Product Specialist

Product Specialists (Junior Product Developer - Product Manager) | Licensing

Greater Manchester | £35,000 - £50,000 DOE

Overview:

Are you passionate about developing licensed products and looking for a business where you can genuinely make an impact?

We're open to speaking with ambitious product professionals at different stages of their career - whether you're an emerging Junior Product Developer, an experienced Product Developer, or an established Product Manager. What matters most is your commercial mindset, experience within licensed consumer products, and your desire to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

This is an opportunity to join a business with an exceptional culture, inspiring leadership team and an impressive track record of growth. You'll become part of a collaborative team where ideas are valued, ownership is encouraged and success is recognised.

Depending on your experience, you'll take ownership of multiple licensed product categories, managing the product lifecycle from concept and licensing approvals through to launch, trading and ongoing performance.

Blending product development, category management and supplier management, this role requires someone who enjoys balancing creativity with commercial thinking while working closely with licensors, suppliers and internal teams to bring exciting products to market.

What We're Looking For:

• Experience within Product Development, Product Management or Own Label Buying, within a licensing environment.

• Experience working with licensed brands and managing the product approval process with licensors.

• Experience managing products from concept through to launch (appropriate to your level).

• Commercial awareness with exposure to pricing, margins and supplier negotiations.

• Experience working with UK and international suppliers and manufacturers.

• Ability to interpret sales and performance data to support commercial decisions.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent organisation with the ability to manage multiple projects.

• Experience within consumer products such as homewares, gifting, toys, lifestyle, stationery or general merchandise.

• Exposure to international sourcing would be advantageous.

You'll Be Someone Who...

• Is commercially minded with a passion for creating products customers genuinely love.

• Enjoys working with well-known brands and bringing licensed products to life.

• Thrives in a fast-moving, ambitious environment.

• Is proactive, curious and eager to learn.

• Takes ownership and enjoys making things happen.

• Builds strong, collaborative relationships with licensors, suppliers and internal teams.

• Is adaptable, resilient and comfortable managing changing priorities.

The Role

Depending on your experience and level, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Develop and manage licensed product categories aligned to commercial objectives.

• Lead the end-to-end product development process from concept through to launch.

• Manage the licensing approval process, ensuring artwork, packaging and products meet brand guidelines.

• Build commercially successful ranges with clear pricing and margin strategies.

• Manage sampling, approvals, costing and production handover.

• Conduct market, competitor and trend analysis to identify new opportunities.

• Ensure products meet quality, commercial, customer and licensor expectations.

• Build and develop strong relationships with licensors, UK and international suppliers.

• Negotiate costs, lead times, MOQs and commercial terms.

• Identify new sourcing opportunities and manufacturing capabilities.

• Monitor sales, stock and category performance, identifying opportunities for growth.

• Analyse trading performance and implement actions to maximise results.

• Support forecasting and range planning alongside Merchandising and Planning teams.

• Attend supplier meetings, licensor meetings and trade shows where required.

What's On Offer

• Salary: £35,000 - £50,000, depending on experience and level.

• Genuine career progression as the business continues to grow.

• An ambitious, entrepreneurial culture where people are trusted and empowered.

• Exceptional leadership team with a proven track record of success.

• The opportunity to make a real commercial impact within a growing licensing business working with globally recognised brands.

BH36898