Hybrid work: Employees work in a hybrid model balancing collaboration in our office and remote work.
Overview
WildBrain CPLG is a world-leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency with 20 offices worldwide. Since 1972 we have been providing our partners with dedicated licensing and marketing professionals and fully integrated retail, creative & product development, legal and accounting services.
We are looking to add to our talented team of innovators that can help us manage some of the most profitable and enduring brands in the world! We believe that our partnerships are about clarity, openness, and trust, and we are widely known for our straightforward approach.
About the Role
Position Overview: Product Development Manager, CPLG China
Reporting directly to the Creative Director in China, this role partners closely with the China Commercial & Marketing and Global partnership teams, owning end-to-end product development strategy and execution for WildBrain’s IP portfolio in China, with a primary focus on hardlines categories (e.g., toys, stationery, home, electronics accessories, User Interface). The ideal candidate is a curious, strategic thinker with a strong background in brand or agency environments, and a passion for storytelling through design. You will lead cross-functional alignment across licensing, design, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and retail partners—driving scalable processes, on-time delivery, and commercial outcomes. The role also requires strong high-tech art awareness and hands-on familiarity with innovative technology tools and emerging creative technologies, using them to spark inspiration, accelerate ideation, and enrich concept development.
You’ll play a key role in shaping consumer product experiences and content for WildBrain’s iconic IPs—including Teletubbies, In the Night Garden, and Peanuts—setting product line direction, seasonal/category roadmaps, and go-to-market readiness, by delivering innovative, brand-aligned creative across product development, POSM, and digital content. In hardlines, you will drive product architecture, CMF, packaging and safety/compliance readiness, working closely with licensees/factories to translate creative intent into manufacturable, testable, and cost-effective products. You will act as the product development point of contact for licensees and key accounts, ensuring IP integrity while balancing cost, feasibility, margin, and consumer insights. This role requires a confident creative who can navigate across diverse brand ecosystems with ease, while maintaining a consistent visual language and high design standards. A strong ability to innovative technology and other advanced creative tools for inspiration generation, concept exploration, and faster visualization will be highly valued.
Areas of Accountability
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Professional Experience: proven track record, significant experience in consumer product development and/or licensed product development (hardlines preferred), with demonstrated ownership of programs from concept through tooling/sample approvals and mass production.
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Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the entertainment and IP landscape; passion for WildBrain brands is a plus. Solid knowledge of China hardlines retail channels, factories, and licensee ecosystem is strongly preferred.
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Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional ability to work cross-functionally and present ideas clearly to diverse stakeholders. Able to influence stakeholders and external partners (licensees/factories/testing) without direct authority.
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Collaboration with wider CS department:
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Collaborative Spirit: Enjoys working with diverse teams including the wider Creative Services global team and thrives in a multi-disciplinary, multicultural setting. Confident working with external licensees, suppliers, and senior stakeholders across regions.
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Adaptability: Comfortable in fast-paced, evolving environments with global touchpoints. Proven ability to set priorities, make trade-offs, and drive decisions under ambiguity.
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Leadership & Process Ownership: Create structure, coach stakeholders, and elevate standards through clear briefs, governance, and continuous improvement across hardlines development & licensee management.
