Lead Product Designer

The Lead Product Designer will drive the creative development of licensed plastic and plush toys from concept through production. This role partners with internal teams and external licensors, manages product development timelines, and supports junior designers while ensuring brand alignment and market relevance.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of consumer products across both plastic and plush toy categories while maintaining strict brand alignment and market relevance
• Serve as the primary liaison with licensors to manage approvals, present concept updates, and sustain strong collaborative relationships
• Develop and refine product concepts using sketches, 2D/3D renderings, and physical prototypes
• Oversee product development timelines to support high-quality, cost-efficient, and on-time milestone delivery
• Create clear product turnover specifications and control drawings for international teams and factory partners
• Coordinate with branding, engineering, packaging, and marketing teams to ensure cohesive product execution
• Research industry trends, new materials, and manufacturing innovations across plush and plastic categories
• Mentor and guide junior designers across licensed plush and plastic brands to build a collaborative, innovative, high-performing team culture
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in toy design, product development, or industrial design, with demonstrated expertise in plastic toys and hard goods
• Extensive knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes, including direct collaboration with Asia-based factories
• Strong proficiency in producing control drawings, rendered illustrations, and technical product specifications
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, including managing multiple projects and adapting to shifting priorities
• Proven leadership, mentorship, and project management capabilities
• Excellent visual, verbal, and written communication skills for presenting ideas and influencing stakeholders
• Genuine passion for character-driven product design and brand storytelling

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, or a related field
• Experience with 3D modeling, sculpting, and rendering software, such as Rhino, ZBrush, or SolidWorks

Compensation and Location

Salary: USD 98,640 to 121,320 per year.

Location: Culver City, CA (hybrid).

Benefits

• Basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children
• Employee basic life and AD&D insurance
• 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals
• Short and long-term disability
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible work schedule: Monday through Thursday on-site; optional work-from-home on Fridays; up to 20 workdays fully remote each year
• Time Off for vacation and sick leave
• Opportunity to volunteer up to 16 hours a year on community service projects through Jazwares Cares