Softlines Manager, Product Development

BBC Studios

Bold. British. Creative: that’s BBC Studios. Combining the strengths of the UK’s most-awarded productioncompany with a world-class distributor, we fund, create, distribute andcommercialize world-class content forthe BBC and other UK and international companies. Our aim is to inspire audiences around the globe withquality content that informs, educates andentertains and to strengthen the BBC, our partners and widerindustry both creatively and financially. We seek to be the best British content company in the world; a first-choice partner andemployer, where everyone can flourish and do their best work.

Brands & Licensing

Brands & Licensing is responsible for developing and deepening fan engagement to commercialize our IP content. This includes exploring digital growth opportunities for the business,looking at innovative licensing models and driving value from BBC Studios' world-famous brands such as Doctor Who, Bluey, Top Gear, Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing With The Starsand BBC Earth. We run global businesses from live events to merchandise through to music and magazine publishing. We are right at the heart of helping BBC Studios identifyopportunities for growth and future proof its success through scaling digital business models such as social media monetization and gaming through our new business division toidentify the business models of the future. On top of that we are the center of global data and do world class marketing to ensure BBC Studios brands generate fame globally.

We really understand the business we are in and know how to drive impact and growth through smart and innovative partnerships. We live and breathe as one cohesive team with greatspirit and an inclusive approach to everything we do that draws our the best of each of us. Welcome to Brands & Licensing.

Job Purpose

BBC Studios' North America & Latin America licensed consumer products team is seeking a Product Development Manager to join our ever-expanding department. Selected candidate will work closely with our North America team, as well as with regional Licensing Sales, Retail Development, Operations, Legal, Global Product Development, and Ethical Policy teams, and support product development for all hardlines and softlines partners in US and Canada. Currently, we have +100 partners (including licensees and agents) to create & launch branded product for hit TV show Bluey. In this role, you will work with mostly internal partners and some external partners, agents and various global teams to support our product development creative output, approvals and sample management processes.

Job Impact

Day-to-day, the Product Development Manger will be responsible for supporting BBCS’ North America Product Development team and Latam, working closely alongside the Product Development team’s Sr Director, Creative Director, and two team Coordinators. Product Development Manger will serve to manage key sofltines partners supporting product development, marketing and retail teams. Using your primarily trend, core, seasonal, mini toolkits and theme guide for our regional team, but in overall support of our global team. To serve as a critical eye to assure the consistency of our products’ brand integrity & design quality for our region, as well as to support the efficiency of our product approvals & samples management processes.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Manage key softlines categories including home, accessories, shoes, hydration and partners in Canada via our Canadian agent.
• Support Apparel, cobrands, collaborations.
• Work with softlines team coordinator for category support.
• Adapt graphic assets in support of Bluey softlines and hardlines, including patterns, packaging, and product mockups—that drive innovation, and align with global trends and brand strategies.
• Mockup brand assets to support regional licensing and global brand initiatives, ensuring cohesion across markets and categories.
• Experience working with licensed preschool character art and keen ability to adapt brand art seamlessly for multiple uses and themes.
• Contribute to the creative direction of trend guide development. Including mini style and seasonal tool kits to bring fresh relevant design ideas, referencing established trend services that align with evolving consumer preferences.
• Partner closely with North America and Latam product development, marketing, and creative teams to ensure design alignment across all deliverables.
• Provide high-quality visual direction, design overlays, supporting day-to-day development with licensees and helping translate feedback into elevated commercial design solutions.
• Prepare and deliver production-ready artwork files, offering hands-on support through product mockups, illustrations, repeatable patterns, packaging solutions, retail mockups and graphic assets for use across all licensing categories and file organization to ensure accurate and efficient partner execution.
• Support the product approval process by reviewing submissions to confirm correct asset application and uphold brand standards—primarily for Bluey, with occasional support on emerging brands.
• Support team coordinators as needed by processing inbound/outbound samples packages. Assist to organize and log sample inventory and record what is in our samples “library” so the team can provide accurate, quick-turn samples requests for executives, events, and other marketing and retail needs.
• Ensure that all product follows BBCS’ design requirements through adherence to style guides and rights owner feedback.
• Confirm that all necessary Legal, Ethical Policy, Sustainability, and Brand Protection requirements are featured on products and packaging and work closely with UK based teams for appropriate review.
• Support Marketing, Licensing Sales, and Retail Development teams as needed by creating presentation-ready trend/inspiration boards and product development boards for retail pitch meetings. Research & report on wider industry trends as needed. Provide print-ready artwork files for retail opportunities, marketing events and .com assets as needed.
• Update internal kick off guides, mini guides and tool kits to align with global brand themes, brand updates and new partner onboarding. Gather research for new licensees to service category rights, including relevant competitor research.

Knowledge, Skills, Training and Experience

Knowledge

• Deep understanding and experience designing for preschool licensed assets for North America licensed goods and product development.
• Deep passion for and ability to identify global and regional trends as it applies to North America softlines business.
• Proven ability to adapt style guides to fit needs of the region while upholding brand integrity.
• Deep curiosity and aptitude learning new systems and software.

Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator and Photoshop required.
• Effortless, enthusiastic multi-tasker, able to handle multiple projects on accelerated timelines with a positive, can-do mindset.
• Highly skilled in creative & analytical thinking capabilities.
• Effectively collaborate and communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly organized, adaptable, efficient, patient, and detail oriented.
• Self-motivated to work independently on complex projects and deadlines.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Training and Experience

• 8–10+ years of experience in Softlines business experience.
• Experience in licensing/entertainment industry is a plus.
• Experience working with Mediabox Product Approvals system a plus, or similar approvals software.
• Art and/or licensed design related experience preferred, provide a portfolio link.

Compensation

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $100,000. The actual base salary offered depends on the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years ofrelevant experience, specificand unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and geographic location of the position.

Benefits and Perks

• 100% Employer-Paid Medical and Dental Insurance (PPO plans)
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Flexible, Hybrid Working Arrangements
• Work/life balance
• Free Retirement Consulting to All Employees
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Gym Reimbursement

About the BBC

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us.

Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achievetheir full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC – whether that’s to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles.

The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcomeapplications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.