open.
• Maintain strict schedule from concept to sampling and approvals.
• Communicate briefs, timelines, and expectations to factory partners.
• Flag risks, review feedback, and propose solutions to keep progress.
• Monitor milestones and coordinate cross-functional approvals.

Skills

Production coordination

Product development

Sourcing

Cross-functional collaboration

Organization

Communication

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Airtable

Job description

Company Description

CultureFly is a creative company of pop-culture enthusiasts dedicated to designing original products for both hardcore and casual fans. The team brings beloved franchises to life through collectibles, apparel, and lifestyle items that celebrate fandom as a way of living and connecting. CultureFly is the creator behind subscription boxes such as the Pusheen Box, The Nick Box, Star Wars Galaxy Box, and more. The company values self-expression, community, and collaboration in a fun, fast-paced environment where new ideas are encouraged.

Do you have a passion for pop culture? Do you binge watch the latest streaming series in one sitting? Are your bookcases filled with collectible vinyl figures? Then CultureFly might be the place for you! Come join the swarm!

As our portfolio of collectibles and toys expands, the Toy & Collectibles team is in need of additional support. We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Development Coordinator to support the development, sampling, and production of new toy and collectible formats. This role sits at the intersection of creative development and manufacturing execution, working closely with internal teams and overseas factory partners—primarily in China—to ensure projects stay on schedule, on budget, and aligned with quality expectations.

This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys managing multiple moving parts, translating creative ideas into manufacturable products, and maintaining clear communication across time zones.

Responsibilities Include:

• Coordinate the end-to-end development process for new toy and collectible concepts, from initial idea through approved samples.
• Manage sample requests, revisions, approvals, and timelines across multiple product formats.
• Track iterations of samples, materials, colors, finishes, and packaging during development.
• Ensure development aligns with design intent, safety standards, and cost targets.
• Review sample quality & function against design intent and execution
• Serve as the primary point of contact with overseas factories for assigned projects until they transition to open orders.
• Maintain strict schedule from concept approval to sampling
• Communicate clear development briefs, timelines, and expectations to factory partners.
• Follow up regularly to ensure factories remain on task and on schedule.
• Review factory feedback, flag risks, and propose solutions to keep projects moving forward.
• Monitor critical milestones
• Identify potential delays early and work with internal teams and factories to resolve them.
• Coordinate internal approvals across design, brand, and leadership.

Requirements:

• 2–5 years of experience in production coordination, product development, or sourcing—preferably in toys, collectibles, consumer products, or hardgoods.
• Experience working with overseas factories, especially in China.
• Strong understanding of product development and sampling workflows.
• Excellent organizational and follow-up skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working across time zones and with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with project tracking tools (Excel, Google Sheets, Airtable, or similar).