Product Development Manager, Hardlines, Global Licensed Merchandise

San Mateo, CA (Collab)/Remote

At PlayStation, we create unforgettable gaming experiences—and extend them beyond the screen through innovative, high-quality merchandise. We are seeking a Product Development Manager, Hardlines, Global Licensed Merchandise to lead the development of licensed hardline products, with a focus on toys and collectibles inspired by PlayStation’s iconic franchises.

This role will drive product development from concept to completion, translating beloved IP such as God of War, The Last of Us, Astro Bot, Helldivers 2, Horizon, and more into compelling physical products that resonate with a global audience of players and collectors.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end product development of licensed hardlines products (e.g., action figures, statues, replicas, prop collectibles, roleplay items) from concept through production.
• Act as a key point of contact with licensees for approvals, submissions, and product reviews.

• Work closely with product managers, engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to define product requirements and specifications.

• Ensure all products align with IP guidelines, storytelling, and franchise positioning.

• Facilitate approvals process from start to finish for all product and packaging from licensees.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends and opportunities for product improvement.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including timelines, budgets, and risk assessments.
• Track development progress against timelines, proactively identifying risks and driving solutions to keep projects on schedule.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize the product development process and enhance team efficiency. Improve our portal (MyMediabox) to streamline workflows.
• Collaborate with licensing, marketing, and sales teams to develop go-to-market strategies and support product launches.
• Partner closely with licensing to align on line plans, providing informed recommendations and adjustments to support brand strategy and commercial objectives.
• Collaborate with studio partners to communicate product direction, gather feedback, and ensure alignment throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Onboard submission process with licensees, agents, and brand collaboration partners.
• Catalog, manage and distribute final product samples including the coordination of sample archive.
• Clearly communicate and manage workback schedules, ensuring cross-functional teams are aligned on key milestones and deliverables.
• Demonstrate a solutions-oriented mindset, troubleshooting challenges and adapting plans to meet evolving business and partner needs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Design or equivalent
• 7+ years of experience in licensed consumer products, specifically in toys, collectibles, gaming, or entertainment hardlines.
• Advance understanding of product lifecycle management principles and best practices.
• Portfolio of demonstrated experience working with global IP and licensing approval processes.

• Solid proficiency with collectible formats, materials, manufacturing methods, and cost drivers for collectibles and toy categories (e.g., action figures, statues, blind box, premium collectibles).

• Strong product sensibility—balancing fan authenticity, quality, and commercial viability.

• Proven track record of successfully delivering projects in a timely manner.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Highly detail-oriented and exceptionally organized, with a proven ability to prioritize workstreams and consistently deliver against timelines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset and a passion for driving results.
• Experience in Photoshop, MyMediabox (or similar approval systems), PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator etc.
• Passion for gaming, pop culture, entertainment, or collectible markets is a plus.