Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: NBCUniversal

Location: 92 High Street, Windsor, Victoria, Australia (Melbourne area)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design & Development (Consumer Products, Licensing)

Date Posted: 2026-05-19T21:04:14.188

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Estimated 5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee end-to-end creative and product development for Toys & Hardlines categories within Direct-To-Retail (DTR) programs for the ANZ market.

• Drive design vision and brand integrity to deliver innovative, market-ready products that enhance brand presence and accelerate revenue growth for Universal Products & Experiences.

• Lead cross-functional collaboration and manage external partners through the entire product lifecycle, from concept to market.

• Foster a high-performing creative culture focused on innovation, thoughtful risk-taking, and continuous improvement in design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is clearly focused on product design and development within the consumer products and licensing arm of NBCUniversal, specifically for retail partnerships in Australia and New Zealand. The emphasis on "Direct-To-Retail" and "breakthrough, retailer-exclusive product lines" indicates a strong commercial and partnership management component to the design role. The estimated experience level of 5-10 years is derived from the scope of responsibilities, including leadership, strategy, and end-to-end execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic design vision and creative direction for Direct-To-Retail (DTR) product design and development across Toys & Hardlines categories for key ANZ retail partners.

• Guide the concept-to-market execution of retailer-exclusive product lines, ensuring they increase sell-through, elevate brand presence, and contribute to year-over-year revenue growth.

• Lead and manage the product development process, ensuring brand integrity, quality standards, and commercial relevance are maintained throughout.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing creative culture that encourages innovation, individual growth, and considered risk-taking within the design team and with partners.

• Drive creative excellence by optimizing processes, timelines, and resource allocation to align design development with overarching business objectives and critical milestones.

• Leverage deep brand and category expertise to identify emerging trends, uncover new market opportunities, and translate strategic ideas into impactful, market-ready product lines.

• Conceptualize and develop compelling, differentiated product ranges across various hardlines and toy categories, ensuring alignment with Universal's entertainment IPs.

• Partner and collaborate cross-functionally with all internal teams (e.g., Category, Franchise, Legal) and stakeholders to support business initiatives and strategic goals.

• Ensure all licensed products uphold franchise integrity, storytelling accuracy, and visual consistency across the product portfolio.

• Guide retail partners through the licensing and approval process, setting clear expectations for quality, timelines, and execution standards.

• Act as the product expert in execution, materials, and technical design, providing clear, actionable creative and product design direction and guidelines.

• Manage and prioritize team priorities and workload effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Lead creative brainstorming sessions for new product concepts, potential categories, and strategic brand extensions.

• Stay informed on global design, retail, consumer, and cultural trends to identify new opportunities for product and design innovation.

• Monitor competitive products and packaging to inspire differentiation and drive innovation within the product lines.

• Lead and model effective cross-functional communication, building trusted relationships with internal teams, leadership, and external partners to facilitate open dialogue, alignment, and effective decision-making.

• Confidently present creative strategies, product designs, and line plans to internal and external partners, adapting messaging to influence diverse stakeholders.

• Represent the Product Design Studio (PDS) as a creative manager in internal and external meetings, providing clear creative direction and ensuring follow-through on actions and outcomes.

• Oversee collaboration with partners across all stages of product design and development, from concept through production, ensuring clarity, accountability, and on-brand execution.

• Partner closely with Category, Franchise, and Legal teams to ensure partners are equipped with necessary tools, assets, guidance, and information for commercially compelling product delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a senior design role with significant strategic and managerial duties. The emphasis on "Direct-To-Retail (DTR)," "retailer-exclusive product lines," and "revenue growth" highlights the commercial acumen required. The need to "guide partners," "oversee collaboration," and "present creative strategies" indicates strong stakeholder management and communication skills are paramount. The inclusion of "brand integrity," "storytelling," and "franchise priorities" points to a deep understanding of intellectual property and its application in consumer products.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven experience in concept-to-execution design capability across toys, hardlines, and consumer products.

• Demonstrated ability to translate brand guidelines, character stylization, and entertainment intellectual property (IP) into compelling, market-ready product designs.

• Professional understanding of product development lifecycles and retail timelines, ensuring all milestones are met with accuracy and efficiency.

• Experience in reviewing prototypes, samples, and pre-production builds to ensure design integrity is maintained throughout development.

• Experience managing and prioritizing team priorities and workload in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

• Strong concept-to-execution design capabilities in toys, hardlines, and consumer products.

• Ability to translate brand guidelines, character stylization, and entertainment IP into compelling, market-ready product designs.

• Proficiency in sketching, visual ideation, and digital rendering to clearly communicate design intent.

• Ability to provide effective drawovers and direction to partners, ensuring character/property integrity.

• Understanding of tooling, materials, safety requirements, and manufacturing constraints, with the ability to design within cost and feasibility parameters.

