Product Brand Manager Jobs

Be a part of a dynamic and transformative company in sports trading cards. The Brand Manager will have a passion for trading cards and a knowledge of sports and the trading card industry. Lead and manage the product development of our licensed products by developing compelling trading card and sticker album collections for a diverse consumer whose interest may lay in sports, entertainment or both.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain key relationships within the collectibles industry including leagues, agents, distributors, store owners, etc. – achieved through on-site meetings and travel.
• Develop forward-thinking industry perspective and plans and be flexible enough to adapt to changes, both on-field or on-court, as well as changes within the economic environment.
• Develop player lists and memorabilia and autograph plans ensuring highest possible content within sales forecasts, brand budgets and financial contribution plans.
• Support and assist Sales with advertising and sales input participating in webinars, product brainstorms and contribute content information for the Product Information Sheets (PIS).
• Support the Acquisitions department in acquiring memorabilia and autographs, effectively forecasting needs for player rights, autograph deals, memorabilia purchases including direction for online and on-site auctions.
• Lead the development of trading card collections from brand concept kick off through manufacturing.
• Assist in developing a year-long release calendar with distribution, key customers, content style guide and pricing strategy.
• Mentor Assistant Brand Managers in all aspects of Product Development.
• Oversee and approve all stages of product development and set content ensuring proper execution for the success of each collection.
• Support and assist Marketing with advertising and sales input by producing online content, editorial pieces to promote entire collections or parts of collections and participate in Marketing brainstorm initiatives.
• Ensure quality control standards and proper content for each collection, specifically directing the collation program by box and case.
• Forecast and track all autograph and memorabilia content needs and reservations against full product portfolio and individual brand needs.
• Coordinate and plan annual Rookie Photo Shoot events per individual sport alignment.
• Analyze existing marketplace trends and performance within the collectibles industry, professional sport leagues, players and teams.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of the trading card industry past and present with the ability to forecast future trends and developments.
• Ability to travel as needed for trade shows and events.
• Must have the ability to create partnerships with teammates having diverse skills and personalities and quickly overcome issues that may affect cost or the success of each collection.
• Must possess extensive knowledge in product development software and be able to quickly and effectively maintain and manage content data in the system.
• Expert level understanding of sports marketing, sports teams and league licensing requirements.
• Must be able to thrive in high-pressure, constantly-changing, time-sensitive work environment.
• Must possess excellent time management and multi-tasking skills with the ability to concurrently manage several programs with vastly different content and hurdles.
• Must have a working knowledge of print production processes, timelines and limitations with the ability to quickly resolve issues with cross-functional partners and vendors.
• Ability to maintain a professional attitude at all times, with co-workers and with external customers and vendors.
• Proven history of creative and analytical product development strategy with the ability to direct interesting, diverse and content driven collections.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively share ideas and create followers.

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management or related field preferred.5 years professional work experience in related field desired.
• Sports industry experience highly desired.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point, and Internet use. Ability to learn Prod Plan and Execution programs.