Product developer job description

Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform to ignite and harness the passions of fans and maximize the presence and reach for hundreds of partners globally. Optimizing these long-standing partnerships, a database of more than 80 million global consumers and a trusted, recognizable brand name, Fanatics is expanding beyond its position as a global leader for licensed sports merchandise to now becoming a next-gen digital sports platform, featuring an array of offerings for fans across the sports ecosystem.

The Fanatics family of companies currently includes Fanatics Commerce, a vertically-integrated licensed merchandise business that has changed the way fans purchase their favorite team apparel, jerseys, headwear and hardgoods through a tech-infused approach to making and quickly distributing fan gear in today's 24/7 mobile-first economy; Candy Digital, a digital collectibles company that is partnering with prominent sports properties, including MLB and MLBPA, to build an official NFT ecosystem; Fanatics Collectibles, a transformative company that is building a new model for the hobby and giving collectors an end-to-end collectibles experience; and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, a mobile betting, gaming and retail sportsbook platform. Additional ventures that will build out Fanatics' footprint across the broader digital sports landscape will be rolled out soon. Fanatics' partners include all major professional sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, MLS, PGA) and hundreds of collegiate and professional teams, which include several of the biggest global soccer clubs.

As a market leader with more than 8,000 employees, and hundreds of partners, suppliers, and vendors worldwide, we take responsibility for driving toward more ethical and sustainable practices. We are committed to building an inclusive Fanatics community, reflecting and representing society at every level of the business, including our employees, vendors, partners and fans. Fanatics is also dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities where we all live, work, and play through strategic philanthropic initiatives.

At Fanatics, we're a diverse, passionate group of employees aiming to ignite pride and passion in the fans we outfit, celebrate and support. We recognize that diversity helps drive and foster innovation, and through our IDEA program (inclusion, diversity, equality and advocacy) at Fanatics we provide employees with tools and resources to feel connected and engaged in who they are and what they do to support the ultimate fan experience.

As the Product Developer, you will utilize your knowledge related to product patterns, fit, and construction while working closely with design and merchandising to understand the creative vision of each project and translate concepts into product. You will work closely with all in-house teams, along with oversea vendors to ensure production. In Product Creation and Development, you will be involved in the first stages of creating new products, commercialization and getting them to the consumers. This involves everything from idea generation, materials and construction, materials sourcing, product testing and product confirmation.

ResponsibilitiesDevelops product for assigned leagues within the channel of distribution.Manage development projects from insights, through concepts, validation and into seasonal integrations in collaboration with project teams.Work with Design to proactively manage the styling, material and trim requirements relative to manufacturability, performance, quality, cost, lead-times and minimums.Maintain cost and master bill of materials during development process.Ensure the delivery and evaluation of quality lab dips/print strike-offs and communicate comments to vendor.Communicate information and any issues to all related internal parties as well as to overseas mills, agents, and manufacturers.International and domestic travel as required to achieve a high level of product and technology development, including visits to manufacturing facilities, R&D partners and consumers to assist in the creation, development, commercialization and integration of product.Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an advanced ability to communicate new ideas, concepts and functional expertise within project teams and to external stakeholder Excellent interpersonal skills that inspire and build trust resulting in effective working relationships across the company.Create strong team interaction with Merchandising, Design, Production, Planning, Materials Research, and Quality to ensure a coordinated and efficient process.Foster and maintain key partnerships with vendors.Create and maintain dashboarding of product development metrics for corporate transparency and executive review.Review and continuously update standard operating procedures in partnership with team for best departmental efficiencies and practices.Work on special projects as assigned.

