Lead Toy Designer - Pokémon Plastics

Jazwares

$98K — $121K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, or a related field preferred.
  • 7+ years of toy design or product development experience, particularly with plastic toys.
  • Proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering (e.g., Rhino, ZBrush, SolidWorks).
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes and collaboration with Asia-based factories.
  • Strong project management and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize effectively.
  • Excellent communication skills, both visual and verbal.
  • Experience with technical specifications and control drawings.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the creative design and development of Pokémon plastic products.
  • Act as a key liaison with licensors for approvals and relationship management.
  • Create and develop product concepts through sketches and prototypes.
  • Oversee product quality, cost-efficiency, and timely execution in development phases.
  • Provide detailed product specifications to international teams and factories.
  • Work closely with branding, engineering, and marketing teams for cohesive execution.
  • Research and stay current with industry trends and materials for product innovation.

Benefits

  • 100% company-paid basic medical insurance for employees and their children.
  • 401(K) retirement program with company matching up to 4%.
  • Short and long-term disability insurance provided.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
  • Flexible work schedule with remote work options and generous PTO including sick leave.
  • Volunteering opportunities through Jazwares Cares program, with paid time for community service projects.
Full Job Description
As the Lead Toy Product Designer, you will drive the creative development of Pokémon plastic products from concept to production, ensuring alignment with market trends, safety standards, and brand vision. You will collaborate with product development, branding, and engineering teams, and mentor junior designers. Your role involves conducting user research, staying ahead of industry trends, and bringing innovative ideas to life through strong sketching skills and material knowledge. Extensive experience in product design is required.

What You Will Do
  • Lead the design and development of consumer products across, ensuring brand alignment and market relevance.
  • Act as the primary liaison with licensors, managing approvals and maintaining strong relationships.
  • Generate and refine product concepts through sketches, 2D/3D renderings, and prototypes.
  • Oversee product development, ensuring quality, cost efficiency, and timely execution.
  • Provide clear and precise turnover specifications for international teams and factories.
  • Collaborate with branding, engineering, packaging, and marketing teams for cohesive product execution.
  • Stay ahead of industry trends, materials, and manufacturing innovations in both plush and plastics.
  • Present concepts and product updates to internal teams, licensors, and stakeholders.
  • Mentor and guide junior designers on the Hello Kitty brand and other Girls' team plush brands, fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture.
  • Manage project timelines and ensure all deadlines and milestones are met.
  • This job description is not exhaustive, and other duties may be assigned as needed.

Manages People: No

What We Look For
  • Bachelor's degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, or a related field is a plus.
  • 7+ years of experience in toy design, product development, or industrial design, with expertise in plastic toys.
  • Experience with 3D modeling, sculpting, and rendering (Rhino, ZBrush, or SolidWorks is a plus).
  • Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and working with Asia-based factories.
  • Strong ability to problem-solve, manage multiple projects, and adapt to shifting priorities.
  • Excellent visual, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Expertise in control drawings, rendered illustrations, and technical specifications.
  • Strong leadership, team mentorship, and project management abilities.
  • Passion for character-driven product design and for the brand.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee, but provide the primary duties and responsibilities of the role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What we offer

The salary range for this position is $98,640.00 - $121,320.00 / Yr. The base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for the annual performance incentive may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, so the salary range may not apply to other states.

Our benefits package includes basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children, employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.

Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects.

Reasonable Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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