Product Development Manager – Consumer Products

ROLEDESCRIPTION

ROLE TITLE                 Product Development Manager – Consumer Products

LOCATION                   London

REPORTING TO           Head of Product Development

REPORTS                     X 1 Product Development Associate

 

WHO WE ARE

The Blair Partnership is a literary and entertainment agency. We offer our clients a broad range of services including rights management, client representation and franchise management. As part of those services, we help to manage several companies on behalf of our client J.K. Rowling. Those companies are Pottermore and Bronte. These businesses benefit from shared resources and expertise provided by The Blair Partnership, but they are run by their own leaders.

 

There are three core pillars to The Blair Partnership’s business activity:

• Franchise Management – which encompasses brand & franchise vision and strategy, creative strategy & direction, product development, brand management & comms for the Harry Potter franchise.

• Client Management - we represent a large and eclectic list of clients’ literary and entertainment rights portfolios and pursue commercial opportunities for them through deal making in the UK, US and internationally, partner management and backlist rights management.

• Governance & support - we provide governance, resources and support to companies owned by J.K. Rowling. As part of that support, we cultivate close collaboration & strong, cohesive working practices between all the businesses.

 

Our vision remains to shape, nurture and grow the most imaginative and engaging brands for generations to come, working with our clients.

 

Our mission is to shape and connect stories to their audiences.

 

The Blair Partnership is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace where all talent and potential is valued. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives and recognise the value that this adds to our business.

 

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

This role is focused on leading and facilitating the development of the consumer product category alongside the Head of Product Development and our global partners.  Working with key internal and external partners, you will drive best-in-class product launches, faithfully representing J.K. Rowling and her work, reflecting the Harry Potter brand values, and protecting the longevity, integrity, and legacy of the franchise for generations to come.

 

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

• Partner with Head of Product Development to support the management of the Consumer Product category and co-brand range development for The Blair Partnership, working hand in hand with our partners. Working on projects across multiple consumer product categories, this role will have a particular focus on co-branded products and partnerships, as well as Theme Park merchandise ranges and overseeing other consumer product categories.

• Collaborate with partners to develop licensed product ranges that expand the brand’s reach. Providing creative guidance and leadership to develop licensed product ranges that remain faithful to the Harry Potter canon and values in all aspects of creative development, driving quality and innovation in everything we do at both a regional and global level.

• Leading on strategic calls and creative development meetings with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Leading on future R&D projects - exploring innovative new products and categories for the franchise. Identify new opportunities for the Harry Potter franchise by proactively reviewing product innovation, design and consumer behaviour trends, and carrying out market analysis. Share reports and recommendations with relevant stakeholders.

• Proactively identifying process improvements, and implementing them by developing strategies, principles, and guidelines with internal and external partners. Ensure guidelines and processes are implemented consistently.

• Review and contribute to product and packaging creative reviews with our partners throughout the development process, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and helping to deliver compelling product storytelling.

• Ensuring all written materials are accurate to canon, consistent, and reflect our brand guidelines.

• Support the Head of Product Development on key strategic projects.

• Manage, develop and support Consumer Product Development Associate.

• Consistently demonstrate the TBP values through your work and ways of working.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• In-depth knowledge of licensing, product and design trends, demonstrating a comprehensive knowledge of the competitive landscape.

• A proven track record in a previous product development role that demonstrates brand guardianship and franchise management. Previous licensing experience is essential; experience of working in the entertainment industries would be advantageous.

• An individual who can translate insights into strategies that evolve the Harry Potter consumer product portfolio, while staying true to the brand's values and storytelling.

• Strong partner and stakeholder management skills, demonstrating the ability to develop strong working relationships with senior internal and external teams, supporting efficient development and streamlining the review process.

• Excellent visual design skills and awareness, with hands-on experience in a consumer product development focused role, reviewing both product and packaging development.

• Expertise in offering creative input to inspire partners and help drive quality product development.

• Ability to work autonomously across multiple projects and remain Prioritising projects in a rapidly changing work environment, while simultaneously delivering against tight deadlines.

• Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written.

• Demonstrate excellent attention to detail whilst working at pace.

• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, creative, and innovative.

• Genuine passion for the Harry Potter stories and developing best-in-class product development.

• Previous experience managing and developing direct reports is desirable but not essential.

It is expected that roles and responsibilities will evolve over time as the individual grows within the business.