Product Development Manager, Hardlines, Global Licensed Merchandise

Sony Interactive Entertainment is the company behind the PlayStation brand, known for delivering cutting-edge hardware and network services. They are seeking a Product Development Manager for Hardlines, Global Licensed Merchandise to lead the development of licensed hardline products, focusing on toys and collectibles inspired by PlayStation’s iconic franchises.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end product development of licensed hardlines products (e.g., action figures, statues, replicas, prop collectibles, roleplay items) from concept through production
• Act as a key point of contact with licensees for approvals, submissions, and product reviews
• Work closely with product managers, engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to define product requirements and specifications
• Ensure all products align with IP guidelines, storytelling, and franchise positioning
• Facilitate approvals process from start to finish for all product and packaging from licensees
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends and opportunities for product improvement
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including timelines, budgets, and risk assessments
• Track development progress against timelines, proactively identifying risks and driving solutions to keep projects on schedule
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize the product development process and enhance team efficiency. Improve our portal (MyMediabox) to streamline workflows
• Collaborate with licensing, marketing, and sales teams to develop go-to-market strategies and support product launches
• Partner closely with licensing to align on line plans, providing informed recommendations and adjustments to support brand strategy and commercial objectives
• Collaborate with studio partners to communicate product direction, gather feedback, and ensure alignment throughout the product development lifecycle
• Onboard submission process with licensees, agents, and brand collaboration partners
• Catalog, manage and distribute final product samples including the coordination of sample archive
• Clearly communicate and manage workback schedules, ensuring cross-functional teams are aligned on key milestones and deliverables
• Demonstrate a solutions-oriented mindset, troubleshooting challenges and adapting plans to meet evolving business and partner needs

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Design or equivalent
• 7+ years of experience in licensed consumer products, specifically in toys, collectibles, gaming, or entertainment hardlines
• Advance understanding of product lifecycle management principles and best practices
• Portfolio of demonstrated experience working with global IP and licensing approval processes
• Solid proficiency with collectible formats, materials, manufacturing methods, and cost drivers for collectibles and toy categories (e.g., action figures, statues, blind box, premium collectibles)
• Strong product sensibility—balancing fan authenticity, quality, and commercial viability
• Proven track record of successfully delivering projects in a timely manner
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
• Highly detail-oriented and exceptionally organized, with a proven ability to prioritize workstreams and consistently deliver against timelines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset and a passion for driving results
• Experience in Photoshop, MyMediabox (or similar approval systems), PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator etc
• Passion for gaming, pop culture, entertainment, or collectible markets is a plus