MERCHANDISER PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - Europe toys buying office / sourcing office (TST)

Company Overview

• We are a well-established European toys business with a strong international footprint and a proven track record in the design, development, sourcing, and distribution of quality toy products. With a focus on innovation, commerciality, and product excellence, the company works closely with overseas buying, design, and product development teams to bring new toys from concept through to production and market launch.
• The business has built long-standing relationships with trusted factory partners mainly in China and operates a Hong Kong sourcing office that plays a key role in product development, supplier coordination, quality follow-up, and launch readiness. 
• The company supplies major retail markets internationally and is known for its broad toy portfolio, hands-on product development approach, and commitment to delivering products that are both innovative and market-driven. 
• The company offers a stable and professional working environment with exposure to regional projects, cross-functional collaboration, and opportunities to grow within a dynamic global toys business.

Role Mission

• You will help bring new toy products from concept to production, ensuring they are commercially viable, well-made, and delivered on time. 
• This role requires close collaboration with the overseas buying team, suppliers, and factories to turn ideas into market-ready products that meet quality, cost, and launch targets.

Role Summary

• Based in the Hong Kong sourcing office, the successful candidate will work closely with the buying team at European headquarters on all stages of product development.
• The role also reports locally to the General Manager of the Hong Kong office and involves regular communication with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and factory partners in China.

Job Description

• Manage toy product development projects from concept approval through to production readiness.
• Work directly with factories and suppliers to develop products that meet agreed specifications, target costs, and commercial objectives.
• Support the buying team in sourcing new products and identifying new supplier opportunities.
• Maintain accurate product costings and quotations across the supplier base.
• Coordinate sample development, review, and improvement throughout the development process.
• Identify technical, quality, and manufacturing risks and work proactively with suppliers to resolve them.
• Challenge suppliers to improve product quality, functionality, packaging, and cost effectiveness.
• Support product improvement and value engineering opportunities.
• Manage development timelines and ensure key milestones are achieved on time.
• Coordinate product specifications, product data, and development documentation.
• Work closely with QA teams to support testing, compliance, and certification requirements.
• Support packaging and artwork development with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Attend factory visits and supplier meetings across Asia as required.
• Build strong relationships with supplier partners and contribute to long-term supplier development.
• Occasional China trip is required for visiting vendor factories, buying trips, and trade shows.

Ideal Candidates

• Degree holder or tertiary education is highly preferred.
• Experience in product development, sourcing, merchandising, or manufacturing within the toys industry.
• Hands-on experience working with China or Asian factories and suppliers.
• Strong understanding of toy development and manufacturing processes.
• Good commercial sense, with the ability to balance cost, quality, and speed to market.
• Excellent project management, coordination, and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of product testing, compliance, and certification processes is beneficial.
• Fluent English communication skills.
• Cantonese and/or Mandarin language skills are an advantage.
• Passionate about toys, product innovation, and bringing new ideas to market.
• Proactive, curious, and able to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple projects.

Terms & Benefits

• 5-day work week.
• 13 months’ salary plus performance bonus.
• 16 days of annual leave.
• Medical and dental insurance.
• Occasional China trip is required for visiting vendor factories, buying trips, and trade shows.