New Product Developer – Toys & Compounds

Location: Hybrid (UK-based, with 2–3 days per month in our Shoreham by Sea office)Are you passionate about creating exciting toy and compound products for global markets? Do you combine creative flair with commercial focus and project management expertise? Would you love the chance to work with a global business at the forefront of trend-led product innovation?If so, we’d love to hear from you. Paladone is looking for a New Product Developer to lead development of exciting, high-volume products under the WeCool Toys brand.WeCool Toys is a global designer and manufacturer of dynamic toys, crafts, compounds, and more. We manage the full production and distribution lifecycle from concept through to shelf –with a focus on creativity, innovation, and fun.As part of Paladone Group Holdings, you’ll be joining a wider team known for creating award-winning consumer products and licensed giftware for the world’s best-loved brands.The OpportunityAs a New Product Developer, you’ll take ownership of planning, developing, and delivering new toy and compound product ranges – ensuring they are innovative, commercially viable, and production-ready.You’ll collaborate closely with internal departments including Design, Compliance, and Supply Chain, as well as with our USA-based creative team supporting a seamless partnership with their Product Development and Design functions to align product concepts, packaging, and timelines across regions.This is a hybrid role, with 2–3 in-office days per month and flexibility the rest of the time.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and deliver trend-led product ranges for WeCool ToysCollaborate with our USA-based Design and Product Development teams to align concepts and executionLead concept creation, competitor research, and market opportunity identificationManage product lifecycles through design, artwork, approvals, and factory handoverOversee packaging development, proofing, and final approvalsMaintain and track project progress using internal systems (e.g. BeCPG)Partner with Sales to develop customer-exclusive lines and attend meetings when requiredEnsure compliance and margin targets are met, with accurate copy and labellingWork collaboratively with global teams, especially supply chain and Far East factoriesChampion process improvements and support mentoring junior team membersWhat You’ll BringProven experience in new product development, within toys, crafts, compounds or consumer goodsStrong understanding of packaging, product compliance, and supplier communicationExcellent organisational skills and attention to detailAbility to manage multiple projects and meet critical deadlinesStrong commercial awareness and understanding of retailer and consumer needsCreative mindset with a practical, hands-on approachExperience working with Far East manufacturing is highly desirableConfident using Microsoft Office and product management tools (BeCPG experience is a plus)What We OfferWork-Life Balance & Flexibility25 days holiday + bank holidaysFlexible start/finish times and hybrid working (2–3 office days/month)Holiday buy/sell schemeEarly finish on your birthday and Christmas closureWellbeing & LifestylePaid time off for medical appointmentsFree fruit, eye tests, flu jabsWellbeing days and mental health supportCycle to work schemeFinancial & Social BenefitsBonus scheme and annual pay reviewStaff discount on productsTech & furniture discount schemesFree parking, team socials, company events£100 annual team social budget per personLearning & DevelopmentTailored training plansAccess to ILM leadership coursesLinkedIn Learning and moreReady to Join the Team?If you’re excited to help shape the future of toy and compound product development at Paladone for the WeCool Toys brand, click apply and send your CV and cover letter. We aim to respond to all applicants within 10 working days.Location: Hybrid (UK-based, with 2–3 days per month in our Shoreham by Sea office)