• Skilled in reviewing prototypes, samples, and pre-production builds to ensure design integrity is maintained.

• Ability to create clear, production-ready design documentation, including specs, artwork files, and presentation materials.

• Strong visual storytelling and presentation skills to effectively sell ideas internally and to external partners.

• Proficient understanding of packaging structure, branding design elements, and toy functional details and instructions.

• On the pulse of current market trends and ability to translate them to Universal IPs.

• Deep understanding of entertainment and consumer products licensing across Toys & Hardlines and cross-categories.

• Confident, outgoing demeanor with effective negotiation skills and the ability to influence across company divisions and manage multiple third parties, rights owners, and filmmakers.

• Ability to lead and model effective cross-functional communication and collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) retail market.

• Familiarity with Universal's specific entertainment franchises and their consumer product applications.

• Experience with data analysis to inform design decisions and track product performance.

• Project management certification or demonstrated project management expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Basic Requirements" are detailed and cover essential design, technical, and communication skills. The "Desired Characteristics" seem to overlap significantly with the basic requirements, particularly regarding licensing and IP translation. The enhancement focuses on clarifying the distinction between essential and beneficial qualifications, highlighting the importance of practical design skills and an understanding of manufacturing and retail realities. The "experience level" is inferred from the depth of responsibilities and the blend of individual contribution and management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of end-to-end product development from concept ideation to market-ready design for Toys & Hardlines categories.

• Case studies showcasing the translation of entertainment IP and brand guidelines into successful consumer products for retail partners.

• Visual documentation of design thinking, including concept sketches, mood boards, digital renderings, and technical specifications.

• Examples of packaging design that effectively communicate brand identity and product features.

• Evidence of collaboration with manufacturing partners, illustrating an understanding of materials, tooling, and production constraints.

• Portfolio pieces that highlight problem-solving in design, such as overcoming manufacturing limitations or adapting designs for specific retail environments.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to present clear design process flows, from initial brief to final production approval.

• Documentation of how design reviews and feedback loops were managed with internal and external stakeholders.

• Examples of how creative briefs were interpreted and translated into actionable design direction for partners.

• Evidence of managing multiple projects simultaneously, showcasing organizational and time management processes.

• Protocols for ensuring brand integrity and IP compliance throughout the design and development phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a robust portfolio is critical. The requirements focus on showcasing the entire product development lifecycle, not just aesthetic design. Emphasis is placed on commercial viability, IP adherence, and the practicalities of manufacturing and retail, reflecting the "Direct-To-Retail" aspect of the role. The portfolio should demonstrate not just creative output but also process management and strategic thinking.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager role with 5-10 years of experience in a major media and entertainment company, and considering the Melbourne, Australia location, a competitive salary range is estimated. For a Design Manager in Melbourne, Victoria, with the specified responsibilities and experience, the typical annual salary can range from AUD $100,000 to AUD $150,000. This estimate accounts for the required specialized skills in product design, IP licensing, and retail partnership management, as well as the cost of living and market rates in the region.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).

• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, public holidays).

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., Superannuation contributions).

• Employee discounts on NBCUniversal products and experiences.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Access to company-wide Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) focused on diversity and inclusion.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours for this full-time role are estimated at 40 hours per week, typically aligning with standard business hours in Melbourne (e.g., Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). However, given the demands of product development cycles and retail deadlines, occasional flexibility may be required to meet project milestones or collaborate with international partners across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: As salary information was not provided, an estimated range has been generated based on typical Design Manager compensation in Melbourne, Australia, factoring in the specified industry (media/entertainment), experience level (5-10 years), and scope of responsibilities. Salary research methodologies would involve consulting reputable Australian salary guides (e.g., Hays, Robert Half, Seek Salary data) and cross-referencing with similar roles in the media and consumer products sectors in major Australian cities. Benefits are standard for a large corporation like NBCUniversal.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Entertainment (specifically Consumer Products & Experiences)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, employing tens of thousands globally). This implies robust corporate structures, established processes, and significant resources.

Founded: NBCUniversal was formed in 2004 through the merger of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment. Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) operates as a distinct business segment, bringing entertainment IP to life through products and experiences.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within the Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) division, specifically within the Product Design Studio (PDS).

• The Design Manager will lead a team of designers, potentially including junior designers, graphic artists, and product developers focused on Toys & Hardlines.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Director or VP of Product Design/Development within UP&E.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing market trends, consumer insights, and sales data to inform design decisions and product strategies.

• Collaborative Development: Working closely with internal teams and external partners (retailers, licensees) to co-create and refine product lines.

• Brand Stewardship: Rigorous adherence to franchise integrity, storytelling, and brand guidelines in all product outputs.

