Product Development Manager (Contract)

Overview

Contract Position (12-Month Assignment)

ZeniMax Media is home to a diverse collection of world class development studios and publishing teams dedicated to creating groundbreaking interactive entertainment. Across our organization, we craft experiences that span epic open worlds, genre‑defining action, deeply immersive storytelling, and innovative new IP's that deliver games that resonate with players around the globe. United by a commitment to craftsmanship, technical excellence, and creative ambition, our teams push the medium forward with every project. Guided by our core values: Diversity, Innovation, Loyalty, Integrity and Commitment, Quality & Creativity, and Strategic Thinking. We strive to cultivate an environment where people feel empowered to do their best work and contribute to games that inspire millions.

Bethesda Softworks is seeking an experienced Product Development Manager to lead product development across Hard Lines categories for the Consumer Products & Licensing business. This role manages licensed product development from concept through retail launch, ensuring products meet Bethesda's quality standards, franchise objectives, and partner expectations. The role serves as Bethesda's primary product development lead for Hard Lines, partnering closely with licenses, internal stakeholders, Amazon, retail representatives, and Xbox product development teams where applicable.

Responsibilities

Category Ownership

• Primary: Hardlines categories, including toys, collectibles, figures, statues, replicas, role-play products, consumer electronics, premium merchandise, and related products.
• Secondary: Publishing, board games, and tabletop gaming products.

Product Development Leadership

• Work with Licensing Managers and licensed consumer product partners to define product lines that support franchise and commercial objectives.
• Fully lead product development with Hardlines partners from concept through production and launch.
• Manage toy and collectible product development for Bethesda licensed consumer product partners and internal stakeholders.
• Review, evaluate, and approve concepts, prototypes, samples, packaging, and final production submissions, tracking and communicating approval feedback.
• Provide clear product development direction on specifications, dimensions, materials, manufacturing considerations, quality, and brand accuracy.

Asset Management and Brand Stewardship

• Manage the collection, organization, and distribution of product development assets provided by Bethesda studios and internal teams.
• Proactively build relationships with studio contacts and drive development of additional assets when needed.
• Ensure products accurately represent Bethesda intellectual property, including relevant characters, creatures, factions, locations, vehicles, weapons, and lore.
• Assist with licensing style guide development and delivery.

Partner and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary product development contact for assigned Hardlines, publishing, and board game partners.
• Collaborate with Licensing, Marketing, Publishing, Studios, Creative Services, Communications, Retail, and other internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Marketing on product copy, marketing materials, and press releases.
• Resolve issues with limited guidance, work effectively across groups, anticipate potential issues, and take initiative in identifying solutions.
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders and manage deadlines effectively.

Product Operations

• Track product development milestones, approvals, risks, and launch schedules.
• Review incoming partner samples and maintain product development and approval records.
• Support retailer presentations, partner reviews, and product launch readiness as needed.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in licensed consumer products, product development, toys, collectibles, entertainment, gaming, or similar relevant experience.
• Experience leading product development from concept through production and retail launch.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing, materials, sampling, approvals, packaging, and quality control.
• Excellent project management, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills

Preferred Skills

• Experience working for AAA video game franchises and/or top-tier toy, collectible, or licensed consumer product manufacturers.
• Strong working knowledge of Bethesda intellectual property and the ability to provide informed product development feedback.
• Experience developing toys, collectibles, replicas, publishing products, board games, or tabletop gaming products.
• Experience managing multiple licensee pipelines and global partners.

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do - from recruiting for our studios, publishing, and operations to fostering safe and respectful workplaces that encourage collaboration. Our culture is based on principles of respect, inclusion, and fair treatment, and we welcome anyone into our family without regard to race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.

Our diversity fuels our innovation and inspires us to create game worlds that bring us closer to the global community of players we serve.

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do - from recruiting for our studios, publishing and operations to fostering safe and respectful workplaces that encourage collaboration. Our culture is based on principles of respect, inclusion, and fair treatment and we welcome anyone into our family without regard to race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.

Our diversity fuels our innovation and inspires us to create game worlds that bring us closer to the global community of players we serve.

Apply Online