Retail Product Develop, Senior

SeaWorld is a world-renowned leader in the themed-park and entertainment industry. Our success is built on a passion for caring for animals and a dedication to delivering positive, memorable experiences to people from around the world. Were also committed to helping ambitious people achieve their professional best. We're always seeking exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable individuals to join our team.

What you get to do:

As a Senior Retail Product Developer, you will lead the design, sourcing, and production of innovative, on-brand hardline products—including toys, collectibles, games, novelty items, home goods, and other interactive merchandise. You’ll oversee the development process from ideation to market launch, ensuring product integrity, guest engagement, and revenue growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conceptualize, develop, and execute exclusive hardline and toy products that resonate with guests and align with SeaWorld’s and parks and across the United Parks & Resorts brand identity.
• Identify and leverage emerging trends in toys, collectibles, games, and interactive merchandise to drive new product development and expand category offerings.
• Develop multi-year product roadmaps, using consumer insights and market research to create compelling, high-margin merchandise assortments.
• Lead product development from prototype to production, ensuring a balance between design innovation, playability, durability, and safety standards.
• Partner with licensors, designers, and manufacturers to create engaging, high-quality products that meet brand and guest expectations.
• Oversee vendor negotiations, optimizing unit costs, tooling investments, production timelines, and material specifications to ensure efficiency and profitability.
• Maintain expertise in product safety and compliance with ASTM, CPSIA, and international toy safety standards, ensuring all products meet or exceed regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with merchandising, planning, and operations teams to ensure smooth product launches, accurate demand planning, and optimal inventory levels.
• Drive licensed and proprietary product development, working with internal teams and external partners to create exclusive branded merchandise that enhances the guest experience.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations based on sales data, industry trends, and competitive analysis to optimize product performance.
• Mentor junior team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture within the product development team.

What it takes to succeed:

• 5+ years of experience in toy, hardline, or consumer product development, with a strong track record in bringing products to market.
• Bachelor’s degree is required – Product development, industrial design, merchandising, or a related field is preferred.
• Expertise in the entire product development lifecycle, including concepting, sourcing, prototyping, manufacturing, and launch strategies.
• Deep understanding of materials, plastics, electronics, and interactive product features used in toy and hardline manufacturing.
• Experience working with domestic and international factories, including sourcing from China and other key manufacturing regions.
• Strong knowledge of safety, compliance, and testing protocols.
• Ability to balance creative innovation with business objectives, ensuring products are both commercially viable and guest-centric.
• Skilled in vendor management, negotiations, and cost engineering to optimize profitability.
• Familiarity with licensing, branding, and intellectual property considerations in product development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools to track product performance and sales trends.

The perks of the position:

• Paid Time Off
• Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
• Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K Retirement plan
• Voluntary Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.