Design Project Manager [Contract]

What will you work on

As Project Manager you will manage product development schedules for the Design department. You will interact with various internal departments such as Product Design Product Development Brand Engineering Packaging Quality Assurance and Compliance as well as external vendors to ensure the completion of project addition You will manage inventor relations including summarizing inventor submissions corresponding with inventors tracking prototypes scheduling kid testing and scheduling Inventor Pitch Sessions. Finally the candidate will support licensor submissions and style guides.

How will you create impact

• Manages project milestones project scope resourcesand mitigates risks by having a full understanding of schedules and communicating potential issues with all necessary teams.
• Review project management system and work with Brand Product Development and Engineering to coordinate and establish priorities and workload to the Design Directors and Designers.
• With Creative Directors (Product Design Innovation Director License Design Director and Innovation Director) create and disseminate timelines and priorities for the Design team: i.e. Product Designers Graphic Designers Illustrators and outside vendors
• Review innovation concept product spec and final spec requirements with Creative Directors building out schedules to account for asset turn over and approvals.
• Proactively plan out season with Creative Directors to identify projects to be produced by external partners and freelancers.
• Proactively work with Brand Product Development and Engineering teams to manage Design team schedules on a weekly basis.
• Schedule and lead Weekly Working Review meetings to update Brand and cross-functional teams on Design progress and/or issues.
• Set agenda topics manage meeting discussion collect meeting minutes. Share clear and actionable notes and next steps.
• Advise project stakeholders on potential risk to Design deliverables make proactive recommendations to improve project schedule.
• Attend all Product Development Key Launch meetings to advise on Design milestones deliverables or outstanding asset handover.
• Note when projects have been kicked off and clarify the timelines to all Cross functional teams.
• Attend Product Development Reviews (PDR) and Line Review Meetings collect and provide Design team updates on approved items.
• Develop partnership with Brand and PD team members to ensure sales meetings and toy-fair requests are received in a timely manner.
• Manage schedules for all Trade Shows and sales meetings and work with cross functional teams to proactively get full scope on what samples are needed and due dates.
• Collect summarize and share all inventor submissions with Product Design Innovation Director.
• Schedule internal and external Inventor Pitch sessions taking care of all correspondence collection of NDAs sample submissions and any needed follow-ups.
• Manage Inventor Samples ensuring any needed reviews kid testing and timely replies.
• Support License Design Director with inbound and outbound licensing submissions.

What are your skills and experience

• Computer Skills- MS office suite required Familiarity with Project Management software and systems a plus
• Presentation skills with ability to create their own presentations
• Excellent knowledge of Excel Power Point and Word with knowledge of Smartsheets a plus.
• Ability to assess and manage interactions in a timely matter with teams both in office and working remotely.

The anticipated pay range for candidates who will work in Wilton CT is $37.50 to $45Per Hour. The offered pay to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to years of experience within the job years of experience within the required industry education etc. Spin Master Inc. is a multi-state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions that work only in other states.

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