RequirementsBachelors degree or equivalent in a related field5-7 years relevant experience in apparel product development and management Technical knowledge of fabric, construction, and product engineering Knowledge of factory operations as they relate to costing and manufacturing limitations Experience working with vendors in Asia and South/Central AmericaUnderstanding of apparel and raw material testing Working knowledge of tariffs and duty rates Understanding of supply chain logistics Familiar with industry standard development processes/procedures, quality standards and compliance regulations.Ability to introduce and implement new processes and procedures Ability to communicate across multiple cultural and experience levels, internal and external Proven leadership skills and communication skills are a must Strong computer skills in excel, word and necessary systems needed Travel required

Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don't fall victim to fraud. Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics or Fanatics Brand email address. For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers

Tryouts are open at Fanatics! Our team is passionate, talented, unified, and charged with creating the fan experience of tomorrow. The ball is in your court now.

Fanatics is committed to responsible planning and purchasing (RPP) practices, working with its business partners across its global and multi-layered supply chain, to ensure that planning, sourcing, and purchasing decisions, along with other supporting processes, do not impede or conflict with the fulfillment of Fanatics' fair labor practices.
NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS/APPLICANTS: In connection with your application, we collect information that identifies, reasonably relates to or describes you (“Personal Information”). The categories of Personal Information that we collect include your name, government issued identification number(s), email address, mailing address, other contact information, emergency contact information, employment history, educational history, criminal record, and demographic information. We collect and use those categories of Personal Information about you for human resources and other business management purposes, including identifying and evaluating you as a candidate for potential or future employment or other types of positions, recordkeeping in relation to recruiting and hiring, conducting criminal background checks as permitted by law, conducting analytics, and ensuring compliance with applicable legal requirements and Company policies.

Please note, this role may be based 100% remotely and/or out of our Warren, NJ office.

Role Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

• Research and create new ideation and concept generation, to support new brands and innovative product extensions to existing brands or stand-alone products that fill missing category voids. Focus on development in kids creative activities, science kits, art, and more!
• Conduct market research to identify current and upcoming trends, retail gaps in product and packaging, and perform competitive retail landscape.
• Assist with concept testing and sample approvals to optimize product concepts.
• Collaborate with overseas office on sample requests and approvals through daily communication.
• Collaborate with merchandising, design and product engineering team members to generate and execute new product and packaging concepts. Collaborate with design team members to generate style guide direction, oversee product and packaging creation.
• Produce trend and concept presentations as needed for new product and customer meetings. Provide support for sales and merchandising teams by creating mock-up samples, prototypes and presentation boards.

What You’ll Bring:

• Minimum 1 year internship or similar experience in a consumer products, toy, or DIY company
• Hands-on problem solver
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with superior attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• Associates degree required, Bachelor’s degree preferred

About Us:

Horizon Group USA is an innovative creator of children’s craft & activity kits! Beginning in 1912 as a decorative trim supplier, Horizon Group has grown to become a popular resource for hands-on activity kits and crafting products for all ages.

At Horizon Group USA, we thoughtfully design a wide range or creative activity and craft kits, from STEM activities to classic crafts and jewelry kits. With over 5,000 fun products, our ultimate goal is to bring joy to children around the world! We strive to inspire children and parents of all ages to engage with their creativity as a way to grow and learn about themselves, and the world around them.

Welcome to the Funko-verse, a world built on pure imagination, a land governed by the philosophy that stories matter, a universe comprised of characters from countless fandoms, a galaxy of once upon a times and happily ever afters.
But what does Funko do?


Funko is a purveyor of pop culture, making and selling license-focused collectibles. We're based in Everett, WA where we have a store that delights kids of all ages (kids at heart included). We currently hold hundreds of licenses for franchises ranging from Marvel to Harry Potter, giving us the rights to create tens of thousands of characters-one of the largest portfolios in the pop culture and collectibles industry. We take your favorite characters and turn them into adorable, or sometimes scary, collectible figures. Our most famous line, Pop! Vinyl, has millions of fans around the world.

The Product Developer is responsible for making sure that concepts turn into cool Funko collectibles on retail shelves. The Product Developer will manage projects from initial conception through our art team and into production in our factories. During this process, the Product Developer will collaborate with our external licensors (Lucas Arts, Marvel, Netflix, are a few examples), factories and sales teams to make sure that products are made with the required specifications. This position ensures key milestones and manufacturing/delivery dates are met.

