Product Designer - Toys at Goliath

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - Toys Company: Goliath Location: Hattem, Gelderland, Netherlands Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / Toy Development Date Posted: 2025-08-06T06:38:04.624 Experience Level: 3-5 Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Conceptualize, sketch, and develop inspiring product concepts for physical toys, driving innovation within the toy industry.
Identify emerging trends and new product opportunities to maintain Goliath's market leadership in games and toys.
Own product design, ensuring high play value and exceptional user experience across all target demographics.
Present visual product concepts and development progress to senior management, articulating design rationale and market fit.
Lead and facilitate brainstorming sessions within the design team to foster a culture of creativity and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input specifies "Product Designer - Toys," the responsibilities and requirements strongly align with a "Toy Designer" or "Product Development Designer" role within the consumer goods sector, specifically focused on physical product creation and innovation. The emphasis on play value, user experience for children, and trend identification solidifies this specialization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Conceptualize, sketch, and develop inspiring product concepts for physical toys, translating market trends into tangible product ideas.
Identify and analyze new trends in the toy industry, consumer behavior, and play patterns to inform product pipeline development.
Take ownership of the design process for assigned toy products, ensuring high standards for play value, safety, and user experience.
Create compelling visual product presentations, including mood boards, concept sketches, and 3D renders, for internal stakeholder reviews and senior management presentations.
Organize and lead brainstorming sessions and design thinking workshops with internal teams and external partners to generate innovative product ideas.
Develop and test prototypes with target audiences, specifically children, to gather feedback and iterate on product design for optimal playability and user engagement.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, engineering, and manufacturing, to ensure design feasibility and successful product launch.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to design, including sketching, prototyping, and user testing, which is critical for a product designer in the toy industry. The role requires not just creative ideation but also end-to-end product development ownership, from concept to testing.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience demonstrating strong design principles and execution.

Experience:

3-5 years of professional experience specifically within the toy industry, with a proven track record of successful product development from concept to market.
Experience managing multiple design projects simultaneously, adhering to timelines and budget constraints, is essential for success in this dynamic environment.

Required Skills:

Exceptional Sketching Skills: Ability to quickly and clearly communicate product ideas and concepts through freehand sketching and visual ideation.
Proficiency in 3D Design Software: Expertise in industry-standard 3D modeling software such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or Blender for creating detailed product designs and mockups.
Strong Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Demonstrated skill in using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for visual presentations, graphic design elements, and marketing collateral.
Trend Analysis & Market Insight: Ability to identify and interpret new trends in the toy industry, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies to inform product strategy.
Prototyping & User Testing: Hands-on experience in creating physical prototypes and conducting user testing sessions, particularly with children, to gather actionable feedback.
Creative Problem-Solving: Excellent ability to identify design challenges and develop innovative solutions that enhance play value and user experience.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including marketing, sales, and manufacturing, fostering a collaborative design process.

Preferred Skills:

Basic 3D Design Software Knowledge: Familiarity with additional 3D design tools like Blender or Nomad, enhancing versatility in concept visualization.
User Experience (UX) Design Principles: Understanding of UX principles as applied to toy design, ensuring engaging and intuitive play experiences.
Presentation & Communication Skills: Ability to articulate design concepts, present visual materials effectively, and communicate design rationale to various stakeholders.
Project Management Fundamentals: Basic understanding of project management methodologies to effectively manage design timelines and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific 3D software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Blender) and Adobe Creative Suite is critical. The "hands-on" mentality and experience with children for user testing are key differentiators for a toy designer. The preferred skill in additional 3D software suggests a company that values technical versatility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Concept Development Showcase: Include a minimum of two comprehensive case studies demonstrating the end-to-end product design process for physical toys, from initial concept ideation through to final design specifications.
Visual Communication Excellence: Portfolio must clearly exhibit strong sketching abilities, proficiency in 3D modeling, and high-quality visual presentations (e.g., mood boards, renders, mockups) that effectively communicate design intent.
User-Centric Design Examples: Showcase projects where user feedback, particularly from children, was integrated into the design process, highlighting improvements in playability, safety, or engagement.
Trend Integration: Demonstrate an understanding of current and emerging toy industry trends, illustrating how these trends were incorporated into product concepts or designs.
Software Proficiency Evidence: Clearly indicate the design software used for each project (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Blender, Adobe Creative Suite) to validate technical skills.

