Dev Program Mgmt Assoc II

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.

Our commitment to quality and safety is paramount to what we do and is built into every product we design and manufacture. And we do this with unwavering integrity, unbridled passion, and laser-like focus to earn grown-ups’ trust and put smiles on kids’ faces around the world. Our mission is to be an industry leader in producing the most trusted, safe, durable, and highest quality toys in the most regulatory compliant, environmentally, and socially responsible way.

The Opportunity

Mattel is seeking a Development Program Management Associate II to join our Trading Card Product Development team at our campus in El Segundo, CA. In this role, you will manage trading card and collectible product programs from concept through production, partnering with cross-functional teams across Product Development, Design, Marketing, Licensing, Packaging, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Operations to deliver high-quality products on time and within cost targets.

What Your Impact Will Be

• Manage multiple trading card and collectible product programs simultaneously, balancing schedule, cost, quality, and scope requirements.
• Drive project execution from concept approval through manufacturing and product launch.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate detailed project schedules, milestones, risks, and dependencies across global teams.
• Serve as the primary liaison between El Segundo-based teams and overseas development, sourcing, and manufacturing partners.
• Coordinate artwork, packaging, product specifications, approvals, and production deliverables to ensure readiness for manufacturing.
• Partner with Licensing, Brand, and Marketing teams to support approval workflows and release schedules.
• Monitor program costs, identify cost-saving opportunities, and support margin objectives throughout development.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Integrity teams to resolve production issues and ensure product quality standards are met.
• Identify project risks early and drive mitigation plans to maintain launch commitments.
• Facilitate cross-functional decision-making and alignment among stakeholders throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support process improvements that increase development efficiency, visibility, and predictability.
• Develop cost estimates and provide financial analysis for new programs and product line extensions.
• Analyze product specifications, materials, packaging, and manufacturing methods to optimize value, quality, and cost performance.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, Product Development, Operations, or a related field.
• 2+ years of project management, program management, product development, operations, or related experience.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational, planning, and execution skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience working with manufacturing partners, suppliers, or global teams is preferred.
• Proficiency with project management tools, Microsoft Office, and data management systems.
• Experience with trading cards, collectibles, consumer products, print production, licensed products, or entertainment products is preferred.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset by staying curious, embracing challenges, continuously learning, and driving improvement.

What It’s Like to Work Here:

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower the next generation 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 company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO and MEGA, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries 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 children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel is recognized as a Great Place to Work™ and as one of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2022.

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

Mattel is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers including minorities, females, veterans, military spouses, individuals with disabilities, and those of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

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