Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer - Innovation/New Brands

Company: Just Play, LLC

Location: El Segundo, CA, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Development

Date Posted: 2026-04-22T18:23:00

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Spearhead the ideation, concept development, and design of innovative new toy products for emerging brands and intellectual property (IP).
Translate consumer insights, market trends, and technological advancements into tangible, market-ready toy concepts across various categories like plush, dolls, and collectibles.
Create compelling 2D and 3D product visualizations and presentations to effectively communicate design vision to design, marketing, and management teams.
Collaborate closely with a small, agile team of designers and with external partners such as model makers, sculptors, and soft goods designers to bring product concepts to life.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Product Designer," the emphasis on "Innovation/New Brands" and "Ideator" suggests a role that requires significant creative output, proactive concept generation, and a forward-thinking approach, rather than solely executing existing product lines. This role is crucial for exploring new market opportunities and developing proprietary brands.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Actively generate and conceptualize original designs and innovative ideas for new Intellectual Property (IP) Brands at Just Play.
Execute end-to-end idea generation processes, from initial concept scribbles to detailed product designs suitable for presentation and development.
Design and develop original New IP Brands, establishing their visual identity and core product offerings.
Concept and create compelling product presentations and prototypes for potential licensed pitches to secure new partnerships.
Operate within a small, highly collaborative team environment, contributing to a shared vision and fostering a creative atmosphere.
Successfully present and articulate design concepts, rationale, and product potential to design, marketing, and senior management teams.
Effectively communicate and manage relationships with external resources, including model makers, sculptors, and soft goods designers, ensuring alignment with design vision and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on both internal IP development and external licensing opportunities. The emphasis on "executing idea generation" and "concept and create for licensed pitches" indicates a need for a designer who can not only innovate but also effectively package and sell those innovations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

A minimum of 4+ years of dedicated experience in toy design or a closely related product design field is required.

Required Skills:

Exceptional sketching and illustration abilities, capably translating abstract ideas into clear visual representations.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for concept development, rendering, and presentation materials.
Strong command of PowerPoint for creating persuasive and professional design presentations.
Solid understanding and practical application of 3D CAD software for product modeling and visualization.
Comprehensive knowledge of material selection and manufacturing processes specific to toy development, ensuring designs are feasible and cost-effective.
Proven ability to work both autonomously on individual projects and collaboratively within a team environment.
Keen awareness of current consumer trends, market dynamics, and emerging technologies relevant to the toy industry.
Deep understanding of features and play patterns inherent in successful toys, enabling the creation of engaging and marketable products.
Adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
A "blue-sky thinker" capable of problem-solving and conceptualizing solutions that bridge creative vision with practical realization.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with 3D rendering software (e.g., Keyshot, Blender) to create high-fidelity product visualizations.
Familiarity with soft goods design principles and construction methods.
Experience working with sculptors and understanding the 3D sculpting process.
Demonstrated ability to conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "4+ years" experience requirement positions this as a mid to senior-level role. The emphasis on "blue-sky thinker" and "love of toys" suggests the company values creativity, passion, and a proactive, imaginative mindset alongside technical proficiency. The requirement for a portfolio is critical for assessing these skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a range of design projects that demonstrate your ideation process, product development capabilities, and aesthetic sensibilities.
Include detailed process sketches and concept development stages to illustrate your creative journey and problem-solving approach.
Feature high-quality product renders and 3D models that highlight your technical proficiency and ability to visualize final products.
Showcase final product photography or mock-ups, demonstrating successful realization of designs from concept to tangible output.

Process Documentation:

Demonstrate a clear process for translating initial ideas into viable product designs, including research, sketching, CAD modeling, and refinement.
Provide examples of how you collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, engineering) and external partners (e.g., manufacturers, sculptors) during the design lifecycle.
Illustrate your approach to incorporating feedback, iterating on designs, and problem-solving manufacturing or material challenges.
Showcase your ability to present design concepts effectively, articulating the rationale behind design choices and their market potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit request for a portfolio demonstrating "process sketches, product renders, and final photography" is a critical requirement. Candidates must curate their portfolios to highlight their end-to-end design process and ability to deliver market-ready concepts, especially within the toy industry.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 annually

Benefits:

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Comprehensive health insurance package (medical, dental, vision).
Retirement savings plan with company matching (e.g., 401(k)).
Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time position, likely 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during peak periods or project deadlines. The role requires an in-person schedule at the El Segundo, CA office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Senior Product Designer role in the El Segundo, California area, reflecting the required experience and specialized skills in toy innovation. Benefits are standard for a full-time position in the US consumer products industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Products – Toys & Children's Entertainment. Just Play is a prominent player in the toy manufacturing sector, known for its dynamic approach to product development, particularly for children's toys.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of a "small collaborative team environment" and a "New Brands Team" suggests a dynamic, possibly mid-sized company that fosters agility and innovation. Companies of this nature often have a passionate and hands-on culture.

