Freelance Product Development Associate (EMEA)
Duration - 12 months +
Category: Trading Cards & Trading Card Games (TC/TCGs)
Location: London (Hybrid)
Reports To: Senior Creative Director, Hardlines
Role Overview
We are seeking a creative, organized, and enthusiastic Freelance Product Development Associate to support the EMEA Trading Cards and Trading Card Games portfolio.
Working closely with the Senior Creative Director and wider Product Development team, you will help bring entertainment franchises to life through engaging products and packaging. You will coordinate with global licensees and internal cross-functional teams to ensure products meet brand standards, market trends, and commercial goals.
Key Responsibilities
Trend & Creative Design
- Support the creation of compelling product and packaging concepts rooted in core franchise storytelling.
- Conduct market research across gaming, collectibles, illustration, and broader cultural trends to inform design decisions.
- Apply core graphic design principles (layout, typography, color theory, visual hierarchy) to product approvals.
- Develop a working knowledge of category-specific design, manufacturing, and production processes.
Product Development & Coordination
- Manage day-to-day creative submissions, reviewing artwork, packaging, and marketing materials against brand and legal guidelines.
- Coordinate the internal approval process, providing clear, actionable design feedback to licensees.
- Maintain project timelines, accurate records, and workflow systems to ensure on-time delivery.
- Support overall category objectives through precise execution and attention to detail.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Build strong working relationships with internal teams (Franchise, Legal, Category, Marketing) and external licensees/agents.
- Communicate feedback clearly and constructiveness across cross-functional groups.
- Contribute positively to a collaborative, high-energy creative environment.
Candidate Profile
Essential
- Experience: 2+ years in Product Development, or a related creative field.
- Design Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and a strong grasp of design fundamentals.
- Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word); experience using AI tools for creative ideation or workflow efficiency.
- Core Competencies: Excellent organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
- Communication: Fluent in written and spoken English with strong interpersonal skills.
Preferred
- Background in licensing, entertainment, consumer products, toys, or collectibles.
- Knowledge of, or passion for, Trading Cards and Trading Card Games.
- Familiarity with licensing business models and brand approval workflows.
- Experience working with international stakeholders.