What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Product Development & Sourcing Manager position at Complex?
Company And Culture
Complex is the definitive platform for global youth culture and music lifestyle, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge content, commerce and live experiences with unparalleled scale. Through innovative content, Complex tells stories of music, streetwear and style, sports, art and beyond. Its content engages in a dynamic conversation with the audience, reflecting and shaping the zeitgeist of convergence culture. A powerful media juggernaut paired with a curated marketplace, Complex is redefining the way fans interact with their favorite brands and artists and reshaping the future of digital culture and commerce.
Why We're Hiring
Join us in creating innovative trading card products that excite collectors, build communities, and drive the future of the hobby. We are seeking a highly organized, creative, and commercially minded Senior Product Development & Sourcing Manager to lead the development, sourcing, and production of trading card products and related collectibles. This role will oversee the end-to-end product lifecycle—from concept development and vendor management to manufacturing, quality assurance, and product launch.
The ideal candidate combines strong project management skills with expertise in global sourcing, manufacturing, collectibles, and consumer products. Experience within trading cards, tabletop games, collectibles, sports memorabilia, or adjacent industries is highly preferred.
\n- Manage the development of trading card products, collector sets, accessories, and promotional items from concept through production.
- Collaborate with design, licensing, marketing, and sales teams to create innovative products that align with market trends and company objectives.
- Develop product specifications, packaging requirements, and production timelines.
- Evaluate new product opportunities, materials, printing techniques, finishes, and collector-focused features.
- Monitor industry trends, competitor products, and collector preferences to inform future product development.
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard domestic and international manufacturers, printers, and suppliers.
- Negotiate pricing, production terms, MOQs, lead times, and supplier agreements.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability, and cost efficiency.
- Source materials including card stock, packaging components, specialty finishes, promotional inserts, and collectibles-related accessories.
- Develop contingency sourcing strategies to mitigate supply chain risks.
- Manage production schedules to ensure products are delivered on time and within budget.
- Coordinate with suppliers, logistics partners, and internal teams throughout the manufacturing process.
- Track project milestones and proactively resolve production delays or quality concerns.
- Monitor inventory requirements and collaborate with operations teams on forecasting and replenishment planning.
- Ensure compliance with applicable safety, labeling, and regulatory requirements.
- Establish and maintain product quality standards across all product lines.
- Review production samples, proofs, prototypes, and pre-production runs.
- Conduct vendor performance evaluations and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Resolve quality issues and oversee corrective action plans with suppliers.
- Develop and manage product cost targets and production budgets.
- Analyze product margins and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
- Support annual product roadmaps and long-term sourcing strategies.
- Prepare reports and recommendations for senior leadership regarding product performance and supplier partnerships.
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Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Product Development, Operations, Marketing, or a related field.
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5 years of experience in product development, sourcing, procurement, or manufacturing management.
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Experience managing overseas suppliers and manufacturing partners.
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Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
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Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
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Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP/project management systems.
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Ability to manage multiple product launches simultaneously.
Preferred Skills
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Experience in trading cards, collectibles, tabletop gaming, sports licensing, toys, publishing, or consumer products.
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Knowledge of card printing processes, packaging production, and collectibles manufacturing.
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Familiarity with international sourcing and import/export logistics.
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Experience working with licensed intellectual property products.
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Passion for trading cards, collectibles, sports, gaming, or pop culture.
Key Competencies
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Product Innovation
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Strategic Sourcing
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Vendor Negotiation
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Supply Chain Management
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Cost Analysis & Budgeting
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Cross-Functional Leadership
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Quality Management
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Problem Solving
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Project Management
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Market Trend Analysis
Success Metrics
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On-time product launches
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Product quality and defect rates
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Gross margin performance
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Supplier performance and reliability
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Inventory efficiency
- Customer and Collector satisfaction
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New product development cycle times
- Best in class health, dental, and vision insurance
- Healthcare FSA
- Dependent Care FSA
- Commuter Benefits FSA
- Short-term/long-term disability and life insurance
- Paid Parental leave
- 401k with 4% match
- Pet Insurance
- Legal and Identity Theft Plans
- Flexible PTO
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of the job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some incumbents assigned to the job to perform a different combination of duties.
Complex participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for visa sponsorship.
Salary : $85,000 - $115,000