• Agile Execution: Adapting to fast-paced retail environments and project deadlines, with a focus on efficient workflow and timely delivery.

• Innovation Focus: Encouraging creative risk-taking and exploring new product concepts and design approaches.

Company Website: https://www.nbcuniversal.com/ and https://www.universalproductsexperiences.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes the scale and established nature of NBCUniversal, while highlighting the agile and innovative spirit of UP&E. The team structure suggests a leadership role with direct reports and significant cross-functional interaction. The methodology points to a blend of creative strategy, commercial focus, and efficient execution, typical of large consumer product divisions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a management-level position within the Product Design and Development function. It signifies a transition from individual contributor to a leadership role responsible for guiding a team, setting design strategy for specific product categories and markets, and managing key external relationships. The role requires a blend of deep creative expertise and strong business acumen.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Product Design within Universal Products & Experiences. They will directly manage a team of designers and potentially product development specialists. Their work will be crucial for the success of the UP&E segment's DTR initiatives in the ANZ region.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the commercial success of Universal's entertainment IPs within the ANZ retail landscape. By creating compelling, on-brand, and commercially viable products, they drive retail sell-through, enhance brand perception, and contribute significantly to revenue generation for the UP&E division. Their work bridges the gap between creative content and tangible consumer products that fuel fandom.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into senior leadership roles, such as Director or VP of Product Design, overseeing larger teams or broader product categories.

• Strategic Expansion: Opportunity to expand responsibilities to cover additional regions or product categories within UP&E.

• Cross-Divisional Mobility: Potential to move into related areas within NBCUniversal, such as Brand Management, Franchise Development, or Marketing.

• Skill Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific product areas (e.g., high-end collectibles, interactive toys) or emerging markets.

• Mentorship & Development: Gaining experience in mentoring junior designers and developing talent within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the role within a broader career trajectory, emphasizing leadership development and strategic impact. The "Operations Impact" specifically links the design function to revenue and brand growth, a key consideration for operations-focused professionals. Growth opportunities are outlined to provide a clear path for ambitious candidates.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site" at the Windsor, Victoria, Australia location. This suggests a traditional office environment within NBCUniversal's Australian operations.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 92 High Street, Windsor, Victoria, Australia. Windsor is a well-established inner suburb of Melbourne, known for its mix of commercial and residential spaces, offering good accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Likely equipped with design studios, meeting rooms, and collaborative workstations to facilitate teamwork and brainstorming sessions.

• Tooling & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), potentially 3D modeling software, and digital rendering tools. The company will likely provide necessary hardware and software licenses.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with the local design team, cross-functional colleagues, and potentially regional/global counterparts through digital collaboration tools. The "On-site" requirement emphasizes the value placed on in-person collaboration and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard full-time schedule (estimated 40 hours per week), typically Monday to Friday, during business hours. However, given the global nature of entertainment IP and retail cycles, occasional flexibility may be required to accommodate urgent project needs or communication with teams in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" nature of the role is highlighted, emphasizing the value of in-person collaboration. Details about the location and potential workspace environment are provided to give candidates a clearer picture of the day-to-day work setting. The mention of global collaboration acknowledges the realities of working for a multinational media company.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will review applications and conduct a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth interview with the hiring manager (likely a Director/VP) to evaluate design skills, leadership potential, strategic thinking, and understanding of brand IP.

3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, detailing their process, design rationale, and impact on previous projects. This may involve a specific case study presentation.

4. Cross-Functional/Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Category, Franchise, Legal, or other design team members to assess collaboration and communication skills.

5. Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion with senior leadership, followed by an offer if successful.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your experience in Toys & Hardlines, Direct-To-Retail, and IP-driven product development.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (ideation, development, collaboration), the challenges faced, and the successful outcome (e.g., sales impact, brand enhancement).

• Showcase Process: Include examples of your sketching, visual ideation, digital rendering, and technical documentation. Demonstrate how you translate IP and brand guidelines.

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, showcase projects where you successfully partnered with retailers, manufacturers, or other cross-functional teams.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., sell-through rates, revenue contribution, positive retail feedback).

