Product Development Manager

About Jellycat

For a quarter of a century, the Jellycat family have brought joy, wonder and playful fun to people of all ages, in every part of the world. Utterly original and in a class of their own, they are currently among the most loved and collected toys of their kind. How has this gentle tribe endeared themselves to so many? Perhaps it is their whimsical expressions. Or the deliciously soft fabrics. Or the beautiful way in which they sit in your hand. Whatever it is, there is something magical and unmistakeable about each one of them.

About the Product Development Manager Role

As Jellycat continues to expand globally across POS materials, branded merchandise, packaging, activations, and display components, this role ensures that all product development projects move seamlessly from concept to production. The Product Development Manager will oversee the entire development lifecycle, coordinating cross functional teams and external suppliers to deliver high quality, compliant, and cost effective products on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently leading the development of branded merchandise, POS materials, and packaging across global campaigns and product launches.
• Translating brand and marketing briefs into tangible products that are practical, innovative, and aligned with brand guidelines.
• Managing timelines, approvals, and development milestones to ensure on-time delivery across multiple markets.
• Overseeing sampling, prototyping, testing, and final pre-production sign-off.
• Sourcing, onboarding and developing new global suppliers and manufacturers to expand capability, innovation and cost efficiency.
• Identifying, evaluating, and managing existing supplier relationships.
• Negotiating costs, MOQs, lead times and quality standards.
• Ensuring supplier compliance with international regulations, safety standards and quality requirements.
• Championing sustainable materials, production methods and ethical sourcing.
• Ensuring all products meet environmental, legal and corporate responsibility standards.
• Managing budgets across product categories and projects.
• Tracking production costs and identify opportunities for efficiency and scale.
• Evaluating product performance and recommend improvements for future initiatives.

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years of experience in product development, sourcing, buying, (preferably with POS, hard goods, packaging, or branded merchandise).
• Experience working with international suppliers and managing offshore development.
• Familiarity with compliance, testing, and QA requirements for consumer products.
• Strong project management and organisational capabilities.
• Excellent communication and supplier relationship skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, samples, and specifications.
• Knowledge of materials, manufacturing methods, and POS/merchandise/packaging development.
• High attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Problem solving mindset with ability to anticipate and mitigate risks.
• Comfortable working in a fast paced, cross functional environment.

Key skills/competency

• Product Development
• Sourcing
• Project Management
• Supplier Management
• Brand Alignment
• Compliance
• Budget Management
• Prototyping
• Ethical Sourcing
• Quality Assurance