Sr. Mgr., Design & PD - Home & Seasonal (UP&E)

Company Description

We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Here you can be your authentic self. As a company uniquely positioned to educate, entertain and empower through our platforms, Comcast NBCUniversal stands for including everyone. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, coupled with our Corporate Social Responsibility work, is informed by our employees, audiences, park guests and the communities in which we live. We strive to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where our employees feel supported, embraced and heard. Together, we’ll continue to create and deliver content that reflects the current and ever-changing face of the world.

Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal’s iconic collection of brands, intellectual properties, characters, and stories based on the company’s extensive portfolio of properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this through innovative physical and digital products, engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and 3rd party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative, UP&E’s three lines of business include Consumer Products, Games and Digital Platforms, as well as Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP&E is a division of Universal Parks & Resorts, part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. https://www.universalproductsexperiences.com/

Job Description

The Universal Products & Experiences Group is seeking a Sr. Manager, Design & Product Development (Home & Seasonal) 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.

Responsibilities include:

• Ability to design from concept through final samples/production
• Expertise in 2D & 3D; Understanding in tooling and pattern making
• Develop trend boards and product POVs based on seasonal trends, themes, color, raw materials and styling
• Create Category and Retail pitches, partner with Category and Retail team to ensure alignment
• Prepare all necessary components for design presentations and product review meeting preparations
• Be the PD expert in assigned category/categories. Understands execution, fabrications/materials, color pallets and technical designs to fit various price points
• Maintain strong knowledge of the retail landscape and monitor retail sales performance of key categories and programs
• Exceptional collaboration with Central Creative, Retail and Category to effectively align franchise strategy and execution
• Understand licensee’s design & manufacturing capabilities in order to guide efficient product development and develop appropriate solutions to execution challenges of our franchises
• Be the expert in all CP creative assets in order to provide accurate PD feedback
• Build and maintain strong, highly collaborative relationships with licensees to build effective partnerships
• Manage product approval meeting to ensure submissions are reviewed by all necessary parties, appropriate feedback / approvals are gathered, and turnaround times are met within the appropriate time frame
• Lead kick off meetings/calls with licensees in meetings.
• Work directly with licensee team on product development and approvals
• Mentor and train coordinators and interns to develop their knowledge within product development and licensing
• Attend tradeshows and visit licensees as needed to update property activities and provide strategic direction
• Prepare detailed recap notes from key meetings and share with the team
• Be v