Manager - Product Development (Techno-commercial)

Job Description:

• Lead and inspire a dynamic creative team within the toy manufacturing department, fostering a culture of innovation.

• Provide creative direction aligned with Funskool India's brand identity and market positioning.
• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring adherence to Funskool’s standards from ideation to manufacturing and distribution.
• Coordinate seamlessly with design, engineering, and production teams for timely project execution.
• Conduct in-depth market research to identify toy industry trends, consumer preferences, and competitive insights.
• Integrate findings into product development strategies to maintain Funskool’s position as a trendsetter.
• Collaborate closely with the design team to conceptualize and develop innovative toy concepts aligned with Funskool’s target audience.
• Ensure designs align with safety standards, market demands, and Funskool’s creative vision.
• Oversee the development and testing of prototypes, ensuring product safety, quality, and playability.
• Implement iterative refinement based on testing outcomes to optimize the final product.
• Work closely with the manufacturing team to translate creative designs into efficient and cost-effective production processes.
• Maintain open communication channels to address manufacturing challenges and meet production timelines.
• Establish and enforce high-quality standards for all toy products, maintaining Funskool’s reputation for excellence.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety regulations and compliance with industry standards.
• Develop and manage budgets for product development projects, ensuring optimal resource allocation for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and distribution teams to align product strategies with Funskool’s market objectives.
• Foster effective communication and coordination between departments to drive overall business success.
• Effectively handle multiple teams and direct them towards roles and responsibilities.
• Direct, review, and approve product design and changes.
• Ability to work across numerous product categories.
• Possess knowledge of approval systems processes, product development, and manufacturing for both Soft Lines and Hard Lines products.
• Develop product launch plans, including pricing strategies, marketing plans, and sales forecasts.
• Provide guidance and leadership to the product development team, ensuring team members are motivated and engaged.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as engineering, marketing, and sales to develop product specifications and features.
• Manage the product development process from concept to launch, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Conduct product testing and validation to ensure products meet quality standards and are safe for consumers.
• Effective in customer handling, problem-solving, and risk management.
• Effective in project management, resource planning, proposals preparation, and project planning.
• Coordinates and supports projects, making detailed plans to accomplish goals and directing the integration of technical activities.

Educational/Academic Qualification

Post Diploma in Plastic Moulding and Technology (CIPET), Dip from NTTF
BE/B.Tech - Plastic or Polymer Tech
BE/B.Tech - Mech

Experience

minimum of 10 years in Project Management

Above 35 age 

Preferred Industry

Experience in the manufacturing industry is preferred

Desired Profile / Criteria / Skills :

• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects on an ongoing basis
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with other teams, stakeholders, and customers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify market needs and develop innovative product concept.
• Good organizational and time management skills to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
•Continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in product development and technology.
•Overall, a product development manager plays a critical role in managing the product development process and launching new products successfully in the market. They must possess a combination of technical and personal skills to effectively manage cross-functional.