Lead Graphic Designer - Matchbox

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Graphic Designer - Matchbox Company: Mattel Location: El Segundo, California, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / Graphic Design Date Posted: 2025-08-27T21:34:27.411 Experience Level: 6+ years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creative direction and execution of graphic design elements for the Matchbox brand, focusing on die-cast vehicles, track sets, and play sets.
• Drive innovation in visual design by generating new graphics, illustrations, and concepts that align with current automotive and graphic trends.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, development, packaging, and cost engineering teams to ensure seamless product integration and objective achievement.
• Serve as a brand guardian, ensuring all graphic assets and product visuals adhere to Mattel's brand identity and quality standards.
• Manage external vendors and art direct their contributions to maintain brand consistency and design excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data describes a "Lead Graphic Designer," the core responsibilities and qualifications strongly indicate a role focused on product graphics and visual development within the toy industry, specifically for vehicle-related products. The emphasis on "die-cast vehicles, track sets, play sets" and "vehicle liveries, product graphics" positions this role within a specialized product design segment rather than a broader marketing or brand graphic design function. The "Lead" aspect implies a senior level of execution, concept generation, and potentially mentorship or direction for external resources.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively generate new graphics, illustrations, and concepts to enhance die-cast vehicles, track sets, play sets, and accessories.
• Successfully communicate and present design concepts and visual strategies to management and internal cross-functional partners.
• Manage and maintain a comprehensive library of die-cast products, ensuring timely delivery of design assets and adherence to project deadlines.
• Partner closely with Marketing, Development, Packaging, and Cost Engineering teams to ensure product integrity, manufacturability, and alignment with product objectives.
• Facilitate daily communication with Mattel's Asia Design and Development partners, ensuring clear understanding and execution of design directives.
• Manage and provide art direction to outside vendors, ensuring their creative output aligns with brand guidelines and project requirements.
• Champion the Matchbox brand identity, ensuring internal and external partners remain on-brand with all visual communications and product graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design creation, strategic concept development, and crucial cross-functional collaboration. The mention of "managing and keeping track of a large number of die-cast products and deadlines" points to a need for strong organizational and project management skills within a high-volume product environment. Directing "outside vendors" and ensuring "internal and external partners on-brand" underscores the leadership and guardianship aspect of the "Lead" title.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Toy/ Graphic/ Transportation Design degree or a related field in product design, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 6+ years of professional experience in graphic design or product design, with a significant focus on vehicle graphics, toy design, or transportation-related visualization.
• Proven track record of developing compelling product graphics, vehicle liveries, and visual assets for consumer products.
• Demonstrated ability to ideate and develop new product concepts, with a strong understanding of current automotive and graphic design trends.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, for creating and manipulating graphics and illustrations.
• Strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and visual storytelling.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work both autonomously, taking initiative on projects, and collaboratively within a fast-paced team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines.
• A professional and proactive demeanor, demonstrating a passion for design and a commitment to achieving excellent results.

Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of 3D CAD software and its application in product development is a significant plus.
• Knowledge of material properties and manufacturing processes relevant to toy development, particularly for die-cast vehicles and plastic components.
• Experience with art direction and managing external creative resources or vendors.
• A genuine passion for toys, vehicles, and the automotive industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of creative design skills, technical proficiency in design software, and practical knowledge of the toy industry's product development lifecycle. The request for "understanding of 3D CAD a plus" and "knowledge of material and manufacturing process for toy development" indicates that a candidate with a holistic product development perspective will be highly valued, even if their primary focus is graphic design. The "Personal Attributes Required" section points to a need for a candidate who is not only skilled but also driven, organized, and culturally aligned with Mattel's collaborative and innovative environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 6 years of design work, with a strong emphasis on vehicle graphics, toy product graphics, or transportation design.
• Include detailed case studies demonstrating the entire design process from concept generation to final product graphics, highlighting problem-solving approaches.
• Feature examples of graphic design for die-cast vehicles, track sets, play sets, or similar consumer products, illustrating creativity and brand alignment.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) through the quality and execution of presented graphics.
• Present clear evidence of understanding and application of current automotive and graphic trends in design work.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have managed multiple design projects with competing deadlines, showcasing organizational and time management strategies.
• Illustrate your process for collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., Marketing, Development, Packaging) to ensure design objectives are met and product integrity is maintained.
• Include examples of how you have successfully communicated and presented design concepts to stakeholders at various levels.
• Showcase instances where you have managed external vendors or art directed creative resources, detailing your approach to ensuring brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it will be the primary tool for demonstrating design capabilities and process. The emphasis should be on showing not just the final output but also the strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative processes involved. Applicants should be prepared to walk through their design process for key projects within their portfolio, highlighting how they translated brand requirements and market trends into compelling visual designs for toys.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Graphic Designer with 6+ years of experience in the competitive Southern California market, the estimated salary range for this position is approximately $90,000 - $125,000 annually. This range is indicative and will be finalized based on a candidate's specific skills, experience, and work location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with company matching.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Employee discounts on Mattel products.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.
• Potential for bonuses and performance-based incentives.
• Access to Mattel's inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time commitment, typically 40 hours per week.
• While the role is hybrid, specific in-office days will be determined by team needs and collaboration requirements, offering flexibility within a structured framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in the specified location. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal pay structure. Mattel's benefits package is typically comprehensive, supporting employee well-being and professional growth. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for individuals who can manage their time effectively across remote and in-office settings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toy and Family Entertainment. Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees globally), indicating a well-established corporate structure with significant resources and established processes. Founded: 1945, highlighting a rich heritage and deep experience in product innovation and brand building within the entertainment sector.

Team Structure:

• Department: Portfolio Wheels Product Design Team, which focuses on die-cast vehicles, track sets, play sets, and large-scale vehicles.
• Reporting Structure: The Lead Graphic Designer likely reports to a Director or Senior Manager of Product Design within the Wheels division.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires constant interaction with Marketing, Development, Packaging, Cost Engineering, and international design teams (specifically Mattel Asia Design and Development).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, there's an expectation to understand market trends (auto and graphic) and apply them to product graphics.
• Collaborative Innovation: Mattel emphasizes a "We collaborate" and "We innovate" approach, suggesting that design processes involve team input and a willingness to explore new ideas.
• Execution Focus: The "We execute" behavior highlights a commitment to delivering high-quality products efficiently and on time.

Company Website: https://jobs.mattel.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mattel's long history and global presence suggest a professional, structured environment with a strong emphasis on brand heritage and product quality. The "Portfolio Wheels" team is a specialized unit within a larger organization, implying a focused mission but also the need to integrate with broader corporate functions. The company culture is explicitly defined by collaboration, innovation, and execution, which are key aspects for any designer, especially in a lead role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Lead-level position within the Product Design function, specifically focusing on Graphic and Visual Design for toys. It signifies a senior individual contributor role with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility for creative output and brand stewardship.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Graphic Designer will report to a higher-level design manager or director within the Wheels product division. They will also work closely with and influence peers in Marketing, Development, and Packaging, as well as manage external design vendors.

