Plush Toy Product Development (Merchandiser/Garment)

Associate Project Manager (in toys industry) is:
• Responsible for driving the execution of global plush toys portfolios, of projects assigned, to ensure that projects are diligently managed from concept completion.
• Source new vendors, managing and updating product development calendars with key milestone dates to ensure timely and successful delivery of products, identifying risks and opportunities to assess and overcome development hurdles, providing escalation to management with proposed solutions, and working with key personnel on the cross-functional teams to balance business, design, and technical objectives.
• Report to and coordinate with Project Manager and Supervisor, along with US Product managers and other team members, to determine and assess individual project needs.
• Possess a technical and manufacturing background, with experience in plush toy Manufacturing and development, along with a strategy and process-mapping background.
• Work closely with each factory and will be the main liaison between the company's global cross-functional teams (Brand, Design, Marketing, Engineering, Quality, Packaging, etc.), in order to properly manage product development from concept through final production.
• Travel to factories and some international travel is required 35%.

Requirement
• Experience with plush toy/ costumes or garment
• 2+ years in project management role for plush Toy or garment products
• Experience with manufacturing / buying office / trading office is preferred
• Knowledge of EU/US testing requirements (EN71, ASTM, CPSIA, etc.) is a plus
• Skills in/or other relevant tools to manage end-to-end development
• Proficient in G Suite and Microsoft Office
• Proactive thinker and problem solver, a self-starter, excellent team player
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Responsible, independent, hardworking, and willing to work under pressure
• Must be detailed oriented and have strong analytical skills
• Positive and strong personality and can handle changing priorities with a positive attitude
• Able to handle changes in direction and project challenges daily, with patience and respect
• Able to work independently with factories
• Can Speak, Read, & Write English.
• Strong interest and/or passion for toys a plus!