We're looking for an experienced star player who is organized, detail oriented and excel at working with teams to get things accomplished.


Your Superpowers in Action


Owns establishing product development timelines and progress on all items assigned for product groups and ensures that set ship dates are met or escalates to a manager if any issues arise before a delay occurs (maintains on average approximately 20 new items per month) with minimal supervision Communicate and coordinate with design, licensing, factories, and internal stakeholders to drive products forward through production Lead reoccurring licensor PD calls and ensure licensors receive updated line lists regularly as needed Works with the art team to ensure creative work is delivered on time and accurately according to licensor approvals, collects and owns initial design specifications including ensuring target costs are met and are within budget Create and provide initial product tech packs to the factory's on time to include all relevant product instructions, material specifications, BOM, EOQ, and required timeline to meet delivery schedules and updates as needed Communicates directly with the factory on any questions regarding the technical specs they create Ensure product meets costing targets and contribution margins Understands product costing and what elements/constructions can change costing Understands production limitations in assigned product categories Reviews and comments on 3D drawings from the factory and creative teams before sampling in order to make sure samples are as close to initial design as possible Review and approve all product samples including packaging for assigned product categories and provides detailed feedback or comments to the factory and other stakeholders to ensure accuracy on all items is maintained such as production quality, intended and approved design, product name, descriptions, images, stickers, legal lines, etc. Establishes and maintains rapport with Licensors and ensures that products are produced correctly and have received all necessary approvals and match specifications prior to shipment Coach and supports Associate Product Developer(s) and oversees development being managed by the Associate Product Developer(s) to ensure that products ship on time, that there are no risks, and that all items are correct and approved before they leave the factory. Partners with Licensing and Creative team members to introduce new form factors to licensors Owns and runs product kick-off meetings both internally and with our licensed partners regarding new development to include review of planned line lists, exclusive content, and any product adjustments Ensure product information is accurately and properly entered into the Product Development tracking system including the management of data in the product development system as development progresses Partners with the quality team to ensure communication on potential risks and solutions takes place to prevent and address issues as they arise. Facilitates product testing in partnership with our compliance group and factories to ensure each item is tested prior to shipment and is documented correctly in our licensor websites as needed and in our internal tracking software


Must-Have Superhero Gadgetry


Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Merchandising, Engineering (or similar) preferred; or 4 - 5 year's related experience in product development/creation in the consumer goods industry (toys, apparel, footwear, etc.) - fast fashion; or equivalent combination of education and experience Understanding of and experience with managing product timelines and product creation Experience with product tracking tools and software Experience with costing, bill of materials (BOM) creation, spec sheet (tech pack) creation, design translation, product and material experience Understanding and experience with the product creation lifecycle in consumer goods industry Strong attention to detail and organization to keep up with product changes through the development and production process Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) and ability to communicate within all levels of the organization (including C-Level) as well as with external partners, vendors and licensors Proficient in Microsoft Office product suite Must have excellent track record of product ownership and keeping project timelines on schedule and/or communicating to correct teams when deadlines are in danger of being missed Strong analytical skills and the ability to solve problems quickly and accurately


Work Environment Requirements


The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and the employee will be exposed to office noises and interruptions such as printers, phones, and chatter from surrounding teams. While performing the duties of this job, employee will be regularly sitting at a desk and working on a computer for prolonged periods. The employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms and use hands to finger, handle, lift or feel. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without physical limitations or restrictions.


What Funko Offers

Funko offers a competitive compensation package with full benefits and a 401(K) plan with matching contributions from the company. Most importantly, we offer a creative work environment with people who love pop culture just as much as you do. Can't wait to gush about your latest binge? Neither can we! Looking for a place where your favorite pop culture t-shirt will receive the compliments it deserves? We know how you feel!

Funko is an equal opportunity employer. We know that every superhero has a unique origin story and the diversity of these stories enrich what we do. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.