Operations Impact: The visual design and graphic elements created by this role directly influence product appeal, brand recognition, and ultimately, consumer purchasing decisions. Strong graphic design is crucial for differentiating products in a competitive toy market and reinforcing the iconic status of brands like Matchbox and Hot Wheels.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to Senior Lead Designer, Art Director, or Design Manager roles within Mattel's product design departments.
• Opportunities to expand design expertise into other Mattel brands or product categories.
• Development of leadership and mentorship skills through art directing external vendors and potentially guiding junior designers.
• Exposure to global design practices and cross-cultural collaboration through work with international teams.
• Professional development through industry conferences, workshops, and internal training programs focused on design trends, software, and product development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within Mattel's extensive product development organization. The "Lead" title suggests that candidates with strong creative vision and the ability to manage projects and external resources will be well-positioned for future leadership opportunities. The emphasis on specific brands like Matchbox also means growth could involve taking on more responsibility for iconic product lines.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, meaning a blend of in-office and remote work. The El Segundo office is likely a modern corporate facility designed for collaboration and creative work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is 333 Continental Blvd, El Segundo, California, 90245. This location places Mattel within a hub of creative industries in Southern California.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment is expected to feature collaborative zones, meeting rooms, and potentially shared design studios conducive to brainstorming and team discussions.
• Design Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations, large monitors, and software licenses for Adobe Creative Suite and potentially 3D CAD tools.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular in-person interaction with design colleagues, product managers, marketing teams, and other stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and interactive work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected. The hybrid model allows for flexibility, but specific days in the office will likely be scheduled for key meetings, creative sessions, and team collaboration. The designer must be adept at managing their time effectively in both remote and in-office settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a flexible schedule that requires self-discipline and effective time management to balance remote work with in-person collaboration. The El Segundo location is significant, placing the designer in a creative ecosystem with potential for networking and inspiration from the broader entertainment and design industries in Los Angeles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruiting team to assess qualifications and fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager to discuss your experience, design philosophy, and suitability for the Lead Graphic Designer role and the Matchbox brand.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, walking through key projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. Be prepared to discuss your contributions, challenges, and outcomes.
• Cross-functional/Peer Interviews: Meetings with members of the product design, marketing, or development teams to evaluate collaboration skills and technical expertise.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a Director or VP of Design for a final assessment of cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in vehicle graphics, product design, and illustration for consumer products.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcome or impact. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.
• Highlight Trends: Demonstrate your awareness of current automotive and graphic design trends and how you integrated them into your work.
• Showcase Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio visually demonstrates your mastery of Photoshop, Illustrator, and any other relevant design tools.
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, collaboration experiences, and how you handle feedback and tight deadlines.

