Brand Manager - Toys

Company Overview

LeapFrog (NYSE: LF) is a leading designer, developer and marketer of innovative, technology based educational products and related proprietary content. LeapFrog was founded in 1995 on the principle of providing unique learning experiences that fuse pedagogy with proprietary technology to produce engaging, delightful tools that foster a lifelong love of learning. The LeapFrog name is respected and loved by kids, parents and teachers around the world. Based in Emeryville, California, LeapFrog has developed a family of learning platforms that come to life with more than 100 interactive software titles, covering important subjects such as phonics, reading, math, music, geography, social studies, and science. In addition, the Company has created more than 35 stand-alone educational products for children from birth to 16 years. LeapFrog’s award-winning consumer products are available in six languages at major retailers in more than 25 countries around the world. The LeapFrog SchoolHouse™ curriculum programs are currently in 100,000 classrooms across the United States.

Every one of us - teacher and technician, engineer and artist - puts learning first and we know how to put those crucial, creative elements together to make learning fun, engaging and effective. We firmly believe one of our key factors to our success is the quality of our employees. Fun, engaging and effective individuals are welcome to join us as we continue our growth. The pace is fast and exciting with high performance expectations. LeapFrog offers a dynamic setting to help our employees thrive in an inspirational environment just as we do for our youth: over and over again. The desire to learn something new everyday is just what we seek in our employees too.

Position Overview

The Brand Manager, Toys, will lead new product development projects for a range of mini-lines within the Toy & Reading business unit as well as managing an existing portfolio and will be responsible for defining marketing strategy across this business.  The position requires strong knowledge of marketing principles and practices, the ability to lead cross-functional teams through new product development and launch processes, and the drive to execute a successful marketing and product plan through complete product lifecycles.  A strong affinity for toys and/or the ongoing education and development of children, for any reason, is strongly preferred.

The Brand Manager will report to the Director Of Marketing.

Key Responsibilities

• Overall business management, including short, medium and long-term strategic planning in conjunction with the Director of Marketing.
• Develop annual and long-range marketing plans to meet product line revenue and profitability targets.
• Identify unique brand and product opportunities; defendable and compelling positionings based on analysis and understanding of consumer needs; and ambitious marketing communication objectives
• Commission market research, category, trend and competitive analyses to identify compelling new product opportunities
• Lead new product development efforts including setting direction on product definition, design and features/benefits
• Work closely with content, product development and operations teams to achieve cost targets and ensure on-time market entry
• Lead cross-functional portfolio management process:
  • Cost improvement & refresh projects
  • New features & innovation projects
  • End Of Life projects
• Liaise with International team to ensure all initiatives are maximized globally to their full potential
• Conduct timely analysis of sales performance and execute effective reaction tactics.
• Be a product champion creating internal and external enthusiasm for the product line.
• Effectively interface with upper-management, executives, other departments, customers, vendors and outside contacts as an inspirational expert for the brand.
• Prepare presentations on a regular basis which are capable of selling and supporting your ideas through all levels of the business
• Management of an ABM

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of marketing principles and practices.
• Experience working in a deadline oriented environment with a high attention to product quality.
• Hands on experience with brand and business management basics, product positioning, budgeting and packaging.
• Experience developing products and managing them through full life cycle
• Experience within the Toy industry is preferred – experience with products targeted at parents and their children would be considered
• Must be a self starter with energy, drive and determination to accomplish goals.
• Must possess a strong work ethic, which drives him/her on a daily basis to achieve goals.
• Must demonstrate leadership ability in motivating and guiding cross functional teams.
• Must be results oriented and will possess excellent analytical skills as well as a keen creative sense.
• Must have the ability to turn financial data into sound business decisions
• Must have demonstrated the ability to multi-task in previous work environments and be able to set priorities, stay focused, and set clear milestones.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage a major product line or sub-brand
• Superior verbal and written communication skills are critical for this position.
• Must have supervisory experience

Education & Training

• BS/BA with marketing emphasis or equivalent relevant experience.
• MBA with similar emphasis or equivalent relevant experience in Marketing preferred.
• 3 + years commercial experience in a consumer-driven company – Toy company preferred