Creative Services and Product Development Manager

Start Date: ASAP

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 9.30am - 6pm

Salary: depending on experience

Location: Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, Hybrid working with a minimum 3 days in the office

To set the creative and design direction of the brands within the Aardman licensing portfolio as well as providing guidance and input in the creative development or acquisition of new IP for inclusion in the licensing and consumer products roster. Your focus will be on licensing and consumer products.

You will have a strong understanding of consumer trends and their application to licensing and consumer products, including execution at retail, and ensure Aardman's licensing style guides and brand assets are fit for purpose in relation to the commercial exploitation of each IP.

In addition, you will be able to support licensees, agents, and partners with product development, from design concepts through to production, and understand key category manufacturing processes to ensure that the assets and collateral of the licensing style guides meet partner requirements.

You will need experience of working in the licensing and consumer products industry, ideally managing character brands. We're looking for strong product development experience and an understanding of the creative process as it relates to consumer productions from design concepts through to manufacture.

This role will require you to visualise and layout concepts, but design output will be delegated. A creative background is required, and applicants should be skilled in graphic design with proven experience using Adobe CS. Experience of working in international markets, in particular APAC, with agents, licensees, partners or retailers is also required for this position.

We will be reviewing applications for interview as they're submitted. Please confirm your salary expectations and availability in your cover letter.

Closing Date for applications is Friday 20^th September 2024.

Aardman is an independent and multi-Academy Award® and BAFTA® award winning studio. It produces feature films, series, advertising, games, and interactive entertainment.

Its productions are global in appeal, novel, entertaining, brilliantly characterised, and full of charm reflecting the unique talent, energy, and personal commitment of the Aardman team. The studio's work is often imitated, and yet the company continues to lead the field producing a rare brand of visually stunning content for cinema, broadcasters, digital platforms, and live experiences around the world.

In November 2018, Aardman became an Employee Owned organisation, ensuring that the studio remains independent and securing the creative legacy and culture of the company for the future.

Our Diversity & Inclusion Charter is our commitment to building a workforce that is truly reflective of society, underpinned by the belief that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential in delivering on our mission: to create entertainment for all and to be the most inspirational animation company in the world. We welcome applications from all individuals and are always happy to discuss flexible working needs. We've signed the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, a nationwide programme run by the Centre for Ageing Better to make workplaces age-friendly, and Aardman is also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a Living Wage Employer.