At Jazwares, we believe an innovative idea can come from anywhere, and anyone. We work collaboratively to achieve our goals and we have fun doing it! Jazwares is a global leader in consumer products including toys, plush, action figures, collectibles and musical instruments. Jazwares’ portfolio includes a variety of dynamic, wholly-owned and licensed brands like preschool powerhouses Blippi, Cabbage Patch Kids®, and CoComelon, unstoppable action and gaming brands like Fortnite, Halo®, Micro Machines, Nerf, Pokémon and Roblox, leading lifestyle and entertainment brands like All Elite Wrestling™ (AEW), Blinger®, UFC, musical property First Act™, and beloved plush Hug-A-Pet and Squishmallows®, just to name a few. With over 20 years of design, development and manufacturing expertise, Jazwares is an award-winning company with a progressive focus on identifying new trends and transforming them into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares, which is headquartered in Sunrise, FL, has offices around the world and sells in over 100 countries. Since its inception in 1997, Jazwares continues to grow through the development of new products and the strategic acquisitions of companies like First Act™, Russ Berrie™, Zag Toys™, Wicked Cool Toys™ and Kellytoy®.

As Brand Director, you will be responsible for growing and leading a dynamic group of creative communicators responsible for developing and driving the success of their Jazwares partner brands within our well-established and growing Preschool division. You will maintain operational excellence across the integrated, cross-functional marketing process with the goal of creating a cohesive product line and brand experience that drives engagement and sales. This critical role sets the global brand strategy, product development roadmap, as well as collaborates and helps drive the marketing processes for Jazwares brands. You will act as a brand champion and catalyst, managing multiple brands’ eco-systems from line architecture, to profitability, to licensor relationship management. The ideal candidate will need to be an experienced strategic thinker, problem solver, motivational mentor, engaging storyteller and collaborative leader. The Brand Director is also responsible for the development of their team and drives all stages of employee growth and engagement.

What you will do:

In addition to leading the global brand vision and strategy for your high-profile Preschool brands, you will:

• Define and drive the overall vision of your brands and instill it in all levels of the Jazwares organization and all consumer-facing touchpoints
• Drive innovative global brand strategies - telling the story of Jazwares brands throughout the global organization rooted in strategic corporate objectives
• Work collaboratively with a talented team of product design, packaging design, marketing, licensing, and other internal team partners to create a product line that is the best fit for the brand
• Set the overall go-to-market product strategy and oversee the product planning process from concept to shelf, to ensure a powerful and successful award-winning product launch and brand presence at retail
• Collaborate with global sales leads to craft unique positioning, develop retail exclusive programs and deliver impactful sell-in tools needed to drive the business, achieve key financial goals and advocate on behalf of our brands
• Demonstrate proficient knowledge and experience in brand profitability and proven success driving programs to meet key global financial objectives
• Be a Preschool category and brand expert, and be able to communicate to senior management, stakeholders and partners, including licensors (if applicable)
• Understand and identify retailer-specific channel strategies to create diverse product lines that satisfy the evolving needs of all global markets and retail channels
• Partner with cross-functional and international leads on developing and delivering globally-relevant and consumer-insight driven product
• Analyze and evaluate sales data, understand the competition and current industry trends to aid in determining brand and product strategies
• Foster a positive team environment of ongoing learning, engagement and growth through mentorship, coaching and support

What we are looking for:

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAO's)

• Experience in toy, consumer products and licensing, must have a passion for toys
• Extensive background in Preschool IP / entertainment and passion to follow trends within the category
• Experience working with and managing large, global licensor relationships and networks
• Advanced leadership skills, including the ability to problem solve, make smart, educated decisions in a timely manner, and provide clear, concise direction to their team, senior management, as well as external partners
• Passionate leader experienced in managing people and teams, devoted to mentoring and growing the careers of their direct reports
• Strategic thinker who flourishes in a fast-paced team environment, with a proven track record of being a successful collaborative leader of cross-functional teams in order to bring brands to market and achieve other common goals
• Creative visionary with a passion for innovation
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• An articulate speaker and passionate presenter who knows how to read, engage and influence an audience, and comfortable presenting to internal and external senior-level leadership
• Highly organized and efficient - nimble enough to thrive in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment and easily adapt to shifts in priorities
• Effective manager of team’s time and multiple, conflicting priorities to meet all project/task deadlines
• Ability to deal effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels in a professional manner
• Knowledge of product development and manufacturing processes
• Strong ability to use independent judgment, analyze information and formulate recommendations
• Proficient in Google Suite + MS Office Suite
• Global mindset, with a passion for growth
• Extensive knowledge and experience in toys, or kid’s licensed consumer products

Education / Years of Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or industry relevant field required
• Master’s degree preferred
• 8+ years of product development, product management, brand development, marketing or relevant experience
• 8+ years of experience in consumer products; preferably the toy industry
• 5+ years of leadership experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the toy/baby industry
• Experience in a global organization
• Knowledge of adobe creative suites a plus

What we offer:

• Medical Insurance 100% Company paid for Employee and Employee/Children
• Employee Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401(K) Retirement Program
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Sick Leave, Vacation, Holiday and Floating Holiday Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement

JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

Experience

• 5 year(s): leadership experience
• 8 year(s): consumer products; preferably the toy industry
• 8 year(s): product development, product management, brand development, marketing or relevant experience

Education

• Bachelors or better in Marketing or related field