Associate Product Development Specialist

SUMMARY Overview of the position

Would you like to combine your passion for sports and entertainment with a fast-paced job in the trading card industry?  The Associate Product Development Specialist role is ideal for a creative, detail-oriented individual with passion and experience in the trading card industry.  The Associate Product Development Specialist will work under the Upper Deck Collectibles (UDC) division of the company.  Primary responsibilities include 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. The Associate Product Development Specialist will oversee/manage the production cycle from the beginning conceptualization phase to eventual public release of said product.  Other responsibilities include the preparation and presentation of business and product strategies and financial costing reports, to ensure they simultaneously meet company and consumer expectations for both profits and content.  For anyone out there that has ever wanted to build a trading card product and work for one of the major manufacturers in the hobby, this job is for you!

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: In conjunction with internal and external parties, plays a central role with the management of 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. Responsible to closely monitor trading card industry trends to master the understanding of value drivers, including consistent communication with outside consultants. Works directly with Finance team to compose and edit financial costing documents. Responsible to draft and edit Strategic Brief documents for each product – providing detail for the specific vision and themes for all subsets and cards. Provides initial direction on layout and art design. 
• Product Determination and Selection: Assists in the development of categories and products commensurate with strategies specified in licensed product portfolio strategies and business plans.  Assists in providing input on reliable and cost-effective sources within established development process. 
• Licensed Property Product Portfolio Management:  Assists Director of Product Development in providing product portfolio management of licensed properties.  Works with Executive Team, Sales, and Legal to support selection and evaluation of prospective sport-focused licenses. Anticipates, identifies, and capitalizes on sports card market industry trends. 
• Collectibles Content Sourcing: Assists Coordinator group in market research and procurement efforts for vintage collectibles to be used as elements within select trading card lines. 
• Quality Control/Ethics:  Assists in the determination and communication of product quality standards.  Monitors quality and manufacturing standards, ensuring adherence to Code of Conduct.  Works closely with Operations to minimize manufacturing errors and delivery slippage. 
• 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.  Attends regional Sales and Distributor meetings and Trade Shows to communicate product plans and strategies. 
• Systems and Administration: Monitors cost of goods and inventory levels for collectibles content and raw materials.  Review 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.  
• Communication: Responsible for keeping the Company up to date with ranging developments.  Liaison with other departments.  Supports Brand team in recommending, communicating and coordinating launch strategies and calendars, license acquisitions, product promotions, sales, etc. 

INTERACTION

This position will interact closely with the Upper Deck Company Director of Product Development, the Collectibles team, Brand, Product Development Coordinators, Finance, Operations, Design, Sales and Senior Management along with related company staff members and external parties.

EDUCATION/YEARS EXPERIENCE

• 2 years of experience in collecting modern trading cards (sports and/or entertainment).
• Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in Marketing, Product Development and Design or a closely related field or equivalent experience is preferred.

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of the modern trading card market (sports and/or entertainment) is required.
• Professional demeanor; team player orientation. 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple, high priority projects 
• Exceptional ability for attention to details – particularly with manipulating Excel spreadsheets. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Superior interpersonal, leadership, negotiating, consulting, presentation, analytical and problem-solving abilities. 
• Strong background in the management of direct and departmental reports and internal/external teams. 
• Ability to interface with internal and external parties. 
• 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 .
• Proficiency in the following software or systems:  MS Office (advanced expertise with Excel is preferable).