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The Upper Deck Company · 3 months ago

Associate Product Development Specialist

Carlsbad, CA, US

Full-time

Onsite

Entry Level

$32K/yr - $70K/yr

2+ years exp

The Upper Deck Company is a leader in the trading card industry, and they are seeking an Associate Product Development Specialist. This role involves overseeing the production cycle of innovative trading card products, managing collaboration with various departments, and ensuring quality and market relevance.

Sports

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Product Development: In conjunction with internal and external parties, plays a central role with the management of the development of products in line with the company’s strategic initiatives; meeting legal, financial and design requirements and delivering consistent quality and safety standards. Responsible to closely monitor trading card industry trends to master the understanding of value drivers, including consistent communication with outside consultants. Works directly with Finance team to compose and edit financial costing documents. Responsible to draft and edit Strategic Brief documents for each product – providing detail for the specific vision and themes for all subsets and cards. Provides initial direction on layout and art design

Product Determination and Selection: Assists in the development of categories and products commensurate with strategies specified in licensed product portfolio strategies and business plans. Assists in providing input on reliable and cost-effective sources within established development process

Licensed Property Product Portfolio Management: Assists Director of Product Development in providing product portfolio management of licensed properties. Works with Executive Team, Sales, and Legal to support selection and evaluation of prospective sport-focused licenses. Anticipates, identifies, and capitalizes on sports card market industry trends

Collectibles Content Sourcing: Assists Coordinator group in market research and procurement efforts for vintage collectibles to be used as elements within select trading card lines

Quality Control/Ethics: Assists in the determination and communication of product quality standards. Monitors quality and manufacturing standards, ensuring adherence to Code of Conduct. Works closely with Operations to minimize manufacturing errors and delivery slippage

Marketing, Advertising, Promotion, and Solicitation Activity: Provides input into Marketing/Advertising/PR campaigns in line with corporate strategies and initiatives or other activities as designated. Attends regional Sales and Distributor meetings and Trade Shows to communicate product plans and strategies

Systems and Administration: Monitors cost of goods and inventory levels for collectibles content and raw materials. Review all SKU’s on a planned schedule, works closely with Finance when new orders are due to prepare preliminary data and review profit and loss statements

Communication: Responsible for keeping the Company up to date with ranging developments. Liaison with other departments. Supports Brand team in recommending, communicating and coordinating launch strategies and calendars, license acquisitions, product promotions, sales, etc

Qualification

Modern trading card marketProduct developmentFinancial costingMarket researchMS OfficeOrganizational skillsCommunication skillsLeadership abilitiesProblem-solving abilitiesTeam player orientation

Required

2+ years of experience in collecting modern trading cards (sports and/or entertainment)

Strong understanding of the modern trading card market (sports and/or entertainment) is required

Professional demeanor; team player orientation

Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple, high priority projects

Exceptional ability for attention to details – particularly with manipulating Excel spreadsheets

Strong oral and written communication skills

Superior interpersonal, leadership, negotiating, consulting, presentation, analytical and problem-solving abilities

Strong background in the management of direct and departmental reports and internal/external teams

Ability to interface with internal and external parties

Ability to perform duties under minimal supervision while exercising discretion and independent judgment

Hands on, energetic and motivated self-starter

Ability to travel domestically and internationally on behalf of the Company

Proficiency in the following software or systems: MS Office (advanced expertise with Excel is preferable)

Preferred

Bachelor's Degree with an emphasis in Marketing, Product Development and Design or a closely related field or equivalent experience is preferred

Company

The Upper Deck Company

Upper Deck, headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., is a worldwide sports and entertainment company built on the pillars of quality craftsmanship, authenticity and innovation with a dedication to creating products that turn memorable moments into collectibles.

Founded in 1988

Carlsbad, California, USA

51-200 employees

http://www.upperdeck.com

H1B Sponsorship

The Upper Deck Company has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

Represents job field similar to this job

Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (1)