As the Senior Toy Designer for our Preschool line, you will lead the design and development of innovative, high-quality toys for our youngest fans! This role requires an expert balance of creative vision and strategic alignment to translate early childhood play patterns into compelling products. You will champion the entire design process from initial sketching and ideation to technical problem-solving and final production. Collaboration is key: you will partner cross-functionally with brand management, packaging, and global manufacturing to deliver user-centric play experiences while strictly adhering to safety, cost, quality, and timeline requirements.
What You Will Do:- Lead the end-to-end product design lifecycle by generating innovative preschool toy concepts, conducting research, executing prototypes, and leading user testing
- Create compelling systems of play centered around compatibility and superior play experiences while championing high-quality designs that strictly adhere to target costs and age-graded QA/QC requirements
- Collaborate cross-functionally with brand management, product management, engineering, packaging, and licensors to ensure products perfectly fit the brand and meet strict safety and licensor guidelines
- Successfully pitch and present concepts to brand, development, and licensor teams while building consensus and driving strategic goals throughout the design process
- Deliver precise product turnover specifications, review illustrative turns, sculpts, and paint masters, and submit specification changes for licensor approval
- Work closely with global manufacturing teams and outside vendors to proactively resolve development issues and ensure smooth transitions from concept to mass production
Supervisor Responsibilities: No
What We Are Looking For:- 5+ years of product design experience within the toy industry, featuring a proven track record across hard goods, plastics, or preschool toys
- 1+ years of experience collaborating directly with global manufacturing vendors, demonstrating a strong understanding of materials and multiple manufacturing processes
- Deep understanding of early childhood play patterns, current industry trends, and creating cohesive products within strict licensed brand style guides
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and expertise in creating highly detailed control drawings and rendered illustration concepts
- Exceptional visual, verbal, and written communication skills with a highly adaptable mindset to seamlessly manage multiple shifting priorities and strict deadlines
- A collaborative, team-oriented approach combined with strong project management skills, critical-thinking abilities, and the capacity to work independently to execute complex design goals
Nice To Have:- Bachelor's degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, or a highly related field is a plus
- Prior experience working specifically in the toy, baby, costume, or pets industry
- Knowledge of 3 D modeling, sculpting, and rendering software (such as ZBrush, Rhino, or Fusion 360
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 OfferThe 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.