JOB VACANCY: Product Development Manager – Plush Toys

Product Development Manager – Plush Toys

Location: M1/A14 Corridor (Hybrid working, approx. 3 days per week in office)

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Industry: Toys / Consumer Products

About the Company

We are an established and successful toy company with a strong reputation for quality, creativity, and innovation. Based in the M1/A14 corridor, we design and deliver products that delight children and collectors alike. With continued growth in our plush toy category, we are seeking a talented Product Development Manager to lead the creation of new designs and manage the full product lifecycle.

Role Overview

The Product Development Manager – Plush Toys will be responsible for driving the design, development, and delivery of new plush toy ranges. This is a hands-on role requiring both creative flair and operational discipline. You will collaborate with internal teams and external manufacturing partners to ensure products meet design intent, quality standards, and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of plush toy products, from concept through to production.

• Generate innovative design ideas and translate them into commercially viable plush toy ranges.

• Create and maintain detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs), product specifications, and technical documentation.

• Liaise with factories and suppliers to ensure accurate sampling, costings, and production timelines.

• Input into product approvals, safety compliance, and quality standards.

• Work closely with marketing, sales, and supply chain teams to align product launches with business objectives.

• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to inform design direction.

• Oversee project budgets, timelines, and deliverables to ensure successful product launches.

Candidate Profile

• Mandatory: Minimum of 3 years experience in plush toy product development.

• Strong creative skills with the ability to design appealing, innovative plush toys.

• Excellent technical knowledge of plush toy construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.

• Ability to produce accurate BOMs, product specs, and technical packs.

• Experience working directly with factories in different geographies to manage sampling and production.

• Strong project management skills with attention to detail and deadlines.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

• Commercial awareness and understanding of consumer trends.

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid working arrangement is possible for the right candidate.

• Approx. 3 days per week in the office (M1/A14 corridor) to effectively collaborate with the team and manage product development processes.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape and grow a key product category in a successful, established company.

• Creative, collaborative working environment.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Career progression within a growing business.

Toy Recruitment is working as a 3rd party recruitment agency to find suitably qualified applicants for this role. We recruit from across the world of Toys & Games - from creatives to C suite to Commercial roles.