Product Developer

Who We Are:

Our toy story started in 2015 with a vision to create a new fresh toy company which would inspire hundreds of ways to play, every day. We aim to create intelligently designed, safe, trustworthy toys at outstanding value.

Addo Play are a dynamic global toy company creating trustworthy toys at outstanding quality and value. We care about all the little details meaning that all our toys are thoughtfully designed. We passionately believe in the joy and benefit that each toy brings through play. Addo Play is driven by an ambitious team whose passion, ethics, energy and sense of fun goes into everything we do. Each team member is selected for their unique talent and because they are amazing at what they do.

Our UK retail partner is The Entertainer, and you will not only see our products in these stores under the Addo and Early Learning Centre brands, but through their partnerships, you will also find our toys in Tesco, Marks & Spencer’s, Matalan and online through Moonpig.

As a global toy company, we also sell our toys in over 30 countries.

The Opportunity

We have two fabulous opportunities for experienced, Product Developers to join our growing team based in the Addo Play Head Office, Amersham, Bucks.

This is an excellent opportunity for Senior Buyers, experienced Buyers or Product Developers who are passionate about working in the toy sector. The ideal candidates will have toy experience, be enthusiastic, collaborative and be able to commit to international travel as part of the role.

Our Product Developers are involved in all aspects of bringing a new product/category to market—from the initial concept right through to product launch. They ensure that all products (new, existing, and reskinned) deliver against the customers’ standards and values and that innovation and newness reflect customer needs.

The key objective will be to ensure all products developed and managed meet technical, price, production and end consumer parameters. Taking responsibility for the successful handover of products to cross-functional process colleagues. The Product Developers work closely with key development stakeholder teams to manage the development throughout the entire product lifecycle.

About You:

The perfect candidates will have experience as a Senior Buyer or Product Developer. You will have creative and analytical skills, a positive can-do attitude, and a passion for growth.

Experience in licensed and/or construction products will be a huge advantage.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with merchandiser, supply chain and QA personnel to ensure all projects are delivered on-cost, on-spec, on-time and products are ethical & safety compliant

• Work daily with the Hong Kong office, factories, QA, and cross-functional team to deliver a successful PDR process

• Collaborate with the Design team on generating new concepts, product ideas, artwork, and packaging solutions, copy & sign off on overall packaging artwork

• Build product range proposals; no. of skus, pricing architecture, planogram solutions, etc

• Draft and sign off on product specifications and documentation

• Seek, research and develop (with merchandisers) new product(s)/categories with a suitable factory

• Make sure that all new products are correctly costed and deliver our target ROI

• Assign, direct and evaluate team’s work assignments; strategically prioritize workload and adjust resourcing plans as necessary

• Anticipate, analyse and resolve project issues; escalate issues and give recommendations for creative solutions

• Presenting products, ranges & categories to customers

• Review customer retail sales and assess product performance

Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in Toy/Gift Industry and familiar with Far East sourcing and negotiation

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, projects & colleagues in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to provide strong leadership to drive innovative and cost-effective product & packaging solutions

• Experience with sourcing, manufacturing, buying and costs for toy consumer products and licensed brands

• Experience of working with creative professionals (designers) within the company

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

• Demonstrates a "hands-on" team approach to solving problems.

• Strong attention to detail

• Strong analytical skills. Numerate and mathematically minded yet have a passion for product.

• Proactive and enthusiastic in approaching challenges, with a solution-oriented mindset and uses mature discretion in approaching situations.

Competencies:

1. I embrace the culture of Addo. Demonstrates enthusiasm in their work, in the brand, and in the product ranges. Embraces our Mission, Vision and the spirit of the team. Projects a positive ‘can-do’ attitude.
2. I am an effective and motivational leader. Takes charge, is insightful, leads by example, and inspires people in their work. Shows the way forward and encourages teamwork, unity and action. Demonstrates an ability to change mindsets or behaviours.
3. I inspire and encourage change. Identifies opportunities for change and is both creative and practical in promoting and delivering new ideas and solutions. Encourages and promotes necessary change within the team, function or project.
4. I am a successful project manager. Able to scope, lead and deliver successful functional projects, managing internal and external resource, prioritising effectively, and reacting purposefully to new challenges.
5. I demonstrate sound judgment. Demonstrates wisdom in decision making, considering the facts, assessing risks and opportunities and impact on others. Acts decisively and swiftly when necessary.
6. I develop and value my people. Understands the importance of developing and guiding others through training, coaching and appraisals. Builds caring, supportive and respectful relationships with their team and peers.
7. I am commercially astute. Makes commercially sound business decisions, is adept at managing budgets and skilled in interpreting financial or sales data. Personally, committed to achieving targets.
8. I am a skilful communicator. Skilled at listening and at sending clear, convincing and well-tuned messages to their audience. Articulates ideas and concepts clearly and logically using appropriate communication tools.
9. I deliver outstanding service. Focused on delivering a first-class experience to customers, colleagues and other teams within the business. Encourages a service culture within their team.

Your rewards include:

- Attractive salary based on experience

- Birthday Leave plus 33 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)

- Flexible working hours

- Generous Toy Discount

- High Street & Leisure Discounts

- Payroll Giving

- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay

- Cycle to Work scheme

- Profit Related Bonus

- Life Cover

- Pension

It's our responsibility to ensure anyone we employ is legally entitled to work in the UK. Please confirm that you meet this requirement and will be able to provide evidence to support this at the interview stage if selected.