UDA Associate Product Development Specialist

SUMMARY Overview of the position Assists in the conceptualization, development, and maintenance of product portfolios for designated categories within Sports and Entertainment Memorabilia that are created under the Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) division. Assists in the creation of unique, innovative products in line with the Company’s overall sales and profit goals for wholesale, retail, direct and hobby distribution channels. Assists with the development of product category range strategies and implements them. Helps determine and oversee the selection of appropriate suppliers to meet strict product quality, safety, manufacturing and ethical standards. Assists in preparation and presentation of business/product/marketing strategies, launch schedules, trade materials and product review status reports. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this job. Other duties may be assigned. * Licensed Property Product Portfolio Management: Provides comprehensive support for the product portfolio management of licensed properties. Works with the Executive Team, Sales, Brand and Legal to support selection and evaluation of prospective licenses. Conducts research for viable new licenses as well as renewal of existing contracts. Anticipates, identifies and capitalizes on market industry trends. * Inventory Range Analysis and Planning: Assists in the development of business and long-range planes based on analysis of sales history, market trends, and corporate strategy. Plans to include sales and profit margin, number of sku’s space allocation, launch schedules, and price point architecture. * Product Determination and Selection: Assists in the development of categories and products commensurate with strategies specified in licensed product portfolio strategies and business plans. conducts research on market trends and takes a leading role in all aspects of development including selection of raw materials and photos. Overall design development, milestone schedules, financials, license approvals, delivery timelines, and solicitation materials. Provides input on reliable and cost-effective sources within the established development process. * Product Development: In conjunction with internal and external parties, assists in managing the development of products in line with the company’s strategic initiatives; meeting legal, financial and design requirements and delivering consistent quality and safety standards. Assists in the design of a wide range of projects to meet channel distribution demands, including exclusive programs, premiums and promotional items, direct marketing campaigns, mass market and limited-edition programs. Provides directions on regional and local product customization. Contributes industry groundbreaking memorabilia products, including creating innovative blind packaging products in line with UDA standards. * Quality Control/Ethics: Helps determine and communicate product quality standards. Help monitor quality and manufacturing standards, ensuring adherence to the Code of Conduct. Works closely with operations to minimize manufacturing errors and delivery slippage. Understands value drivers of the collectibles market and monitors appropriate channels to uphold product integrity. * Trading Terms: Works closely with Finance, selecting and agreeing on trading terms, sourcing suppliers and monitoring performance. *   Marketing, Advertising, Promotion, and Solicitation Activity: Provides input into Marketing/Advertising/PR campaigns in line with corporate strategies and initiatives or other activities as designated. Provides written communication and advice on other multi-media strategies in conjunction with the Marketing team to effectively launch new athletes, entertainers and/or products. Attend trade shows to communicate product plans and strategies. * Systems and Administration: Helps manager and maintain accuracy of data input onto the system and communicate throughout the organization. Monitors cost of goods and inventory levels for signatures and raw materials by reviewing appropriate reports. Reviews all sku’s on a planned schedule, works closely with Finance when new orders are due to prepare preliminary data and review profit and loss statements. Tracks and monitors all supplier performance, inventory levels and warehouse stock. Monitors sales. * Communication: Responsible for keeping the company up to date with ranging developments. Liaison with other departments. Recommends, communicates, and coordinates launch strategies, license acquisitions, product promotions, sales, etc. Provides directions on layout and art design. Works closely with UDA and outside graphic designers to ensure quality and direction are of the highest measure. Available to assist in the creation and maintenance of UDA media efforts. * Photography: Responsible for photo selection approval designs. Works closely with the photo acquisition team to ensure all available sources are utilized. Ensures photography selection and quality aligns with department standards and licenses.  TRAVEL Helps during trade shows and industry events. Represents company and department objectives for business-to business as well as business-to-consumer encounters during said events. Available to travel to assist company warehouse organizational efforts. INTERACTION This position will interact closely with the Director of Product Development, UDA Director, UDA Brand Manager(s), UDA Project Managers(s), the memorabilia team, Finance, Operations, Design, Sales, and Senior Management along with related company staff members and external parties. EDUCATION/YEARS EXPERIENCE * Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis on Product Development, Design and Marketing or a closely related field or equivalent experience. * 1+ years of experience in sports industry, such as sports product marketing or sports product development. * Strong knowledge of Sports Memorabilia collectibles markets highly recommended REQUIREMENTS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES * Product development, range construction and visual range planning skills allied with extensive procurement knowledge, working with suppliers worldwide. * Strong work ethic. * Demonstrated passion for the sports industry, sports memorabilia or entertainment industry/memorabilia. * Excellent oral and written communication skills. * Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple high priority projects with keen attention to detail. * Superior interpersonal, leadership, negotiating, consulting, presentation, analytical and problem-solving abilities. * Ability to perform duties under minimal supervision while exercising discretion and independent judgment. * Hands on, energetic and motivated self-starter. * Ability to travel domestically and internationally on behalf of the company. * Proficient in MS Office.