Licensing Product Development Specialist Temp

Hybrid Work Model

SEGA of America, Inc. a rapidly expanding video games publisher and developer within the western market, and is the US arm of SEGA Sammy, a world leader in the provision of interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. SEGA develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms such as Xbox, PlayStation platforms, Nintendo platforms, PC and wireless devices.

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 to Golden Axe to 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 Sonic the Hedgehog!

SEGA of America Licensing is searching for a temp Product Development Specialist to the rapid growth of SEGA’s Consumer Products business. This candidate will be responsible for Global product development submissions reviewing a wide range of submissions from softlines to hardlines to LBE. This person will also be responsible for reviewing and routing all Sonic Film 3 content and product liasing with Paramount and internal SEGA teams. This includes all new assets, as well as existing assets that need to be updated or modified. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Film Product development timelines, as well as experience with asset review and routing. We are looking for an individual with product development experience in Consumer Products across all 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. Should be an 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:

• Review and route all new assets to the appropriate department for review and Film 3 products. Update and modify existing assets as needed. Track the progress of all asset reviews and approvals. Communicate with all stakeholders involved in the asset review and approval process.
• Liaise with Licensing business managers to ensure product assortment is aligned with granted rights and category strategy for assigned licensees.
• Work with licensing translator and communicate with the approval contacts in US and Japan.
• Initiate and track status of sample requests and receive all samples.
• Review of prototypes to meet Product Development timeline milestones with a focus on product execution, consistency of details and brand guidelines.
• 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
• Keep organization of Film 3 product samples and status
• Utilize, update, and maintain applicable tools in Dependable Solutions including resolving unknown SKU issues.
• Manage and distribute product samples to internal teams and manage internal product requests.
• Conduct product development kick-off calls with assigned new licensees.
• 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
• Work with internal partners in Creative, Marketing/Brand, Production, and our International licensing teams to help execute cross functional synergy and collaboration.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Ability to operate autonomously & efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Clear written and oral communication skills
• Basic comprehension of product development cycle from concept to production
• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
• Have a passion for Gaming and Entertainment
• 4+ years of experience in product development approval and brand assurance
• Team player and collaborator
• Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Experience with asset review and routing
• Excellent relationship builder with collaborative team player mentality
• Limited travel required (annual trade shows, etc.)
• Resourceful, takes initiative and self-starter

Preferred Skills:

• General understanding of character licensing
• Familiar with online asset management systems
• Applicable experience in entertainment licensing specifically