About Us:

At Schylling, we create timeless moments of joy, laughter, and imagination for kids of all ages. Since 1975, we’ve been designing toys that spark creativity, inspire play, and bring smiles, whether through cherished classics or fresh innovations with a nostalgic twist. The Schylling portfolio includes iconic brands like NeeDoh®, LAVA® Lamp, Big Wheel®, Sea-Monkeys®, and many beloved classic toys, each crafted to encourage curiosity, discovery, and a sense of wonder. Join us in bringing play to the world!

Job Overview:

The Product Development Director is a key leader responsible for driving product innovation, managing strategic line planning, and ensuring seamless execution of Schylling’s brand portfolio. Reporting to the VP of Product Development, this role plays a pivotal part in shaping a compelling, consumer-driven product roadmap that fuels business growth and strengthens brand identity.

As a key leader, you will oversee the full product lifecycle—from ideation to manufacturing—while leading designers, optimizing development processes, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure products meet creative, quality, and financial targets. This role requires a seasoned product development leader with a strong background in toy design, manufacturing, and strategic brand-building.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Product Vision & Development

• Drive revenue generating product innovation by identifying market gaps and developing commercially viable product that excites consumers.
• Partner with the VP of Product Development to define and execute Schylling’s product and brand roadmap, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Lead consumer and market trend analysis, translating insights into innovative product opportunities.
• Facilitate brainstorming and ideation sessions with the design team, fostering a culture of creativity and strategic thinking.
• Oversee the full product development lifecycle, ensuring designs are market-ready, manufacturable, and aligned with brand standards.
• Mentor and direct designers, balancing creative freedom with feasibility and business considerations.
• Advocate for new ideas, materials, and technologies that push the boundaries of product innovation.

Strategic Line Planning

• Develop strategic product line plans, ensuring a well-rounded assortment that aligns with market demand and pricing strategy.
• Define key product objectives, price points, and competitive positioning, working closely with design and marketing teams.
• Maintain a clear vision for product storytelling, ensuring cohesive brand messaging across all consumer touchpoints.

Project & Team Management

• Milestone Leadership: Set clear project timelines, milestones, and deliverables, ensuring on-time and on-budget execution.
• Daily Direction: Provide hands-on leadership to designers, ensuring creative projects progress efficiently.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key presenter and decision-maker in product, packaging, and concept reviews.
• Resource Allocation: Optimize internal and external resources, ensuring the best balance of talent and efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a key liaison between product development, marketing, procurement, and global supply teams, ensuring smooth coordination.
• Work daily with Schylling’s Hong Kong product engineer to provide design direction and address manufacturing inquiries.
• Manage relationships with contract manufacturers in China, ensuring quality, feasibility, and production efficiency.
• Budget Oversight: Monitor project costs, ensuring profitability and cost efficiencies across all product lines.

Qualifications & Experience:

• BA or BS in Toy Design, Industrial Design.
• 15+ years of experience in product development, industrial design, or toy manufacturing.
• Proven leadership experience managing design teams, product pipelines, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Deep understanding of toy industry trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and cost structures, with experience working directly with overseas factories.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate complex development challenges.
• Passion for toys, innovation, and brand storytelling.
• Experience overseeing multi-category product development (e.g., collectibles, preschool, games, plush).
• Background in licensing partnerships and intellectual property development.
• Familiarity with toy safety regulations, compliance standards, and quality control processes.

Schylling offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage with an 80% company contribution, company-paid life and disability insurance, PTO and at least 9 paid holidays, product discount, and a two-year cliff vesting 401k with weekly company match and eligibility after 30 days.