Location: Shoreham By Sea
Are you passionate about bringing innovative products to life?
Do you have a keen eye for market trends and a strong understanding of product development?
Do you want to work with world-renowned brands such as Disney, Harry Potter, Warner Bros, and Barbie?
We are hiring 3x Product Developers (Mid Level to Senior) to join our Product Development Team on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover basis.
If you have experience in product design, development, and market research, this is an excellent opportunity to be part of a fast-growing, global company and contribute to the development of exciting new products!
Who Are We?
Paladone is a leading global wholesale giftware company, creating trend-led lifestyle products that bring joy to customers around the world. Our portfolio includes a mix of original branded products and licensed giftware from some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Disney, Harry Potter, Marvel, and DC Comics.
WeCool Toys is a Global Designer and Manufacturer of dynamic toys, crafts, and innovative compounds.
As part of Paladone Group Holdings, we bring creativity and fun to people worldwide!
The Opportunity
We are looking for New Product Developers at different levels (Mid-Level, and Senior) to support our Product Development Team on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover. Reporting to the Lead New Product Developer, you will play a key role in driving innovation, managing product development processes, and ensuring the successful launch of new products. This is an exciting role that blends creative thinking, commercial awareness, and project management skills.
What You’ll Be Doing
Innovation & Trends
- Contribute to new product innovation, generating ideas and offering commercially viable product suggestions.
- Ensure that products and packaging align with market trends and the ethos of each range.
Market Research
- Conduct competitor analysis and profiling, assessing industry trends and identifying opportunities.
- Present research findings to the team to support strategic product decisions.
New Product Development (NPD) Process
- Manage the end-to-end product development and approval process across assigned brands/ranges.
- Collaborate with Design, Hong Kong Merchandising, and Supply Chain teams to ensure smooth development.
- Assist in writing product briefs and specifications.
Critical Path Management
- Ensure that product launch timelines are met by adhering to a structured critical path.
- Identify potential risks and escalate them to ensure deadlines are maintained.
Artwork Approval & Sample Management
- Review artworks and samples in collaboration with the Lead Product Developer and Head of Creative .
- Ensure final sign-off aligns with brand and licensor guidelines.
Commercial Awareness & Customer Knowledge
- Develop an understanding of our top 30 customers and their consumer bases.
- Support the Lead Product Developer and Head of Creative in ensuring margin sign-off.
- Stay informed on customer requirements, deadlines, and product expectations.
Systems & Reporting
- Set up and manage product records in BeCPG (internal system) for all product types.
- Run reports to track development progress and maintain data integrity.
Customer Specials (NPD)
- Attend customer meetings and support with bespoke product development.
Copywriting & Product Details
- Write accurate and engaging product copy for packaging and presentations.
Category & Product Knowledge
- Develop a strong understanding of product categories, materials, manufacturing processes, and licenses.
- Stay informed on compliance requirements for various product categories.
Process & Efficiencies
- Follow and refine departmental working processes.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies in the NPD workflow.
What We Need You to Bring
- Experience in Product Development, preferably within giftware, consumer goods, or a related industry.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance creativity with market trends.
- Excellent project management skills, including the ability to develop and manage a critical path.
- Knowledge of Far East manufacturing processes and materials.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects.
- Ability to communicate effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and licensors.
- A proactive approach with problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
For Mid-Level Roles, we welcome applications from candidates with less experience but strong potential and a passion for product development.
For Senior-Level Roles, we are looking for candidates with extensive experience in product innovation, category management, and project leadership.
What We Offer in Return
Holiday & Work-Life Balance
- 22 days holiday per annum (rising by 1 day each year up to 26 days).
- Flexible working hours (start and finish between 07:30 AM – 6:00 PM).
- Hybrid working (1-2 days per week from home).
- Shorter working day on your birthday.
- Christmas closure.
Financial Benefits
- Staff discount on products (35% off wholesale price).
- Tech & Furniture purchase scheme (Currys & Ikea).
- Discounted legal services & free will.
- Access to financial advisors.
- Retail discounts.
- Free onsite parking.
Social & Wellbeing Perks
- Social Committee & Annual Sports Day.
- Fully funded company Christmas party & office events.
- £100 per person annually for self-organized team social events.
- Paid time off for medical/dental appointments.
- Free eye tests & flu vaccinations.
- Wellbeing days.
- SharePoint portal with healthy lifestyle & mental well-being advice.
- Free fruit.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Sports & safety/well-being committees.
Employee Support
- Employee Assistance Programme (Telus Health).
- NHS Top-Up (WPA – claim expenses for dental, optical treatments, therapies & more).
- Access to mental health coaching & occupational health support.
- Financial education & support (pensions advice, legal services).
- Mental Health First Aiders.
- Wellness & Menopause Action Plans.
What’s Next?
If you are looking for an opportunity to develop innovative, market-leading products and work in a creative, fast-paced environment, we’d love to hear from you!
Click Apply and submit your CV and Cover Letter today. We aim to respond to all successful applicants within 5 working days.
For more information or to ask any questions please contact Paladone Recruitment Team at Recruitment@Paladone.com