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, be prepared for potential design exercises or a take-home assignment that may assess your ability to create graphics for a die-cast vehicle or a play set concept.
• Practice articulating your design process and rationale concisely and persuasively.
• Be ready to discuss how you manage your workload and collaborate with different teams, as these are crucial aspects of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical component of the application process. Candidates should treat it as a presentation of their design capabilities and strategic thinking. Organizing the portfolio logically, with clear explanations for each project, will be key. Be ready to discuss not just what you designed, but why, and how it contributed to the product's success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator for creating, editing, and manipulating graphics, illustrations, and mock-ups.
• Sketching/Ideation Programs: While not specified, experience with digital sketching tools (e.g., Procreate, Sketchbook) or traditional sketching is valuable for initial concept development.
• 3D CAD Software (Plus): Familiarity with 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Alias, Blender) is advantageous for understanding product forms and potential integration of graphics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Less direct involvement in analytics for this role, but an understanding of how design impacts market performance and sales is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but familiarity with project management or asset management systems used within Mattel's creative workflows might be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement revolves around Adobe Creative Suite. However, the "plus" for 3D CAD knowledge indicates that a candidate with a more comprehensive understanding of the product development pipeline, from 2D graphics to 3D form, will be highly valued. This suggests that Mattel seeks designers who can think holistically about the product.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity: A fundamental value, essential for generating innovative graphics and concepts for toys.
• Positive Attitude: The ability to maintain enthusiasm and a constructive outlook, particularly when working on fun, high-profile products.
• Self-Motivation: The drive to take initiative, manage projects independently, and consistently deliver high-quality work.
• Passion for Design: A genuine enthusiasm for the craft of design and its application in creating engaging consumer products.
• Efficiency: The capacity to manage time and resources effectively to meet project deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactiveness: Anticipating needs, identifying opportunities, and taking action without constant supervision.
• Organization: The ability to manage a large volume of projects, assets, and deadlines systematically.
• Professional Maturity: Displaying accountability, reliability, and effective communication in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with Marketing, Development, Packaging, and Cost Engineering teams, requiring clear communication and a focus on shared goals.
• Brand Guardianship: A collaborative approach to ensuring all visual output aligns with the Matchbox brand identity, involving feedback and alignment with brand managers.
• Global Partnership: Working closely with international design teams (Mattel Asia) demands effective communication across different cultures and time zones.
• Vendor Management: A professional and directive style when art directing and managing external vendors to achieve specific creative outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mattel's explicitly stated values (collaborate, innovate, execute) and the personal attributes required for this role paint a clear picture of the desired team member. The emphasis is on a creative, driven individual who can work effectively both independently and as part of a diverse, global team, while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and brand integrity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume, Fast Pace: Managing a large number of die-cast products and deadlines requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Brand Consistency: Ensuring that all graphic designs for the Matchbox brand consistently reflect its heritage and appeal to its target audience, while also staying relevant with current trends.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Balancing creative vision with the practical constraints and objectives of marketing, engineering, and manufacturing teams.
• Global Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with design partners in different regions, potentially across different time zones and cultural nuances.
• Art Directing Vendors: Guiding external creative resources to achieve specific design outcomes that meet Mattel's quality and brand standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Trend Forecasting: Staying abreast of emerging automotive design, graphic design, and toy industry trends, and applying this knowledge to product development.
• Brand Expansion: Gaining deeper understanding and experience with the broader Mattel brand portfolio and its respective design languages.
• Product Development Lifecycle: Deepening knowledge of the end-to-end product development process for toys, from concept to manufacturing.
• Leadership Skills: Developing art direction, mentorship, and project management capabilities through leading design initiatives and managing external resources.
• Industry Exposure: Attending relevant industry events, trade shows, or workshops to foster continuous learning and networking.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for a designer to hone their skills in a high-volume, iconic product category. The challenges are inherent to working with a major global brand and require a proactive, adaptable, and highly organized individual. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those looking to advance into leadership roles within the toy and entertainment industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for generating new graphic concepts for vehicle liveries. How do you incorporate current automotive and graphic trends?" (Focus on your ideation process, research methods, and ability to translate trends into unique designs.)
• "Walk us through a project where you had to balance creative vision with technical or manufacturing constraints. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving, collaboration, and understanding of product development.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a large portfolio of products and when working with external vendors?" (Emphasize your understanding of brand guardianship, communication, and art direction skills.)
• "Describe a time you had to present design concepts to stakeholders with differing opinions. How did you manage the discussion and gain alignment?" (Showcase your communication, persuasion, and stakeholder management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about the Matchbox brand and Mattel as a company?" (Research Mattel's mission, values, and recent product launches. Connect your passion for design to their purpose.)
• "How do you embody Mattel's values of collaboration, innovation, and execution in your daily work?" (Provide specific examples from your past roles.)
• "How do you manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced design environment?" (Demonstrate your organizational skills and ability to thrive under pressure.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by project, with each project including a brief overview, your role, the design process, key challenges, solutions, and final results.
• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your expertise in vehicle graphics, toy design, and your ability to work with complex brands.
• Showcase Process: Be prepared to discuss your creative process, including sketching, ideation, software usage, and how you incorporated feedback.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data on how your designs contributed to sales, brand recognition, or positive consumer feedback, include it.
• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it is clear, concise, and engaging. Be ready to answer specific questions about your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing not just design talent but also the strategic thinking, collaborative approach, and professional maturity required for a Lead role. Demonstrating an understanding of the toy industry, the Matchbox brand, and Mattel's company culture will be crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in vehicle graphics, toy product design, and graphic illustration, specifically referencing die-cast vehicles or similar products. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 6+ years of relevant experience, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities that align with the job description, such as concept generation, brand guardianship, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords like "graphic design," "product graphics," "vehicle design," "illustration," and "Adobe Creative Suite."
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate your creative choices. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your collaboration and communication skills with cross-functional teams and external vendors.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mattel's brands (especially Matchbox and Hot Wheels), company values, and recent news. Understand their approach to innovation and their purpose-driven mission to empower generations through play.

⚠️ 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.