Associate Product Designer - Plush

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Product Designer - Plush

Company: Jazwares, LLC

Location: Culver City, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Development

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-3 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and development of innovative plush products, with a primary focus on the popular Five Nights at Freddy's (FNAF) franchise.

• Manage the complete product lifecycle, from initial concept ideation and creative development through to detailed specification turnover for international manufacturing.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including branding, product management, engineering, packaging, and licensors, to ensure product alignment with brand strategy and quality standards.

• Translate beloved characters and concepts from the FNAF universe into tangible, high-quality plush items that resonate with the fan community and meet market demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is heavily focused on product design within the toy industry, specifically soft goods/plush. The emphasis on "Five Nights at Freddy's" indicates a need for a designer with a strong understanding of this specific IP and its fanbase, requiring both creative vision and technical execution in soft goods development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Generate novel toy concepts to enhance existing brands and develop new product lines, with a specific emphasis on plush collectibles.

• Champion high-quality design execution while ensuring products meet target cost, quality assurance (QA), and quality control (QC) requirements.

• Facilitate consensus-building among diverse team members throughout the entire design and development process.

• Collaborate closely with branding, product management, engineering, packaging, and licensor teams to create products that best represent the brand's identity.

• Attend brand and licensing meetings to gather comprehensive information for effective product design and development.

• Successfully present and articulate design concepts and product directions to brand, development, management, and licensor teams.

• Deliver precise and clear product turnover specifications, ensuring they are fully understood by international teams and manufacturing partners.

• Support overarching strategic product goals by providing direction and feedback during development, ensuring alignment with licensor and brand assurance requirements.

• Manage the completion, review, and documentation of specification changes, including submission for licensor approval and providing detailed comments on illustrative turns, sculpts, paint masters, and sample reviews.

• Work in tandem with brand/management teams to resolve development issues, ensuring designs meet target cost, schedule, and brand standards.

• Participate in the entire product development lifecycle, from initial ideation and concept refinement to prototype execution and preparing turnover packages.

• Liaise with the packaging design team to ensure seamless integration and alignment between product and packaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role in product development, requiring a blend of creative design, technical understanding of soft goods manufacturing, and strong communication and project management skills. The explicit mention of "licensor approval" and "international team/factory" points to the need for meticulous documentation and clear communication protocols.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, or a related industry-relevant field is preferred. Experience:

• 0-3 years of experience in product design, soft goods/plush development, or character toy design.

• 0-3 years of experience collaborating with overseas manufacturing partners, with a preference for Asian manufacturers. Required Skills:

• Genuine passion for and deep understanding of the Five Nights at Freddy’s universe, lore, and aesthetics, with an awareness of fan community desires for plush collections.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Strong knowledge of materials and various manufacturing processes relevant to soft goods and plush toys.

• Exceptional visual, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to present concepts clearly and effectively.

• Ability to multitask, organize, prioritize, and manage time efficiently across multiple projects.

• Demonstrated strong design sense and well-developed aesthetic sensibilities.

• Adaptability to shifting priorities and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

• Excellent attention to detail in design execution, specification documentation, and sample review.

• Proactive problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

• Capacity to deal effectively and professionally with diverse individuals at all organizational levels.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace (G-Suite). Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated interest and knowledge of current trends and innovations within the toy industry.

• Understanding of the competitive toy marketplace.

• Experience with 3D modeling or rendering software (though not explicitly stated, often beneficial for product design roles).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-3 years" experience range clearly defines this as an entry-level to early-career position. The emphasis on FNAF fandom suggests that candidates who can demonstrate genuine enthusiasm and knowledge of the IP will have a distinct advantage. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a critical technical requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of soft goods/plush product designs, demonstrating creative ideation and technical execution.

• Examples of character-based designs, highlighting the ability to translate 2D concepts into 3D plush forms.

• Documentation of the design process, including concept sketches, mood boards, material selection rationale, and development iterations.

• Demonstration of understanding manufacturing constraints and cost considerations within the design process.

• Case studies or project examples that illustrate collaboration with manufacturing partners and problem-solving during development. Process Documentation:

• Examples of detailed product specification sheets, including technical drawings, color callouts, material specifications, and construction details.

