Product Manager - Plush Toys

Socket.dev; Danbury (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfield Processing Corporation is seeking a Product Manager to lead development, marketing, and commercialization of plush toy programs serving major mass-market retailers through private label and branded lines.

This mid-level role requires strong product instincts, commercial judgment, and the ability to independently manage multiple initiatives from ideation through production launch.

Qualifications

• Experience in Product Management and Product Development within consumer products.
• Merchandising and category management experience is preferred.
• Experience bringing products to market from concept through launch.

Responsibilities

• Own plush toy product lines from concept through retail launch.
• Develop seasonal and evergreen assortments aligned with market trends.
• Translate retailer opportunities into actionable development plans.
• Drive sampling, material selection, approvals, costing, packaging, and readiness.
• Manage communication with overseas manufacturing partners, especially in China.
• Evaluate viability and make recommendations on product advancement.

Skills

Product Management

Product Development

Merchandising

Consumer Products Marketing

Category Management

Overseas Manufacturing

Private Label Programs

Packaging Development

Product Costing

China Factory Partnerships

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Marketing / Business / Product Development

Job description

Product Manager, Plush Toys

Fairfield Processing Corporation | Danbury, CT

Bring Products to Life.

At Fairfield Processing Corporation, we develop products that delight consumers, drive retailer success, and help build lasting brands.

We're looking for a hands-on Product Manager, Plush Toys who thrives in a fast-paced consumer products environment and enjoys taking ownership from concept through commercialization. This role is ideal for someone who understands product development, loves collaborating with creative teams, can communicate confidently with overseas manufacturing partners, and knows what it takes to launch successful products into major retail channels.

If you are the type of person who sees an opportunity, takes action, solves problems, and drives results, we want to meet you.

At Fairfield Processing Corporation, you'll have the opportunity to:

Own products from concept to retail launch

Work directly with major national retailers

Influence product, design, commercialization, and portfolio decisions

Collaborate with talented teams across Sales, Design, Engineering, Operations, and Manufacturing

Build products sold at scale across North America

Gain visibility and impact in a growing toy and plush business

Join a collaborative culture where initiative and ownership are recognized

Unlike larger organizations where responsibilities are fragmented, this role gives you true end-to-end ownership. You will help shape product strategy, make commercial decisions, and directly influence business results.

Product Manager, Plush Toys

Location: Danbury, CT

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4-6+ Years)

Industry: Toys | Plush | Children's Products | Consumer Products | Retail

Position Summary

Fairfield Processing Corporation is seeking a Product Manager to lead the development, marketing, and commercialization of plush toy programs serving leading mass-market retailers through both private label and branded product lines.

This is a highly visible role that requires strong product instincts, commercial judgment, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to independently manage multiple initiatives from ideation through production launch.

The successful candidate will work closely with Sales, Design, Engineering, Operations, customers, and overseas manufacturing partners to develop innovative products that deliver growth and profitability.

What You Will Do

Product Development & Commercialization

• Own plush toy product lines from concept through retail launch
• Develop seasonal and evergreen assortments aligned with market trends and customer needs
• Translate retailer opportunities into actionable product development plans
• Drive product sampling, revisions, materials selection, approvals, costing, packaging, and production readiness
• Manage communication with overseas manufacturing partners, primarily in China
• Evaluate product viability and make recommendations on product advancement, modification, or discontinuation
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Operations throughout commercialization

Product Marketing & Retail Support

• Develop compelling product positioning and assortment strategies
• Create effective product stories and selling points for retailer presentations
• Support customer meetings, line reviews, and product presentations
• Partner with Design on packaging concepts and product presentation
• Analyze competitive products, retail trends, consumer insights, and market opportunities
• Support growth initiatives for both private label and branded assortments

Portfolio & Business Management

• Maintain visibility across multiple concurrent product development programs
• Prioritize investments and development resources
• Monitor product performance, margins, timelines, and commercialization success
• Identify opportunities to improve speed-to-market and development efficiency
• Drive cross-functional communication and decision-making

Preferred Qualifications

Required

• 4-6+ years of experience in:

  • Product Management
  • Product Development
  • Merchandising
  • Consumer Products Marketing
  • Category Management
  • Toy Industry Product Development

• Experience managing physical consumer products from concept through launch

• Strong project management and organizational skills

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously

• Proven problem-solving and decision-making abilities

• Comfortable working independently and taking ownership

Highly Preferred

• Experience in:

  • Plush Toys
  • Toys
  • Children's Products
  • Seasonal Products
  • Gifts
  • Licensed Products

• Experience selling into:

  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Costco
  • Sam's Club
  • Mass Retail
  • Club Retailers
  • National Retail Accounts

• Experience with:

  • Private Label Programs
  • Overseas Manufacturing
  • Chinese Factory Partnerships
  • Product Costing
  • Packaging Development
  • Product Commercialization

Education

Bachelor's Degree preferred in:

• Business
• Marketing
• Merchandising
• Product Development
• Design Management
• Related discipline

Ideal Candidate Profile

You may have experience as a:

• Product Manager
• Associate Product Manager
• Product Development Manager
• Merchandising Manager
• Toy Product Manager
• Plush Product Developer
• Brand Manager
• Consumer Products Manager
• Product Marketing Manager

Why Join Fairfield Processing Corporation?

• Growing product portfolio
• Direct interaction with major retailers
• High-impact role with decision-making authority
• Entrepreneurial environment
• Opportunity to shape future product strategy
• Collaborative and supportive leadership team
• End-to-end product ownership
• Exposure to international manufacturing and product commercialization