Product Development Manager, Hardlines, Global Licensed Merchandise

Why Sony Interactive Entertainment?

Sony Interactive Entertainment isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is the company behind the PlayStation brand. As a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, we’re part of a proud legacy of innovation and excellence. SIE is a dynamic technology company, delivering cutting-edge hardware and network services to more than 100 million people and an entertainment leader, home to some of the most beloved and recognizable intellectual properties (IP) in the world. Our role at SIE is to create and nurture the experiences under the PlayStation brand, a name synonymous with entertainment excellence and creativity.

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.

 

Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.

Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond. 

Sony Interactive Entertainment is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.