Sr Manager Design & PD

The Universal Products & Experiences Group is seeking a Sr. Manager, Design & PD to support the Product Design team that services the Universal Pictures’ Consumer Products business. This position will report to the Creative Director and will contribute to the overall entertainment licensing objectives that drive worldwide brand awareness and deliver revenue to the studio.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary range: Salary range: $110,000 - $130,000 (bonus eligible)

Requirements

Responsibilities include:

• Strong licensing expertise - A solid understanding of the licensing industry within the Food, Beauty, and Care categories
• Ability to design from concept through final samples/production
• Understand 2D & 3D production process techniques, including execution, fabrications/materials and technical designs to fit various price points
• Lead the design development for Universal’s IP within Food, Beauty & Care product lines, in partnership with our licensees to deliver best-in-class design execution
• Lead the product approval process to ensure submissions are reviewed by all necessary parties, appropriate feedback / approvals are gathered, and turnaround times are met within the appropriate time frame
• Manage and ensure brand excellence across the categories by making any necessary character revisions, infusing storytelling and providing property assets and toolkits
• Manage process flow and prioritize schedules based on product development calendar
• Lead product approval meetings with internal and external partners
• Manage approval functionalities on product approval system (Mediabox) and set priorities for the FBC PD team
• Create new concept product pitches, partnering with Category and Retail teams to ensure alignment
• Develop trend boards and product POVs based on seasonal trends, themes, color, materials and styling to deliver product innovation
• Lead creative workshops and key partner meetings with licensees and lead creative kick off meetings/calls with licensees for new projects
• Prepare and share regional product design updates with Global team
• Exceptional collaboration with Creative, Retail and Category teams to effectively align franchise strategy and design execution through all products in Food, Beauty & Care categories
• Provide accurate design input and modifications based on strong understanding of IP priorities, guidelines & assets through all stages of the product approval process
• Drive innovation by maintaining strong knowledge of retail landscape in North America, and global trends, monitoring sales performance of key categories & programs
• Engage with multiple stakeholders across the company as the Design and PD expert for FBC categories to drive future product vision and strategy
• Support regional and global product line reviews for executive review
• Excellent ability to communicate and collaborate with partners, building successful working relationships with key partners including (but not limited to): Licensees & Agents, Category, Retail, Franchise, and Studios & filmmakers
• Be the expert in all CP creative assets in order to provide accurate PD feedback
• Mentor and train team members to drive knowledge, insights and design excellence

Basic Requirements:

• 8 plus years’ experience in Design and PD
• Highly organized, proactive – a self-starter
• Resourceful in troubleshooting issues
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and able to provide clear direction, along with organization skills and strong attention to detail
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Fully proficient with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Ability to use keynote, Microsoft Word, Excel and MediaBox system online product approval
• Multitasker
• Be a team player

Desired Characteristics:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Additional Requirements:

• Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week.