Process Documentation:

Design Workflow Mapping: Provide examples or descriptions of your typical design workflow, including stages for ideation, concept development, prototyping, user testing, and final design handover.
Prototyping & Iteration: Detail your approach to prototyping, including materials and methods used, and how iterative testing with users informed design refinements.
Collaboration & Feedback Integration: Illustrate how you manage feedback from cross-functional teams and stakeholders, and how this feedback is integrated into the design process to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a product design role, a strong portfolio is paramount. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that not only showcase visual output but also the strategic thinking, user-centricity, and process management involved in bringing a toy from concept to a testable prototype. Demonstrating proficiency with specific software mentioned in the requirements is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the experience level (3-5 years), location (Hattem, Netherlands), and industry (toy design), a competitive salary range is estimated between €40,000 - €55,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for product designers in the Netherlands with specialized experience in consumer goods and toys.

Benefits:

Competitive Salary: A salary package commensurate with experience and industry standards.
Comprehensive Pension Scheme: Contribution towards a retirement savings plan to ensure long-term financial security.
International Travel Opportunities: Potential to travel to global Goliath offices (US, UK, Hong Kong) for collaboration and project engagement.
Productivity Tools & Resources: Access to necessary design software and prototyping equipment to facilitate creative work.
Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement within a dynamic international company.

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring approximately 3 days per week in the Hattem office. Flexibility may be available depending on project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general Dutch market data for experienced product designers. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and negotiation. The benefits listed are directly from the job description, highlighting key perks for prospective employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toys & Games. Goliath is a global player with a significant presence in the international toy and game market, known for brands like Rummikub, Triominos, and Sequence. Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Goliath is described as a "global player" and "multinational," suggesting a medium to large enterprise with established international operations and teams across multiple continents. This implies a structured yet dynamic work environment. Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's established brands indicate a history of sustained growth and market presence in the toy and game industry.

Team Structure:

Global Design & Development Team: The role sits within this department, indicating a focus on product creation and innovation.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Design & Development Manager, NL, suggesting a hierarchical structure within the Dutch operations with clear leadership.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with internal and external partners across the US, Netherlands, UK, and Hong Kong, highlighting a globally integrated team structure and diverse working relationships.

Methodology:

Market-Driven Innovation: Goliath's approach is market-oriented, emphasizing the identification of new trends and product opportunities to drive business growth.
Collaborative Development: The "Clever Together" motto underscores a commitment to teamwork, suggesting a culture where collaboration, shared insights, and collective problem-solving are valued.
Hands-on & Creative: The company culture fosters a hands-on mentality, encouraging employees to be proactive in prototyping and testing, and values creativity and personal development.

Company Website: www.goliathgames.com/corporate

📝 Enhancement Note: Goliath's emphasis on "Clever Together" and its global presence suggest a collaborative and international work environment. The "entrepreneurial, dynamic, and market-oriented" culture means candidates should be adaptable, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-paced setting.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced Product Designer, requiring 3-5 years of industry-specific experience. It's a mid-level position with significant individual contribution and project ownership responsibilities. Reporting Structure: The Product Designer reports to the Design & Development Manager, NL. This indicates a clear line of management and potential for mentorship from a senior design leader. Operations Impact: The Product Designer directly influences the company's product pipeline and market offerings by conceptualizing and developing new toys. Their work directly contributes to brand success, market competitiveness, and ultimately, revenue generation through innovative and engaging products.

