Product Development Consultant

A storied sports franchise…a world class arena…the best fans…

AND YOU

Original – Authentic – Vibrant – Attainable

Our Game Plan

The New York Islanders Hockey Club is one of the most iconic franchises in professional sports, with a deeply passionate and loyal fan base that is second to none. Built on a Dynasty in the 1980’s with four straight Stanley Cup Championships and 19 consecutive playoff series wins, our history has defined a legacy that remains untouched in professional sports. That legacy inspires us to leave our mark in the sports, entertainment, and cultural landscape.

In 2021, the New York Islanders opened their permanent home at UBS Arena, a state-of-the-art venue built for hockey and made for music. Located on the historic grounds of Belmont Park, the arena pairs world-class sports and entertainment with one of New York's most iconic destinations.

UBS Arena features best-in-class amenities, including premium suites, clubs, and lounges that deliver an elevated hospitality experience. Together with Belmont Park Village, a luxury outdoor shopping and dining destination, and the all-new Belmont Park Racetrack, UBS Arena sits at the center of a reimagined Belmont Park, one of the nation's premier destinations for sports, entertainment, shopping, and dining.

How to Make the Team

The New York Islanders are looking for a part-time Product Development Consultant to help build a merchandise program where fashion does what it does best: it makes people stop, look twice, and want it. We want pieces that feel effortlessly cool, carry a real point of view, and could only belong to this team.

Reporting to the VP of Retail, the consultant will lead one-off pieces from concept to launch, work with local licensees to elevate the design of their product, and advise on collaborations and national license partners. The aim is product that joins genuine hockey heritage with credible fashion, for lifelong fans and for those discovering the team through design. New ideas are introduced thoughtfully, tested in small runs, and extended once fans have shown they want them.

Show Us You Can

• Lead one-off pieces, including high-fashion pieces and partner drops, from concept, art and specs through launch
• Work with local licensees on concepts and design, raising the creative standard of their product
• Shape the story with collaboration partners, including how Islanders marks sit on the partner’s product
• Review national license partner designs and advise on assortment planning, in coordination with League and Islanders business initiatives; advise on creative for licensed collaborations, such as artist collabs
• Advise on creative for partnerships once the commercial agreement is in place
• Build from proven sellers, such as grey and light blue product, and extend the range from there
• Introduce new ideas in limited test runs and scale them once demand is clear
• Plan product drops around the hockey calendar, milestones, anniversaries and theme nights
• Keep product stories consistent between the UBS Arena store and online
• Develop concepts for each seasonal store refresh and carry them out with the visual merchandising lead
• Work within the parameters set by the VP of Retail (brand, budget, timing, and logo use), with final approval from the VP of Retail and the NHL wherever league marks are used

Your Training & Talent

• 7+ years in apparel, merchandise or brand creative
• Track record co-creating product with partner brands and licensees
• Strong eye for elevated, fashion-forward and vintage sports style
• Ability to interpret sports heritage with care and turn it into product fans want
• Experience with league or NHL approval processes
• Working knowledge of tech packs, sampling and vendor sourcing
• Skilled at designing within fixed marks and another party’s parameters
• Sound commercial judgment: reads sell-through and designs accordingly
• Responsive on short notice
• Available to travel to UBS Arena for scheduled store refreshes
• Portfolio required with application

Where You’ll Go

• This is a part-time, remote contract role of 1 to 2 days per week
• Travel to UBS Arena for scheduled seasonal store refreshes

What Skills You’ll Use

• Flexibility: Switch gears on a moment’s notice and adapt to shifting priorities
• Motivation: Leverage your personal skills to drive results and influence success
• Autonomy: Manage your time, work independently, and prioritize tasks
• Collaboration: Liaise with cross-functional internal teams and establish positive relationships 
• Creativity: Think outside the box, bringing innovative ideas to the table
• Accountability: Take ownership of your work
• Conflict Resolution: Show off your problem solving and decision-making skills

What’s in it for You

• Expanding your experience with an iconic NHL® franchise in our quest for a 5th Stanley Cup

This is a contract position paid at a rate of $1,000.00-$1,500.00 per day. Actual base pay for a successful candidate will be determined based on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to, skills, education, training, experience and market demands.  

When applying, please be sure to include a cover letter with your salary expectations for this role. We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, however only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. NO EMAILS OR PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

The Fine Print

The New York Islanders are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.