Universal Orlando Resort · 1 day ago
Associate Merchandise Product Developer
Orlando, FL
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
2+ years expUniversal Orlando Resort is seeking an Associate Merchandise Product Developer to implement product development processes and collaborate with various teams for effective communication and accountability. This role focuses on driving innovation within product categories and ensuring quality execution while managing vendor relationships.
Entertainment
Responsibilities
Product development process implementation: Assists on all aspects of product development steps and product is delivered and ready for point of purchase (including managing art-to-product, sample creation, fit sessions/paint master/tooling, where applicable, social and safety compliance and quality). Coordinates between vendors, suppliers, and Product Design & Development to facilitate kickoffs, submittals, and approvals executed on time
Category & creative design: Follows calendar development timelines and production timing for specific items. Executes seasonal and long-range plans, based on strong understanding of the past and present product performance and landscape. Supports execution of key milestone meetings, working in collaboration with Category Product Manager and Product Design & Development. Maintains data in tracking system – buy plans, assortment sheets – and manages multiple projects per season
Vendor selection & management: Supports business model (direct to factory or vendor) and vendor selection, with input and feedback from other team members. Works cross functionally with Product Design & Development to ensure production ready tech packs and control drawings provided to vendor. Monitors production work in progress and manages all reports/working files with vendors for development. Facilitates timely communication with internal and external parties
Sourcing Quality execution: Collaborates closely with the product sourcing team to manage both international and domestic vendors. Engages in strategic negotiations to reduce costs, tariffs, and minimum order quantities, while optimizing the flow of goods. Reviews competitor analysis, benchmarks industry standards, and focuses on practical trends, product innovation, and market dynamics to ensure quality execution
Partnership and Communication: Proactively fosters positive and efficient communication with partners, PDS, Creative, Planning & Operations, vendors, leaders, team members, and IP partners to resolve challenges and achieve objectives
Financial ownership & cost savings: Assists in specific category performance metrics, including per capita (per cap) sales, cost of goods (COG), and inventory goals. Ensures timely delivery to meet these objectives. Actively seeks out and implements cost-saving opportunities to enhance category performance
Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree is required
2+ years in related. Required experience in retail product development/buying; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Requires interaction with global partners outside normal business hours
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws
Company
Universal Orlando Resort
For years, we’ve been creating a legacy of unforgettable experiences for our Guests.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Universal Orlando Resort 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 (8)
2024 (8)
2023 (5)
2022 (5)
2021 (2)
2020 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Tracey Stockwell
CFO
Bobby B. Belzeski
Human Resources Business Partner
Company data provided by crunchbase