• Prepare for IP Discussion: Be ready to discuss how you approach respecting and leveraging established entertainment IPs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You may be given a hypothetical product brief related to a Universal IP and asked to develop initial concepts or a design direction within a set timeframe. Prepare to demonstrate your ideation skills, understanding of the IP, and ability to think commercially.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio and any design challenges clearly, concisely, and confidently. Focus on articulating your design decisions and their strategic rationale.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare for questions about leadership, team management, conflict resolution, stakeholder management, and how you handle pressure or tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a structured approach to the application and interview process, including specific tips for portfolio presentation and challenge preparation, tailored to a design management role with an IP focus. The emphasis on demonstrating process and impact is crucial for operations-minded candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential for graphics, illustration, and layout. Proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering software (e.g., SolidWorks, Blender, Keyshot) would be highly beneficial for product visualization and technical design.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com for managing project timelines, tasks, and team workflows.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for communication and virtual meetings with internal and external partners.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience with systems for organizing and distributing brand assets, character references, and design files.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not typically a core requirement for a Design Manager, but an understanding of how product information flows through CRM or ERP systems might be beneficial for understanding the broader product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The focus is on design-specific software and tools essential for product development and visualization. Project management and collaboration tools are also highlighted due to the managerial and cross-functional nature of the role. The note acknowledges that while this isn't a data analytics role, understanding data for decision-making is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value driving the creation of unique and engaging products that resonate with fans.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding the authenticity and storytelling of Universal's IPs is paramount in all design output.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where ideas are shared openly, and cross-functional partnerships are strong.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality products that meet both brand standards and consumer expectations.

• Customer Focus: Designing products that appeal to consumers and drive successful retail outcomes.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of projects, deadlines, and outcomes, both individually and as a team.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Emphasis on building strong, collaborative relationships with internal departments (Franchise, Legal, Category) and external retail partners.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and transparent communication to ensure alignment and address challenges proactively.

• Feedback Integration: A culture that values constructive feedback and uses it to refine designs and processes.

• Strategic Alignment: Working to ensure design efforts are aligned with broader business strategies and franchise priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers company culture and values based on the industry (entertainment/media) and the nature of the role (product design, brand management). The focus is on creativity, brand adherence, and strong collaborative relationships, which are critical for success in this type of role within a large organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Demands: Ensuring designs are innovative and on-brand while meeting strict retail requirements, cost targets, and production timelines.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively navigating the needs and opinions of multiple internal teams, rights holders, filmmakers, and retail partners.

• Maintaining Brand Integrity Across Diverse IPs: Consistently translating the unique essence of various entertainment franchises into distinct product lines.

• Navigating Fast-Paced Retail Cycles: Adapting quickly to evolving market trends and retailer demands within compressed development schedules.

• Geographic Collaboration: Effectively managing and collaborating with partners and teams across different time zones (especially if interacting with global teams).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening IP Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of Universal's extensive library of entertainment properties and their consumer product potential.

• Retail Partnership Acumen: Developing sophisticated skills in managing and growing direct-to-retail relationships.

• Global Design Trends: Staying at the forefront of international design, toy, and consumer product trends.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing management skills through team leadership, mentorship, and potentially formal training programs offered by NBCUniversal.

• Cross-Category Exposure: Opportunities to learn about and potentially contribute to product development in other categories beyond Toys & Hardlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges helps candidates prepare for the realities of the role. Growth opportunities are framed not just as promotions but also as skill acquisition and knowledge expansion within the specific context of the entertainment and consumer products industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a product line for a newly released major film franchise aimed at the ANZ direct-to-retail market?" (Tests strategic thinking, IP understanding, and market awareness).

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting creative feedback from multiple stakeholders. How did you manage the situation and reach a resolution?" (Assesses stakeholder management and negotiation skills).

• "Walk us through your process for translating a complex entertainment IP into a tangible consumer product, ensuring brand integrity and commercial viability." (Evaluates design process, IP comprehension, and commercial acumen).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about NBCUniversal and the Universal Products & Experiences division specifically?" (Tests your understanding of the company and your passion).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative culture within a design team?" (Evaluates your leadership and team-building approach).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution (design process), the outcome, and any lessons learned.

• Focus on Impact: Highlight how your designs contributed to business objectives like increased sales, enhanced brand perception, or successful retail introductions.

• Demonstrate Process: Show your sketches, mood boards, digital renderings, and any technical documentation to illustrate your design journey.

• Be Ready for IP Questions: Prepare to discuss how you approached specific IPs and ensured their integrity in your designs.

• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation rather than a monologue. Be enthusiastic and prepared to answer questions about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for interview preparation, focusing on strategy questions relevant to a Design Manager role in the entertainment/consumer products space. It emphasizes demonstrating strategic thinking, IP understanding, collaboration, and commercial impact, all crucial for operations-aligned roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience in product design, consumer products, toy/hardlines development, IP licensing, and direct-to-retail programs. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., revenue growth driven, successful product launches).

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a strong portfolio showcasing your best work in Toys & Hardlines, with clear examples of concept-to-execution, IP translation, and retail-focused designs. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., online link).

• Research NBCUniversal & UP&E: Understand the company's mission, values, current franchises, and the specific goals of Universal Products & Experiences. Familiarize yourself with their presence in the ANZ market.

• Practice Your Presentation: Be ready to confidently present your portfolio and discuss your design process, strategic thinking, and leadership approach during interviews.

⚠️ 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.