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.

Toys & Accessories

At United Parks & Resorts, we bring excitement, imagination, and unforgettable experiences to millions of guests each year. From iconic roller coasters to up-close animal encounters, our theme parks deliver adventure—and the memories go home with guests through the products we create. Now, we’re looking for a Senior Product Developer to help us bring the magic to life through innovative toys and accessories that extend the in-park experience beyond the gates.

What you get to do:

As a Senior Product Developer – Toys & Accessories, you'll play a key role in shaping the retail experience within our parks by creating engaging, story-driven products that reflect our attractions, characters, and immersive experiences. You'll lead the full lifecycle of toy and accessory development—from concept and sourcing to production and launch—delivering exclusive, guest-centric merchandise found only at SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Sesame all part of the United Parks and Resorts family.

Key responsibilities include:

Develop and execute innovative toys, games, collectibles, and branded accessories that enhance the guest experience and reflect the unique identity of each park.

Monitor and apply emerging trends in toys and interactive merchandise to keep product assortments fresh, relevant, and compelling to diverse age groups.

Build strategic product roadmaps aligned with park events, attraction launches, and seasonal campaigns to maximize retail impact and guest engagement.

Manage the complete development cycle—from ideation and design through prototyping, safety testing, manufacturing, and delivery.

Partner with internal merchandise team and external vendors to create exclusive themed products that support our brand narratives and immersive storytelling.

Collaborate with global suppliers on material selection, tooling, and production schedules to deliver high-quality, cost-effective products on time.

Ensure full compliance with CPSIA, ASTM F963, and other international toy safety regulations, maintaining our reputation for safe, guest-friendly merchandise.

Work cross-functionally with merchandise planning, visual merchandising, and park operations to support successful product launches and inventory management.

Drive the creation of proprietary and licensed product lines tailored to attractions, shows, characters, and themed retail locations.

Leverage retail analytics and guest insights to refine assortments and recommend future product strategies.

Mentor junior developers and foster a culture of creativity, efficiency, and innovation within the merchandising team.

What it takes to succeed:

5+ years of experience in toy and accessory product development, preferably within a retail or theme park environment.

Bachelor’s degree required; preferred in Product Development, Industrial Design, Merchandising, or a related field.

Strong background in hardline merchandise development including knowledge of plastics, interactive features, games, and themed accessories.

Experience managing production with domestic and international vendors, particularly in Asia.

Knowledge of product safety standards, compliance testing, and required certifications for retail merchandise.

Creative and strategic thinker with a passion for storytelling and immersive retail experiences.

Proven ability to develop products that are both commercially successful and brand-authentic.

Skilled in cost analysis, vendor negotiation, and project management to deliver on margin and deadline goals.

Familiarity with licensing, character development, and intellectual property considerations in a theme park setting.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and retail analytics tools for sales tracking and forecasting.

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.

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