• Demonstration of ability to create clear and concise turnover packages for international factories.

• Evidence of involvement in the product lifecycle, from initial concept to final approved sample.

• Presentation of how feedback from licensors, brand teams, and development teams was incorporated into designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a product design role, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis should be on demonstrating not just creative talent but also the practical application of design principles to plush manufacturing, including technical specifications and collaboration with overseas partners.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $66,480.00 - $79,740.00 per year.

• The base salary may fluctuate based on factors such as candidate experience, tenure in the role, performance, industry benchmarks, and geographic location.

• Eligibility for an annual performance incentive may apply.

• This salary range may not be applicable to other states where Jazwares operates, as it is a multi-state employer. Benefits:

• Medical Insurance: 100% company-paid basic medical insurance for employees and their children.

• Life Insurance: Basic employee life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

• Retirement Plan: 401(k) retirement program with a company match of up to 4% of pre-tax or post-tax deferrals.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continuing education and professional development.

• Paid Time Off: Time Off for vacation and sick leave.

• Community Engagement: Up to 16 hours per year of paid volunteer time through Jazwares Cares for community service projects.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, with a flexible hybrid arrangement: Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional Work-From-Home (WFH) day on Fridays.

• Opportunity for up to 20 workdays fully remote per year.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided explicitly. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a notable highlight of 100% company-paid basic medical insurance for employees and their children. The hybrid work model with remote flexibility is attractive for work-life balance. Research for Culver City, CA indicates this salary range is competitive for entry-level to mid-level Product Designers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, aligning with industry standards for creative roles in the entertainment and toy sectors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toy Manufacturing, Entertainment, Consumer Goods. Jazwares operates in a dynamic and fast-paced industry, driven by trends, licensing, and consumer demand for innovative play experiences.

Company Size: Jazwares is a significant player in the global toy market, indicated by its acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway and its extensive product portfolio. This suggests a company with established processes but also a culture that fosters agility and growth.

Founded: 1997. Jazwares has over two decades of experience, evolving from its founding to become a leading global toy manufacturer. This history implies stability and a proven track record in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The Associate Product Designer will likely be part of a broader Product Development or Design team, which may include other designers, product managers, and development specialists.

• The role involves reporting to a Design Manager or Director, with close collaboration with Product Management, Marketing, Engineering, and potentially Licensing departments.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, requiring seamless interaction with teams responsible for branding, packaging, sales, and international manufacturing partners. Methodology:

• Jazwares emphasizes an "innovative idea can come from anywhere and anyone" philosophy, suggesting a culture that values creativity and input from all levels.

• The company operates on pillars of Passion, Collaboration, and Humility, indicating a focus on enthusiastic engagement, teamwork, and mutual respect.

• Design processes likely involve market trend analysis, concept generation, prototyping, iterative feedback loops, and meticulous specification development for mass production.

Company Website: www.jazwares.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Jazwares' position as a Berkshire Hathaway company underscores its stability and significant market presence. The company culture appears to prioritize creativity, teamwork, and a passion for play, which is crucial for a design role. The emphasis on "collaboration" and "humility" suggests a supportive yet driven work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the "Associate" level, indicating an entry-level to early-career stage (0-3 years of experience). It serves as a foundational role for aspiring product designers in the toy and soft goods sector.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Product Designer will likely report to a Senior Product Designer, Design Manager, or Director of Product Development. This structure provides mentorship and guidance for skill development.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" role, this position significantly impacts revenue through the successful design and development of commercially viable products. High-quality, appealing plush toys directly drive sales and brand loyalty, contributing to the company's financial success. The focus on specific, popular IPs like FNAF underscores the direct link between product design and market demand.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Progress to a Product Designer or Senior Product Designer role, taking on more complex projects and greater design ownership. Specialization in plush or other soft goods categories.

• Leadership Potential: With experience, opportunities may arise to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, or manage specific product lines.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop expertise in areas like product management, brand strategy, or international sourcing through continued collaboration and potential internal mobility.

• Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in specific IPs or toy categories, enhancing marketability and influence within the toy industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear pathway for growth within the product design field, particularly within the toy and collectibles sector. The emphasis on specific IPs like FNAF provides an opportunity to build specialized expertise that is highly valued in the industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Jazwares operates with a hybrid work model. The Culver City office likely offers a collaborative studio environment designed for creative work, team brainstorming, and sample reviews.

Office Location(s): Culver City, CA (Los Angeles County). This location is a hub for entertainment and creative industries, offering access to talent and a vibrant professional community. The office provides a base for in-person collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster creativity and collaboration, with access to design tools and resources.

• Expect a dynamic environment where teams work closely on product development, with opportunities for hands-on interaction with prototypes and samples.

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative sessions in the office.

Work Schedule: Flexible hybrid schedule: Monday-Thursday in the office, with an optional WFH day on Fridays. The company also allows up to 20 remote workdays per year, offering significant flexibility. This structure supports focused work while maintaining team cohesion and in-person collaboration when needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement with dedicated in-office days for collaboration and optional remote days provides a balanced approach. The Culver City location is strategic for a company in the entertainment and toy space.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial review of applications, focusing on experience, qualifications, and portfolio relevance.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, detailing their design process, creative choices, and understanding of manufacturing constraints for plush toys. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, especially those related to character design or soft goods.

• Technical/Design Interview: A discussion with hiring managers or senior designers to assess technical skills (Adobe Suite proficiency), understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and problem-solving abilities. Expect design challenges or scenario-based questions.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Meetings with members from branding, product management, or licensing teams to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and understanding of brand alignment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, long-term potential, and overall alignment with Jazwares' values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in plush/soft goods design and character development. Prioritize projects that showcase your ability to work with licensors or well-known IPs.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Emphasize your specific contributions.

• Showcase Technicality: Include examples of technical drawings, spec sheets, or material callouts to demonstrate your understanding of manufacturing requirements.

• Highlight FNAF Passion: If you have any personal projects or designs related to FNAF or similar IPs, make sure they are prominently featured. Articulate your understanding of the brand's aesthetic and fan appeal.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design rationale, how you handle feedback, and your experience with overseas manufacturing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You might be given a brief for a new plush toy concept (possibly FNAF-related) and asked to develop initial sketches or a mood board. Focus on creativity, brand relevance, and feasibility.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be prepared for questions like, "How would you address a manufacturing issue with fabric sourcing?" or "How would you incorporate feedback from a licensor that contradicts your initial design vision?"

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your work concisely and engagingly. Be ready to answer questions about your design choices and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on portfolio assessment. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their design aesthetic but also their understanding of the product development pipeline, from concept to manufacturing, with a specific emphasis on soft goods and the FNAF brand.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for creating illustrations, mockups, and final artwork. Specific emphasis on:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, technical drawings, and character art.
  • Photoshop: For mood boards, rendering, color studies, and image manipulation.
  • InDesign: Potentially for creating detailed specification documents or presentation layouts.

• Microsoft Office Suite / G-Suite: For general business communication, documentation, and data management (Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets, PowerPoint/Slides).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a data-heavy role, understanding basic reporting for project timelines and status updates is expected. Proficiency in tools used for project management and communication (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) may be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but familiarity with how product information flows into broader business systems (e.g., PLM - Product Lifecycle Management) could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable technical requirement for this design role. The ability to translate creative concepts into professional design assets using these tools is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion: A strong belief in the power of play and enthusiasm for creating exciting products, particularly within the toy industry and specific IPs like FNAF.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively with diverse teams (internal departments and external licensors/partners) to achieve shared goals. Open communication and teamwork are key.

• Humility: A respectful approach to colleagues and a willingness to learn from others, recognizing that valuable ideas can come from anywhere. This fosters a supportive environment for growth and feedback.

• Innovation: A drive to create new and exciting products that capture trends and resonate with consumers, pushing creative boundaries within the toy market.

• Quality Focus: Dedication to delivering high-quality products that meet brand standards, cost targets, and consumer expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with various departments, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate design needs into actionable information for different teams.

