Product Manager, Educational Toys Lead 8–12 Launches

Learning Resources; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

hand2mind in Vernon Hills, IL is seeking a Product Manager for Hardlines to oversee the development of educational products from concept through launch. You will coordinate across editorial, design, sales, marketing, and overseas manufacturers to bring innovative classroom tools to market on time and within budget.

The role requires 3–5 years in consumer product development, a Bachelor’s degree, strong organizational and communication skills, and comfort with basic financial analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 3–5 years of consumer product development experience.
• Excellent organization, presentation, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Creative mindset with entrepreneurial spirit.
• Able to meet multiple deadlines and work within budgets.
• Comfortable with basic financial data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage 8–12 new products through the lifecycle from ideation to market launch.
• Collaborate with editorial, design, sales, marketing, and external licensors to bring products to market on time and within budget.
• Work with vendors to quote products, negotiate prices, and determine delivery schedules.
• Support market research by gathering data, customer feedback, and competitor analysis to inform strategy.
• Lead product testing and participate in data maintenance projects (D365 and spreadsheets).
• Coordinate sample requests for customer meetings, photoshoots, and trade shows.

Skills

Organizational skills

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Creative mindset

Budget awareness

Problem solving

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

hand2mind in Vernon Hills, IL is seeking a Product Manager for Hardlines to oversee the development of educational products from concept through launch. You will coordinate across editorial, design, sales, marketing, and overseas manufacturers to bring innovative classroom tools to market on time and within budget.

The role requires 3–5 years in consumer product development, a Bachelor’s degree, strong organizational and communication skills, and comfort with basic financial analysis.