Product Development Manager

Job Description

THE AGENCY

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is the leading entertainment and sports agency, with global expertise in filmed and live entertainment, digital media, publishing, sponsorship sales and endorsements, media finance, consumer investing, fashion, trademark licensing, and philanthropy.  Distinguished by its culture of collaboration and exceptional client service, CAA’s diverse workforce identifies, innovates, and amplifies opportunities for the people and organisations that shape culture and inspire the world.  The trailblazer of the agency business, CAA was the first to build a sports business, create an investment bank, launch a venture fund, found technology start-up companies, establish a philanthropic arm, build a business in China, and form a brand marketing services division, among other innovations. 

Named Most Valuable Sports Agency by Forbes for eight consecutive years, CAA represents more than 2,000 of the world’s top athletes in football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, in addition to coaches, on-air broadcasters, and sports personalities and works in the areas of broadcast rights, corporate marketing initiatives, social impact, and sports properties for sales and sponsorship opportunities.  Founded in 1975, CAA is headquartered in Los Angeles, and has offices in New York, Nashville, Memphis, Chicago, Miami, London, Munich, Geneva, Stockholm, Shanghai, and Beijing, among other locations globally. 

OVERVIEW

For more than 30 years, CAA Brand Management has helped brands of all shapes and sizes expand into new consumer product categories, experiences, and territories through licensing, strategic partnerships, and joint ventures.CAA Brand Management is a division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Together we represent many of the most successful global brands and professionals working in television, film, music, theatre, video games, sports, and digital content. We also provide a range of strategic and marketing consulting services to corporate clients.

Responsibilities to include but not limited to:

• Play a vital role in the Brand Management division by overseeing the end-to-end product development process for selected brands across multiple categories (e.g., toys, F&B, apparel, health & beauty).

• Ensure product development processes are adhered to by licensees across each brand programme and product ranges, and that marketing aligns with relevant brand guidelines.

• Manage the product development critical path from initial concept through to mass production. Lead product development projects independently.

• Work closely and collaborate with client leads and commercial teams to drive and grow brand programs, ensuring licensees develop and launch successful products and marketing campaigns to retail. Provide update on PD projects on key client calls. 

• Maintain commercial awareness and understanding of the bigger picture to ensure the role of the product development team makes a positive contribution to delivering overall brand strategy and budget.

• Build, nurture, and manage strong relationships with licensors/ clients & licensees across specific brands to drive projects forward and get approvals across the line. 

• Understand the ‘pressure point’ of product approvals and use effective influence and diplomatic skills to achieve results for the Licensors/Clients & Licensees.  

• Stay up to date and knowledgeable regarding product approval platforms and online systems (e.g. Brand Comply). Provide training and guidance to licensees on approval systems. 

• Ensure all submissions are turned around within 48 hours, either via the approval systems or emails.

• Maintain excellent communication at all levels and adapt to each Licensor’s culture and tone.

• Lead creative kick offs/ new licensee onboarding meetings, and other creative calls where applicable. 

• Manage brand style guide and asset distribution to licensees.  Inspire and advise licensees to use creative assets effectively, delivering innovative brand-appropriate products to market.

• Own and take responsibility for product development trackers, status reports, and key process documents. Work collaboratively on specific brand QBRs, brand decks and presentations. 

• Where relevant, manage physical samples, including storing and sending out to the relevant partners, offices, and clients.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Experience working in product development and licensing approvals - ideally within consumer products.

• Knowledge of product development timelines and a good breadth of understanding of multiple consumer product categories.

• Ability to take initiative, handle multiple projects simultaneously and prioritise in a fast-paced environment, while also maintaining attention to detail.

• Positive can-do approach, alongside a proactive and self-motivated work ethic. 

• Strong communication skills – written and verbal.

• Fluent in Microsoft Office; Illustrator and Photoshop skills are a plus.

• Must be growth-minded, collaborative, accountable, and able to enjoy the process.

Please ensure you provide complete and legible information in your application. An incomplete application may affect your consideration for employment.

Creative Artists Agency (“CAA”) is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and creating a workplace culture in which diversity and inclusion is valued and everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As part of our zero-tolerance approach to discrimination in any form, you and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, or any other legally recognised protected basis under UK law.

Please inform CAA’s Recruitment Department if you need any assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

CAA does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless they were contractually engaged by CAA to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any such employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the acknowledgement and agreement that CAA will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.