Growth Opportunities:

Brand & Product Ownership: The opportunity to leave a significant mark on rapidly growing international brands by leading product development from concept to realization.
International Exposure: Collaboration with global teams in the US, UK, and Hong Kong provides exposure to different markets, design approaches, and business strategies.
Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific toy categories, materials, or design methodologies through varied project assignments.
Leadership Potential: Successful performance in this role could lead to opportunities for advancement into senior designer, lead designer, or management positions within the design and development department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers substantial growth potential for designers passionate about the toy industry. The combination of creative freedom, international collaboration, and direct impact on successful brands makes it an attractive position for career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Role. Approximately 3 out of 5 days are expected in the office, with the remaining 2 days potentially remote. This offers a balance between in-person collaboration and flexible working. Office Location(s): The primary office location is Hattem, Gelderland, Netherlands. As a global company, there are other international offices, but this role is based in the Netherlands.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Hub: The office environment likely serves as a hub for brainstorming, team meetings, prototype reviews, and direct interaction with the Design & Development Manager and other design team members.
Design Resources: Access to necessary design software, potentially 3D printers or prototyping tools, and a creative workspace conducive to product ideation and development.
Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with colleagues within the design team and potentially other departments, fostering a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for structured workdays with a blend of office-based and remote activities, supporting efficient workflow management for design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, suggesting a modern approach to work-life balance and collaboration, common in many international companies today. Candidates should be prepared for structured office days focused on collaboration and creative output.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Likely an HR or hiring manager review of applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and fit.
Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, explaining their design process, creative decisions, and the impact of their work on previous projects. A practical design challenge related to toy concept development or problem-solving might also be included.
Team/Manager Interviews: Interviews with the Design & Development Manager and potentially other team members to evaluate technical skills, creative thinking, collaborative abilities, and cultural fit.
Final Interview: Potentially with higher management to discuss strategic alignment and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Focus on demonstrating your thought process, problem-solving skills, and how you iterated on designs based on feedback. Include sketches, early concepts, and user testing insights.
Quantify Impact: Where possible, provide data or metrics on how your designs improved user experience, product appeal, or sales performance. For toys, this could be feedback from children or observed play patterns.
Tailor to Toys: Highlight projects specifically related to physical product design, ideally for consumer goods or toys. Emphasize your understanding of play value, safety standards, and child psychology.
Clear Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Be prepared to walk through your projects confidently, articulating your role and contributions clearly.
Software Proficiency: Explicitly mention the software used for each project to align with the job requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

Product Ideation: Be ready to brainstorm and sketch initial concepts for new toys based on a given theme or target audience.
Design Problem-Solving: Prepare to analyze a design problem related to existing toys and propose creative solutions that enhance their playability, safety, or appeal.
Trend Integration: Think about current toy trends and how you would incorporate them into new product ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio showcasing a clear design process, user-centricity, and specific toy industry experience is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their contributions and demonstrate their creative problem-solving skills, especially in relation to children's product development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

3D Design Software: Proficiency expected in SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or Blender. Familiarity with others like Nomad is a plus. These tools are essential for conceptualizing, modeling, and refining physical product designs.
Adobe Creative Suite: Specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. These are critical for creating visual presentations, mood boards, concept art, and potentially marketing materials related to the product.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not directly mentioned for this design role, understanding user feedback and market trends might involve basic data analysis of consumer insights or sales reports, often facilitated by internal reporting tools or spreadsheets.

CRM & Automation:

Not directly applicable to the core responsibilities of a Product Designer, but awareness of how design integrates into the broader product lifecycle management (PLM) and CRM systems might be beneficial for cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on 3D design software and Adobe Creative Suite is paramount. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience and proficiency with these tools, as they are the primary means of executing the design work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Creativity & Innovation: A core value, encouraging the generation of new and inspiring product concepts for toys.
Collaboration ("Clever Together"): Emphasis on teamwork, shared insights, and working effectively with diverse internal and external partners.
Market Focus: A drive to understand and respond to market trends and consumer needs to develop successful products.
Hands-on Mentality: A proactive approach to design, including prototyping and testing, valuing practical execution alongside conceptualization.
Personal Development: Encouragement of individual growth and continuous learning within the dynamic environment.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to collaborate closely with marketing, development, and international teams, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills to ensure design alignment across departments and regions.
Feedback-Driven: A culture that values constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to refine product designs and ensure user satisfaction.
Open Communication: An environment that supports open dialogue and idea sharing during brainstorming sessions and daily interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, particularly "Clever Together," suggest a collaborative culture. Designers should be team-oriented, open to feedback, and proactive in engaging with colleagues across different functions and geographies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Creativity with Commercial Viability: Developing innovative toy concepts that are also feasible to produce, safe, and commercially successful within the competitive toy market.
Global Project Management: Coordinating design efforts and feedback across multiple international teams (US, UK, Hong Kong) requires strong organizational and communication skills.
Rapid Trend Adaptation: Staying ahead of fast-moving trends in the toy industry and translating them into appealing products quickly.
Prototyping Iterations: Working through multiple rounds of prototyping and testing with children can be time-consuming but is essential for product refinement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Exposure to International Markets: Gaining insights into different consumer preferences and design aesthetics across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Brand Portfolio Expansion: Opportunity to contribute to a diverse portfolio of well-known and growing toy and game brands.
Advanced Design Techniques: Potential to learn or refine skills in specific 3D modeling software or prototyping technologies through project demands and team expertise.
Cross-Functional Learning: Understanding the broader product development lifecycle, including marketing, sales, and manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for professional growth by tackling the unique challenges of the toy industry, working with established global brands, and collaborating across international teams.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Design Philosophy: Be prepared to discuss your personal design philosophy, particularly as it applies to toy design and creating engaging experiences for children. How do you balance creativity with functionality and safety?
Trend Identification: How do you stay informed about new trends in the toy industry, and how would you translate a emerging trend into a viable product concept for Goliath?
Problem-Solving Scenarios: Expect questions that present a design challenge (e.g., improving the play value of an existing toy, designing for a specific age group) and ask you to walk through your problem-solving process, including sketching and prototyping considerations.
Collaboration & Feedback: Describe a time you had to incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders with differing opinions. How did you manage this, and what was the outcome? How do you approach cross-functional collaboration?

Company & Culture Questions:

Goliath Brands: Research Goliath's current product lines and brands. Be ready to discuss which ones you find most interesting and why, or even propose ideas for new products within their existing portfolio.
"Clever Together" Philosophy: How do you embody this philosophy in your work? Provide examples of when you've collaborated effectively with diverse teams to achieve a common goal.
Hands-on Approach: Discuss your experience with prototyping and testing. What are your preferred methods, and how do you use user feedback to drive design iterations?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Narrative Structure: For each portfolio piece, tell a story: the problem, your approach, the process (including sketches and iterations), the solution, and the impact.
Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where you demonstrated sketching prowess, 3D modeling expertise, and use of Adobe Suite.
User Testing Focus: If you have user testing data or insights, make sure to present them clearly. Show how user feedback directly influenced your design decisions.
Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Prioritize presenting your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your skills for this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should thoroughly research Goliath's brands and culture. Demonstrating an understanding of their "Clever Together" ethos and a hands-on approach to design will be key. Practice presenting portfolio projects with a clear narrative and highlighting specific design skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer - Toys position:

Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features projects relevant to toy design, showcasing your sketching, 3D modeling, and prototyping skills. Tailor your portfolio to highlight your understanding of play value and user experience for children.
Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your 3-5 years of experience in the toy industry, specific software proficiencies (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Blender, Adobe Creative Suite), and any achievements in product concept development and user testing.
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative problem-solving abilities, and collaborative experiences. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently, focusing on the narrative and impact of your work.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Goliath's history, brands, and market position. Understand their "Clever Together" motto and how your skills and work style align with their dynamic, entrepreneurial culture.

⚠️ 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.

Product Designer - Toys