• Process Review & Feedback: Expect a culture where designs are reviewed by multiple stakeholders, necessitating an open attitude towards constructive criticism and iterative refinement.

• Knowledge Sharing: The emphasis on learning and innovation suggests an environment where team members share insights, trends, and best practices in product design and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Jazwares' stated values of Passion, Collaboration, and Humility directly inform the expected team culture. Candidates should demonstrate these traits in their interactions and approach to work, particularly in how they handle feedback and work with others.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Constraints: Effectively translating passionate fan-favorite characters into plush designs that meet strict cost, manufacturing, and licensor approval requirements.

• Managing International Manufacturing: Navigating communication and quality control challenges with overseas partners, ensuring designs are accurately produced.

• Rapid Product Cycles: Keeping pace with fast-moving toy industry trends and the demand for new product releases, especially for popular IPs like FNAF.

• Incorporating Feedback: Skillfully integrating feedback from multiple stakeholders (licensors, brand teams, management) while maintaining design integrity and project deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Plush & Soft Goods Specialization: Deepen expertise in materials, construction techniques, and safety standards specific to plush toy manufacturing.

• IP Expertise: Become a recognized expert in designing for specific, high-profile entertainment IPs, enhancing your value in the collectibles market.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Gain exposure to product management, marketing, and supply chain aspects of toy development through collaborative projects.

• Industry Trend Analysis: Develop a keen eye for emerging trends in toys, collectibles, and consumer products through market research and internal trend discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the practical realities of product design in a commercial environment, requiring resilience and adaptability. The growth opportunities focus on building specialized skills and knowledge that are highly relevant to the toy and collectibles industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy & Process: "Describe your design process for developing a plush toy from concept to final product. How do you ensure brand authenticity, especially for a strong IP like Five Nights at Freddy's?" (Focus on structured approach, concept generation, material considerations, and how you'd research/understand the FNAF universe.)

• Collaboration & Feedback: "How do you handle conflicting feedback from different stakeholders, such as a licensor and the internal product development team, on a design?" (Emphasize active listening, seeking clarification, finding compromises, and communicating rationale.)

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a key material for your plush design becomes unavailable. What steps would you take to find an alternative while maintaining the design's integrity and cost targets?" (Demonstrate resourcefulness, understanding of material properties, and proactive problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Passion for IP: "What excites you most about designing plush for the Five Nights at Freddy's franchise? What are some of your favorite elements of the FNAF lore or character design?" (Authentic enthusiasm is key here. Show you've done your research and genuinely connect with the brand.)

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a cross-functional team on a product development project. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success?" (Highlight collaboration, communication, and a supportive attitude.)

• Adaptability: "How do you manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment?" (Focus on organizational skills, time management techniques, and staying calm under pressure.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• FNAF Focus: If possible, include at least one project that directly relates to FNAF or similar IPs. If not, use projects that demonstrate your ability to capture character essence and fan appeal.

• Process Clarity: Clearly walk through your design journey for each selected project. Use visual aids (sketches, renders, spec sheets) to illustrate your points.

• Manufacturing Awareness: Explain how you considered manufacturing feasibility, cost, and materials in your designs. Discuss any challenges you overcame with production.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice presenting your portfolio within the allotted timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects of each project.

• Enthusiasm & Personality: Let your passion for design and the toy industry shine through. Companies look for individuals who are not only skilled but also enthusiastic team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should center on demonstrating both creative talent and practical design/manufacturing knowledge, with a strong emphasis on understanding and respecting specific IPs like Five Nights at Freddy's. The portfolio is the primary tool for showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruiting.ultipro.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight relevant experience in product design, soft goods/plush development, and character design, with a specific emphasis on any work related to licensed properties or fandom-driven products.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and your experience (even if academic or personal projects) with manufacturing collaboration and the product lifecycle. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "contributed to the development of X products").

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your design process, problem-solving skills, and understanding of manufacturing constraints. Be ready to discuss your passion for the Five Nights at Freddy's brand.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Jazwares' product lines, brand values (Passion, Collaboration, Humility), and recent news. Understand their position in the toy market and their commitment to innovation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.