Associate Product Development Manager

Associate Product Development Manager

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL (On-Site)

Employment Type: Contract

Compensation: $24/hr–$29/hr

About the Opportunity

TalentoHC has partnered with a leading global toy and consumer products company seeking an Associate Product Manager to join its Plush Division on a temporary leave-coverage basis at its Fort Lauderdale, FL headquarters.

This is a product development coordination role - not a software or digital product role. The APM sits within the Plush Product Development team and helps keep existing plush programs organized and on track across all phases of the development cycle, from concept through launch.

The right candidate has direct, hands-on experience in the development of physical consumer products - whether in toys, plush, dolls, apparel, accessories, beauty, housewares, or a related category - and knows how to manage timelines, samples, approvals, and cross-functional deliverables across a high-volume SKU environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented product development professional looking to bring their physical product experience to a globally recognized toy brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Product Development Manager across all phases of plush product development, from initial concept through mass production and launch.
• Track product status, development milestones, samples, revisions, approvals, packaging, testing, and manufacturing deliverables across a high-volume portfolio of SKUs.
• Create and maintain development calendars and project timelines - with a strong preference for Smartsheet - to ensure clear visibility and communication across teams.
• Coordinate sample requests, log incoming samples, collect internal feedback, communicate revisions to vendors, and track updated samples through final approval.
• For plush specifically, manage revision cycles involving materials, colors, sizing, embroidery, construction, character details, and other product specifications.
• Serve as a cross-functional coordinator between Product Development, Design, Packaging, Licensing, Marketing, Quality/Compliance, Sourcing, and vendor partners.
• Communicate with overseas suppliers, factories, and sourcing teams on sample status, revision requirements, and production timelines.
• Help ensure products meet all functional specifications and safety requirements prior to market launch.
• Maintain item master records with accurate costing, factory information, and product details.
• Participate in internal meetings to support visibility into product status and development progress.

Qualifications

• Direct experience working within the development of physical consumer products — this is the primary requirement. Relevant backgrounds include toys, plush, dolls, collectibles, apparel, accessories, footwear, beauty, housewares, gifts, or other tangible consumer goods.
• Demonstrated experience managing product development timelines, milestones, and deliverables - not just marketing or merchandising for a product company.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to track 20–50 SKUs simultaneously at different stages of development.
• Experience coordinating product samples and prototypes, including managing revision cycles and communicating updates to vendors and internal teams.
• Proficiency with project management tools; Smartsheet experience is a strong plus.
• Experience communicating with vendors, suppliers, factories, or sourcing partners, including overseas manufacturing contacts.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office and G-Suite, particularly Excel.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple shifting priorities and strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Licensed product experience - including style guide management, licensor submissions, and approval processes - is a strong plus.
• Prior experience in the toy, plush, or consumer products industry is preferred.

About TalentoHC

Build Your Best Team Yet

Executive Search | Talent Strategy | Human Capital Consulting

TalentoHC is a global executive search and human capital consulting firm helping organizations build high-performing leadership teams that drive growth and transformation. The firm partners with companies across industries including technology, aviation, hospitality, media, and professional services to identify and place senior leaders who shape organizational strategy. Through a human capital-centric approach, TalentoHC supports organizations navigating

leadership change, strengthening talent strategy, and building teams capable of delivering long-term enterprise value.

Equal Opportunity Employer

TalentoHC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.