Associate Product Manager

About the Opportunity

TalentoHC has partnered with a leading global toy and consumer products company seeking an Associate Product Manager to join its Plush Division on a temporary leave-coverage basis at its Fort Lauderdale, FL headquarters. This is a product development coordination role—not a software or digital product role. The APM sits within the Plush Product Development team and helps keep existing plush programs organized and on track across all phases of the development cycle, from concept through launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Product Development Manager across all phases of plush product development, from initial concept through mass production and launch.
• Track product status, development milestones, samples, revisions, approvals, packaging, testing, and manufacturing deliverables across a high-volume portfolio of SKUs.
• Create and maintain development calendars and project timelines—with a strong preference for Smartsheet—to ensure clear visibility and communication across teams.
• Coordinate sample requests, log incoming samples, collect internal feedback, communicate revisions to vendors, and track updated samples through final approval.
• For plush specifically, manage revision cycles involving materials, colors, sizing, embroidery, construction, character details, and other product specifications.
• Serve as a cross-functional coordinator between Product Development, Design, Packaging, Licensing, Marketing, Quality/Compliance, Sourcing, and vendor partners.
• Communicate with overseas suppliers, factories, and sourcing teams on sample status, revision requirements, and production timelines.
• Help ensure products meet all functional specifications and safety requirements prior to market launch.
• Maintain item master records with accurate costing, factory information, and product details.
• Participate in internal meetings to support visibility into product status and development progress.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Direct, hands-on experience in the development of physical consumer products (toys, plush, dolls, apparel, accessories, beauty, housewares, or a related category).
• Demonstrated experience managing product development timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to track 20–50+ SKUs simultaneously.
• Experience coordinating product samples and prototypes, including managing revision cycles.
• Proficiency with project management tools; Smartsheet experience is a strong plus.
• Experience communicating with vendors, suppliers, factories, or sourcing partners, including overseas manufacturing contacts.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office and G-Suite, particularly Excel.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple shifting priorities and strict deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Licensed product experience (style guide management, licensor submissions, and approval processes) is a strong plus.
• Prior experience in the toy, plush, or consumer products industry is preferred.