SUMMARY:Overview of the position.With overall direction from the Director of Game Development, the Associate Product Manager (APM) conceptualizes, develops, and maintains product portfolios for gaming focused brands, primarily games that deal with the Trading Card Game (TCG) and Collectable Card Game (CCG) game markets. The APM creates unique and innovative products in line with Upper Deck’s overall sales and profit goals for wholesale, retail, and direct distribution channels. The APM prepares and presents product strategies and financial costing reports. The APM also works in accordance with the corresponding Brand and Project Managers regarding external licensing and business relationships for strategy and product approvals. 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. Product Development: Conceptualizes and manages the development of TCG/CCG products meeting legal, financial and design requirements.Works with the respective Product and Brand teams to design a wide range of products for large and small distribution channels including private label programs, premiums and promotional items, direct marketing campaigns, mass market and limited edition programs. Takes a leading role in all aspects of development. Product Determination and Selection: Researches, anticipates, identifies, and capitalizes on TCG/CCG industry trends.Suggests categories and products for TCG/CCG categories in line with strategies specified in product portfolio strategies and business plans. Quality Control/Ethics: Ensures that a product is built taking into account quality and compliance standards. The APM will work with internal parties to monitor quality and manufacturing standards, ensuring adherence to Code of Conduct. Must works closely with the Operation and Production teams to minimize manufacturing errors and delivery slippage. Understands value drivers within the TCG/CCG community and monitors appropriate channels to uphold product integrity. Marketing, Advertising, Promotion, and Solicitation Activity: Provide input into Marketing/Advertising/PR campaigns in line with corporate strategies and initiatives, or other activities as designated. Systems and Administration: Helps manage and maintain the accuracy of product documentation and communicates this throughout the organization. Communication: Responsible for keeping team members up-to-date with ranging developments for TCG/CCG initiatives acting as a liaison with other departments. Must provide initial direction on components layout and art design.Must be able to be collaborative with outside parties by understanding all aspects of the design and production process. INTERACTION:This position will interact closely with the Upper Deck Company’s Director of Game Development, The TCG/CCG Brand Manager, the TCG/CCG Project Manager, Finance, Purchasing, Operations, Design and Sales departments along with related internal staff members and external parties. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:Not Applicable 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. · Education / Experience:Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in Product Development and/or Design or a closely related field or equivalent experience.Mathematic experience is also a plus.5 years of experience with TCG/CCG style games.5 years of experience with tabletop gaming.Professional experience in the in the tabletop gaming industry a plus Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Extensive background with TCG/CCG and tabletop gamesGeneral Pop Culture knowledge and interest is preferred.Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple, high priority projects with a keen attention to detail.Superior interpersonal, leadership, negotiating, consulting, presentation, analytical and problem solving abilities.Excellent oral and written communication skills.Strong background in working with various internal and external teams.Professional demeanor; team player orientation.Ability to perform duties under minimal supervision while exercising discretion and independent judgment when needed.Hands on, energetic and motivated self-starter.Ability to travel domestically and internationally on behalf of Upper DeckProficiency in the following software or systems: MS Office (advanced expertise with Excel)