Manager Development Program Management - job 1 of 2

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Opportunity: 

The role of the DPM Manager is built upon demonstrating a high level of business/role acumen and assuming responsibility for end-to-end ownership of their roles, while serving our customers.  This is a high growth, high visibility role with the opportunity to have frequent communication with senior management.  

What Your Impact Will Be: 

Category Management

• Effectively communicate strategies, challenges and recommendations to influence executives and key stakeholders
• Consistently demonstrate strategic thinking through detailed data analysis, reasoning and experience to minimize risks, solve issues and grow the business
• Ownership and optimization of Product Development processes
• Managing tooling $ and overall product development count within allotted targets
• Driving the right behavior based on evaluation of category performance metrics

Managing People

• Coaching and training PM’s to optimize their performance
• Outlining career growth opportunities
• Providing frequent, critical and honest feedback
• Ability to create resource requirements for new or growth programs
• Evaluating resources to ensure they are adequate and balanced

Managing Product

• Drive multiple products concurrently thru the end to end process
• Ensure high quality products that meet functional requirements are delivered on time and on cost
• Provide accurate cost and schedule estimates
• Evaluate product samples
• Ensure data integrity in Mattel systems (e.g. Agile, Workfront)

Collaboration

Work as one team. Seek out diverse perspective.  Communicate openly.

• Ability to effectively communicate to all levels
• Facilitate product approval meetings and team meetings
• Provide feedback to direct reports on their performance including strengths and areas of opportunity
• Proactively seek feedback on performance from cross functional teams
• Facilitate conversations with Asia counterparts

 Innovation

Challenge the status quo.  Focus on the Consumer.  Improve Continuously.

• Able to drive process documentation globally, influence others and actively engage them in continuous improvement projects
• Review consumer insights and online product comments
• Help to lead strategic initiatives across the category and across the Design and Development organization

Execution

Deliver results.  Focus on solutions.  Be decisive.

• Deliver product on time and on cost
• Ensure high quality product that functions as specified
• Learn from other teams and drive best practices
• Able to quickly identify and validate data, and drive corrective action for incorrect or missing data

What We’re Looking For:

• 5+ years of relevant experience working in Program Management, Product Development or related field in consumer products
• Strong analytical and critical thinking mindset
• Ability to positively interact and connect with a diverse group of individuals (e.g. Design, Marketing, Engineering, Model Makers, Manufacturing, Finance, Planning, etc.)
• Proficiency in Product Scheduling and Product Lifecycle Management software along with Excel, Powerpoint
• Good understanding of financial indicators which influence product selection
• Superior organization and multi-tasking skills
• Comfortable and confident presenting to executives
• Ability to provide critical, honest feedback to direct reports
• Effective listening, influencing and problem-solving capabilities
• Overseas travel required
• Demonstrated growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

The annual base salary range for this position is between $136,800 and $155,000.
**This range is indicative of projected hiring range, however annual base salary will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Mattel Investor Highlights