Product Development Manager I - The Bradford Exchange

Impassioned…Emboldened…Infinitely Curious: The Bradford Exchange, part of The Bradford Hammacher Group family of brands, is a world leader in new product development. We have been selling joy for the last 50 years! Our global organization consists of 8 business divisions ranging from jewelry, apparel, collectible coins, home decor to holiday and so much more. We concept, create, design and market our creative products directly to our customers, and leverage licenses with the biggest names in entertainment and sports to bring unique and curated products to our customers across the globe.

We’re currently seeking a Product Development Manager who will be responsible for assisting with the research, design, and development of dolls within our Ashton-Drake Galleries division.Creatively brainstorm and concept new ideas that fit within the established Bradford criteria and formats, as well as manage administrative functions of developer's programs including tracking, scheduling and updating reports and product information. In this role you will creatively solve issues and problems related to design, scheduling and costs. Ideal candidates will have figure drawing and/or figural sculpture skills, a good understanding of human anatomy, as well as an interest in the design of dolls including baby dolls, child dolls, and celebrity "portrait" dolls and plush.

How you will contribute:

• Update product development database (File Maker Pro) to include critical products reports and process other reports such as fact sheets, design worksheets, and contract requests, with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness, as it relates to status on products and product research.
• Communicate and keep the workflow smooth across the various departments including Advertising, Design, Production, and Marketing. Identify delays and inconsistencies in proof dates including products that miss deadlines and notify appropriate Product Development Manager for resolution. 
  
• Coordinate literature (certificates, hang tags, instructions) creation for products going to production and supply Marketing with copy for approval.
• Responsible for keeping sculptures, photography samples and products extremely organized; review and approve invoices and send to Accounting for processing.
• Prepare packages for shipment via Fed Ex/other and other miscellaneous duties as assigned.
• Research past Bradford products to analyze degree of success in market. Reference conversion rates, historical data, product photographs and brochures for art reuse evaluation.
• Maintain and manage new products (initially with guidance from Product Development Manager) with emphasis on the design quality and series cohesion with a steady backend cadence.
• Coordinate and manage new products from concept through design, sculpt, and manufacturing processes. Set up and maintain backends in database. Review and communicate DDCP changes to Design team.
• Responsible for program scheduling and meeting target sculpt costume dates.
• Print and critique JPEG photos of products in development, pre-production samples and production samples including literature.
• Participate in concepting and brainstorming with Product Development team. Develop and present new product concepts to managers. Concepting includes conducting research, preparing mockup/sketches, concept statements, data on trends, competitive and related industries, prior test/rollout results, preliminary costs/margin estimates, and other required materials.
• Ensures product specifications are accurate when sent to Product Production for quoting.
• Follow up on outstanding VIP and Blurb meeting issues in a timely fashion.
• Work with outside resources including designers/illustrators, sculptors, model shops, licensors, vendors on new concepts and provide information and material required to complete job requested.
• Clearly communicate with and direct outside sketch artists, illustrators, sculptors, painters, mold makers, and manufacturers.
• Expand design pool (designers, sketch artists, sculptors, painters, etc) by proactively seeking out new talent to result in quality and reliable resources for the product development team.

What you will bring and skills that excite us: 

• MA, MFA, BA or BFA degree in Art, Art History, Fine/Studio Arts, Illustration, Product Design, Sculpture, Graphic Design or an art related field.
• 0-3 years work experience.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills – both verbal and written.
• Must be organized and must be very detail oriented
• Knowledge of MAC/PC including Excel, Word, PhotoShop, INDesign
• Ability to work and troubleshoot in an extremely fast paced environment.
• Strong internship experience or a minimum of two years work experience is preferred.
• Experience in a clerical and/or art and craft environment is a major plus.
• Artistic skills
• Familiarity with Illustrator and/or databases is helpful.

BHG at a glance:

• Our scale: We have over 400 employees based out of our global headquarters right outside of Chicago, we have marketing operations in over 10 countries worldwide, and have over 32 million customers served.
• Compensation and benefits: We offer a competitive compensation plan and great benefits, with some benefits starting from day 1!
• We own the company: BHG is Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) which allows you to not only derive the benefits of working as an employee at The Bradford Hammacher Group, but also gain the benefits of being an owner.
• Professional Development: There is always room to learn! We offer a Professional Development Program, a Mentor Program, and LinkedIn Learning to our teams as well as additional hands-on training and development. Our teams utilize a continuous performance management and development structure for feedback, no dreaded annual reviews. We meet quarterly to focus on the future!
• Our values: Honesty. Innovation. Respect. Teamwork. Giving back. These are just some of the core values that drive our team members. Our team strives to build a culture of continuous feedback where anyone can share and create our “next big idea,” among diverse and inclusive teams.
• Flexibility and wellness: Whether it’s offering hybrid environment (onsite/remote) for our corporate staff, to a generous, front-loaded PTO and holiday package to all staff and corporate wellness initiatives like WW, an annual health fair and an onsite gym, we are committed to our team members well-being. New hires start with 16 days of PTO and 8 paid holidays per year.
• Perks and more: We have a Business Casual Work Environment, Health and Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO) Program, Direct Deposit, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Referral Bonus Program, 401(k), Profit Sharing, Tuition Reimbursement, and Toastmaster’s memberships, a Peer Recognition Program, Product Discounts and more! 

The Bradford Exchange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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