Job Description
In the world of toys, Jumbo Group is an exciting organisation with 4 main locations in The Netherlands (Koninklijke Jumbo), Spain (Diset), United Kingdom (James Galt) and France (Dujardin). There are various sales offices in Europe and international sales take place in 50 different countries. Getting the best out of yourself, showing entrepreneurship, being proactive and giving everything for the customer is paramount at Jumbo. Are you curious about our organisation where innovation and challenges are part of the day-to-day work, then respond directly to this interesting vacancy.
Jumbo UK (James Galt) is looking for a Product Developer who will be working in the Product Development Team, based in the UK. This team's primary responsibility is to bring innovative and high-quality toy products to market within the agreed timeframe and cost.
You will be responsible for developing new and exciting brands and products within learning and creativity, games, and toys. Projects will be the development of new products or improvements to existing ranges.
Main Duties & Responsibilities:
Your role will encompass (without being limited to) the following for the items, you will be entrusted with:
1. Idea Generation and Brainstorming:
· Propose, brainstorm and conceptualize product designs that align with the brand's objectives and marketing briefs.
· Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and innovations in the toy market so as to incorporate innovative features and design elements into the new product concepts and be the point of reference for all things related to technology and new innovative features.
2. Product Design, Specs and Prototyping:
· In collaboration with the Industrial and Graphic designers and with the QA/QC team, create detailed product designs and specifications.
3. Costing:
· In collaboration with the procurement team, select the potential vendors for each new project.
· Using the target cost given by Brand management, follow up with the pre-selected vendors to quote each project in accordance with the product specifications and review the detailed Bill of Material and tool plan/cost to ensure accuracy.
· Review cost down options if and when necessary and until the BoM and tool costs are approved.
4. Prototyping:
· Collaborate with software house, printers and mock up vendors for the preparation of mock ups and prototypes.
5. Toy Development:
· Create and/or collaborate with internal and external teams in the creation of all aspects related to the product, ensuring they meet safety, quality and sustainability standards, including (but not limited to):
- Hardware development: tooling, colour schemes, engravings, deco
- Graphic design: Work with graphic designers and illustrators to create attractive and on-brand packaging for the toy products, accurate user manuals, and attractive graphics for all illustrated material related to the product. With the cooperation of the QA/QC team, ensure that all markings meet the safety requirements enforced in each market.
· During the whole development, ensure that the unit costs are controlled and timelines are met. Collaborate closely with the Brand Management team to ensure that product designs align with the brand's messaging and positioning and
6. Production preparation:
· Create the final detailed specs of the item, for the factory’s use.
· Review and approve the seal samples before production.
7. Cost Management:
· Manage product development budgets to ensure projects are cost-effective and within budget constraints.
· Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising product quality.
8. Market Feedback and Iteration:
· Collect and analyse customer feedback and market data to consider product improvements and future designs.
· Continuously iterate on existing products to meet evolving market demands.
9. Marketing support
· Provide support to the Brand Management, Marketing and Content teams to provide information and assets for marketing tools such as online marketing, in store marketing, catalogues…
Key Skills:
- Educated to Degree level or equivalent, ideally in a product design / creative subject.
- Candidates should be able to demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm and creative flair for working with products in this multi-role position.
- Planning ability and excellent organisational skills required to manage and coordinate the product development process.
- Good presentational skills and effective verbal and written communication needed for internal and external meetings.
- Strong attention to detail and good standard of literacy.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Self-motivated with strong self-direction and initiative.
- The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to changing circumstances, processes and priorities.
Experience:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar creative role.
- The ideal candidate will have experience in developing new products including costing, sourcing and briefing.
- Graphic design experience
- Knowledge of 3D CAD software desirable but not essential.
- Far East experience desirable but not essential.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Pension plan
- Health cash plan
- Flexible working hours
- 2 days a week working from home