At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product development for trading cards and games, bringing franchises to life.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the heart of London with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Flexible freelance role with creative freedom and exposure to global brands.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to connect with international teams.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting industry, shaping products that fans love.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in product development and strong design skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Duration - 12 months +
Category: Trading Cards & Trading Card Games (TC/TCGs)
Location: London (Hybrid)
Reports To: Senior Creative Director, Hardlines
Role Overview
We are seeking a creative, organized, and enthusiastic Freelance Product Development Associate to support the EMEA Trading Cards and Trading Card Games portfolio. Working closely with the Senior Creative Director and wider Product Development team, you will help bring entertainment franchises to life through engaging products and packaging. You will coordinate with global licensees and internal cross-functional teams to ensure products meet brand standards, market trends, and commercial goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Trend & Creative Design
- Support the creation of compelling product and packaging concepts rooted in core franchise storytelling.
- Conduct market research across gaming, collectibles, illustration, and broader cultural trends to inform design decisions.
- Apply core graphic design principles (layout, typography, color theory, visual hierarchy) to product approvals.
- Develop a working knowledge of category-specific design, manufacturing, and production processes.
- Product Development & Coordination
- Manage day-to-day creative submissions, reviewing artwork, packaging, and marketing materials against brand and legal guidelines.
- Coordinate the internal approval process, providing clear, actionable design feedback to licensees.
- Maintain project timelines, accurate records, and workflow systems to ensure on-time delivery.
- Support overall category objectives through precise execution and attention to detail.
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Build strong working relationships with internal teams (Franchise, Legal, Category, Marketing) and external licensees/agents.
- Communicate feedback clearly and constructively across cross-functional groups.
- Contribute positively to a collaborative, high-energy creative environment.
Candidate Profile
- Experience: 2+ years in Product Development, or a related creative field.
- Design Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and a strong grasp of design fundamentals.
- Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word); experience using AI tools for creative ideation or workflow efficiency.
- Core Competencies: Excellent organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
- Communication: Fluent in written and spoken English with strong interpersonal skills.
- Preferred: Background in licensing, entertainment, consumer products, toys, or collectibles. Knowledge of, or passion for, Trading Cards and Trading Card Games. Familiarity with licensing business models and brand approval workflows. Experience working with international stakeholders.
Freelance Product Development Associate employer: Become Recruitment UK
As a leading player in the FMCG beauty sector, our client offers a vibrant work environment in the heart of Manchester, where creativity and innovation thrive. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth through hands-on experience in both product design and digital content creation, alongside competitive salaries and opportunities to engage with global markets. Join a team that values your creative input and supports your career development while working on exciting projects that shape the future of beauty products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Product Development Associate
✨Discover Your Niche
In the product management and development realm, it's crucial to find your specific niche. Are you into agile methodologies or more traditional project management? Make sure your portfolio showcases your strengths in your chosen area—this helps you stand out to potential clients who are looking for that expertise.
✨Join Product Management Communities
Connecting with other freelancers in product management can open doors for collaborations and referrals. Join communities like ProductCoalition or PMHQ on LinkedIn. Engage in discussions, share your experiences, and let people know you’re on the lookout for freelance gigs—they can lead you to opportunities you wouldn't find otherwise.
✨Craft a Killer Online Portfolio
As a freelancer, your online presence is everything. Create a compelling portfolio that highlights your past projects, including case studies and testimonials from previous clients. Use platforms like Behance or your own website to display your work visually—this gives potential clients a taste of what they can expect when they hire you.
✨Pitch to Startups and Local Businesses
Look for startups or local businesses that need help with product management or development. These smaller organisations often look for freelance talent and appreciate fresh ideas. Reach out directly via email or at networking events, and propose how you can help them with their current challenges. Don’t forget to check out opportunities directly on platforms like ours at Become Recruitment UK—it’s where many freelancers find their next gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Product Development Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Product Management Experience:When applying for the freelance Freelance Product Development Associate role at Become Recruitment UK, make sure your CV highlights your relevant product management experience. Include specific projects where you led product development, focusing on how you identified user needs and managed the development cycle. This gives us a clear picture of your skills and real-world applications.
Prepare a Portfolio of Your Work:A stellar portfolio can make all the difference in the freelance world! Put together case studies of previous products you've worked on, including your role in the project, challenges faced, and the impacts of your decisions. We love seeing tangible results and learning about your thought process.
Be Ready to Discuss Your Methodologies:In your application, mention any specific methodologies or frameworks you’re familiar with, like Agile or Scrum. We’re interested in how you approach product development, so sharing your working methods could really set you apart as a candidate.
Outline Your Availability and Rates:As a freelancer, it’s important to be upfront about how much time you can dedicate to the role and your rate. Make sure to include this information in your cover letter — it shows you're transparent and ready to jump in at Become Recruitment UK. Plus, it helps us understand if we can align expectations from the get-go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Become Recruitment UK
✨Show Off Your Product Vision
For a freelance Freelance Product Development Associate role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to not just manage products, but to have a vision for them. Prepare to discuss previous projects where you identified a gap in the market or improved an existing product—show how your insights led to tangible results.
✨Be Ready for Agile Discussions
Agile methodologies are the bread and butter of product management. Brush up on your knowledge of Agile principles, and be prepared to discuss how you've implemented Scrum or Kanban in past projects. We want to see your familiarity with tools like JIRA or Trello, and how you've used them to streamline workflows.
✨Portfolio Power
As a freelancer, your portfolio speaks volumes. Make sure it showcases a variety of projects that highlight your skills in product development, user research, and stakeholder management. Include case studies that outline your role, the challenges you faced, and how your solutions brought value.
✨Master the Pricing Conversation
Freelancing often comes down to negotiating your worth. Be prepared to discuss your rates confidently. Know what you bring to the table, and don’t shy away from justifying your pricing based on your past successes and the unique skills you offer—this is how we ensure a good fit with Become Recruitment UK.
