Licensing Product Development Manager

Hybrid Work Model

SEGA. . . What do you think of when you hear that word? Do you think of the console with the iconic, harmonized voice fire ups or do you think of the countless gaming hits from Sonic the Hedgehog, Golden Axe, or the Persona series? . . .

When we think of SEGA, we think of its evolution as a pioneer in the video game market to one of the most prominent video game developers and publishers ever! Globally, SEGA has over 5,000 employees passionately working to bring the best gaming entertainment to players around the planet. We have one of, if not the richest, portfolio of original IPs something we are very proud of and excited about as the market continues to change.

New streaming technologies and shifts in the retail landscape are well poised for what will be the most disruptive and innovative time in our industry. Our IP strategy positions us well for this, and we are enthusiastic about the future!

There's never been a more exciting time in the company's history to join SEGA!

Job Summary:

This is an exciting opportunity for someone wanting to be a part of some of the most exciting consumer products programs in Entertainment, working on SEGA’s iconic brands, including Like a Dragon, Persona, and Sonic the Hedgehog!

SEGA of America Licensing is searching for a Product Development Manager to join the rapid growth of SEGA’s Consumer Products business. This candidate will be responsible for all categories including Softlines, Hardlines, Novelty, Small Accessories, Publishing, and Seasonal product development and various categories for RGG Studio IP (Like a dragon), Atlus IP (Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, Catherine, Etrian), and Sega Legacy (Shinobi, Golden Axe, Jet set radio). The ideal individual will have product development experience in Consumer Products in hardlines(toys, plush, statues) and softlines (apparel, accessories, home, bags) product categories and would have a desire to learn more about and grow within the licensing business. This person would be adept at multi-tasking and comfortable with shifting dates and priorities. Candidate should be able to develop a full toy line plan and know hardlines terminology. Ideal candidate is organized and flexible problem solver who takes ownership and responsibility of tasks and can act independently or as part of a team as required by the circumstance. Must possess the ability to work well with all levels of internal teams including Marketing, Mobile, Animation, Management, international teammates and outside business partners. Should also be able to manage a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute day-to-day tasks with licensees and internal teams related to product development of assigned partners and categories. Will also handle ad hoc projects as delegated by supervisor.
• Ensure timely approval of products by working closely with internal and external partners to manage product development processes from concept to production for assigned licensees.
• Liaise with Licensing business managers to ensure product assortment is aligned with granted rights and category strategy for assigned licensees.
• Work Closely with Internal business teams to drive strategy and execute collaboration projects
• Familiar with executing and leading style guide development for Licensing consumer products.
• Utilize, update, and maintain applicable tools in Dependable Solutions including resolving unknown SKU issues.
• Initiate and track status of sample requests.
• Review prototypes to meet Product Development timeline milestones with a focus on product execution, consistency of details and brand guidelines.
• Work with licensing translator and communicate with the approval contacts in US and Japan.
• Conduct product development kick-off calls with assigned new licensees.
• Manage and distribute product samples to internal teams and manage internal product requests.
• Work with internal partners in Creative, Marketing/Brand, Production and our International licensing teams to help execute cross functional synergy and collaboration.
• Manage and distribute product samples to internal teams and manage internal product requests.
• Keep organization of product samples and status. Manage samples for product categories under RGG, Atlus, and Legacy.
• Work with internal partners in Creative, Marketing/Brand, Production, and our International licensing teams to help execute cross functional synergy and collaboration.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Working in-office is an essential function of this position.  This requirement of face-to-face interaction is in place to ensure effective supervision, collaboration, and teamwork.  In-office attendance is required for the following reasons:
  • For effective supervision of employees and our work product, which includes ensuring all employees have necessary oversight of their work and access to supervisory assistance, which includes meetings to review work product, deadlines, and status.
  • To foster communication and collaboration among team members, which includes the following: allowing for spontaneous brainstorming sessions and exchanges of ideas, quick access to team members to enable collaborative problem-solving, and stronger cohesion among co-workers and within teams.
  • To enhance the sharing of information necessary to effective job performance and product creation. 
  • To enhance understanding of our stakeholders’ work and business needs, facilitate a more seamless and organic workflow, and ultimately increase efficiency and successful outcomes.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Must be familiar with RGG Studio IP (Like a dragon), Atlus IP (Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, Catherine), and Sega Legacy (Shinobi, Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio)
• Have a passion for Gaming and Entertainment
• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
• 7+ years of experience in hardlines/softlines product development approval and brand assurance
• Deep comprehension of product development cycle from concept to production
• Excellent relationship builder with collaborative team player mentality
• Clear written and oral communication skills
• Team player and collaborator
• Resourceful, takes initiative and self-starter
• Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Ability to operate autonomously & efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Limited travel required (annual trade shows, etc) 
• Familiar with online asset management systems
• Applicable experience in entertainment licensing specifically
• General understanding of character licensing
• Reading/Writing Japanese language is a plus but not required