Product Developer

At Blue Marble, our mission is to create purposeful products that inspire a love of learning in children and empower parents to raise thoughtful, confident kids. If you envision working for an award-winning company with a mission you can believe in, a playful and energetic culture, a talented team of coworkers, and a bright future, look to Blue Marble!

We seek an experienced Product Developer to join our amazing Blue Marble Product Development team in beautiful Ashland, Oregon. The Product Developer is primarily responsible for leading product development from concept through production, working with internal and overseas teams and licensors to deliver consumer-ready products.

This is a "hands-on" role where you work cross-functionally with our Creative, Industrial Design, Marketing, Sales, and Compliance teams. You'll also work with our overseas team and our Executive Management to ensure that every product represents our company's values and inspires our customers. The Product Developer captures the product vision, gathers legal and IP feedback, and ensures approval of concepts before moving forward with the product. They manage the product through the product development life cycle to generate all marketing materials and packaging for the product, product samples for testing and photography, product cost engineering and details for operations set-up and ultimately lead delivering the product to market.

Primary Responsibilities

• Must be able to lead toy products through the entire lifecycle from early concept to launch by working closely with the creative teams and other business stakeholders to execute product opportunities & develop product tech packs.
• Maintains Product Specifications, Bill of Materials and Tech Packs on all Products to ensure products are engineered to cost standards.
• Must be able to manage, track, & communicate progress across departments.
• Provide leadership and direction to overseas manufacturers to achieve product goals.
• Responsible for consistently executing high-quality products that meet testing guidelines, licensor standards, and company brand values.
• Must be able to manage development timelines for multiple products per our calendar.
• Negotiates cost to hit margin expectations. Confirms the final cost with overseas partners.
• Communicate throughout the organization as necessary by participating in meetings, presentations, one-on-one dialogue, etc.
• Perform product research and communicate to stakeholders in a clear and organized manner.
• Anticipate, identify & proactively resolve development issues.

Please Note: This is not a product design position.

Desired Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience within a consumer products toy field in product development; sports/entertainment licensor or licensee (Toy Manufacturer).
• Extensive knowledge of toy categories, including manufacturing techniques, materials, and technologies
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously with superior attention to detail while managing the big picture with diverse groups.
• Team player who is also an independent thinker, self-motivated, self-starter, analytical thinker, and a creator.
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, time management, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work in a global environment.
• Strong data management and project management skills required. The ability to find solutions and remove obstacles is required to understand the impact of decisions.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts, projected performance, and risks to team and senior management.
• Proven ability to negotiate and exert influence without authority.
• Creative flair both in generating ideas and execution.
• Good command of Microsoft Office Suite applications; Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Experience with PDM, PLM systems and Project Management (Stage Gate process) preferred.
• Occasional travel overseas, less than 10%.

What Does Success Look Like in This Role?

A successful Product Developer is a skilled communicator, organized leader, and creative problem-solver with a positive attitude and the ability to thrive in an ever-changing and fast-paced work environment. They possess STRONG project management and organizational skills.

Their experience allows them to avoid common manufacturing and compliance pitfalls, and they know how to keep their projects on track.

Workplace Arrangement

In-person collaboration is a key aspect of Blue Marble's work culture. This role is designated as a hybrid role, with three days a week expected at corporate headquarters in Ashland, Oregon. This arrangement allows for a balance between in-person collaboration and remote work flexibility.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the organization's needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Blue Marble is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Ashland, OR 97520 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ashland, OR 97520