Founded: Founded in 2001, Just Play has established itself as a leading force in the toy industry, with a history of creating popular and engaging products.

Team Structure:

The role is part of the "Creative – New Brands" department, indicating a focus on innovation and the development of proprietary or new intellectual property.
The designer will report directly to the Sr. Director – Creative-New Brands, suggesting a clear reporting line within a specialized creative unit.

Methodology:

The team likely employs a rapid ideation and concept development methodology, driven by market trends, consumer insights, and creative brainstorming sessions.
Emphasis is placed on translating concepts from 2D sketches to 3D models, with a strong focus on manufacturability and play patterns.
Presentations and clear communication are key to moving concepts through the internal approval process and securing licensing deals.

Company Website: https://www.justplayproducts.com/ (Assuming this is the correct URL based on the domain provided in the input)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on innovation and new brands suggests a culture that values creativity, risk-taking, and the development of unique product lines. The "New Brands Team" structure implies an entrepreneurial spirit within the larger organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a significant level of expertise and responsibility. It's a critical individual contributor role focused on innovation and concept creation, rather than management.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer reports to the Sr. Director – Creative-New Brands. This structure provides direct mentorship and guidance from a senior creative leader, offering opportunities to learn strategic brand development and leadership perspectives.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is directly tied to the successful ideation and development of new products and brands. Successful concepts can lead to new revenue streams, expand the company's market share, and solidify Just Play's reputation as an innovator in the toy industry. The designer's ability to create compelling products that resonate with consumers directly influences brand perception and sales performance.

Growth Opportunities:

Advance to a Lead Product Designer or Art Director role within the New Brands team, taking on more strategic oversight and mentorship responsibilities.
Specialize further in specific product categories (e.g., high-end collectibles, interactive toys) or expand into brand development strategy.
Transition into product management roles, leveraging design expertise to guide product strategy and roadmaps from a consumer-centric perspective.
Develop leadership skills through managing external creative resources and presenting to executive leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title combined with the "Innovation/New Brands" focus suggests a pathway for ambitious designers to move into leadership or specialized strategic roles within the creative department, impacting the company's future product portfolio.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an office environment in El Segundo, CA, requiring an in-person schedule. This implies a collaborative workspace designed for creative teams.

Office Location(s): El Segundo, California, US. This location is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, known for its vibrant creative industries.

Workspace Context:

Expect a collaborative studio environment where designers work closely together, sharing ideas and providing feedback.
Access to standard design tools and software, including Adobe Creative Suite, 3D CAD, and potentially rendering software.
Opportunities for frequent interaction with marketing, product development, and management teams to ensure alignment and gather input.
The "New Brands" team likely operates with a degree of autonomy, allowing for experimental design approaches and quick iteration cycles.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the flexibility to manage personal project timelines. However, deadlines for pitches or product launches may necessitate occasional overtime. The in-person requirement ensures seamless team collaboration and access to physical prototyping resources if available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in El Segundo, CA, suggests a dynamic, collaborative office setting typical of creative agencies or product development firms, fostering direct interaction and rapid feedback loops essential for the innovation process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your resume and, most importantly, your portfolio to assess relevant experience, design skills, and creative output.
Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will walk through your portfolio, explaining your design process, rationale, and contributions to key projects. Expect questions focused on your ideation methods, problem-solving approaches, and ability to work with different product types.
Skills Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or case study, focusing on ideation, sketching, or concept development within a given brief. This tests your ability to think on your feet and apply your skills to a new challenge.
Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with members of the design, marketing, and potentially product development teams to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.
Final Interview: A discussion with the Sr. Director – Creative-New Brands and potentially other senior leaders to evaluate strategic thinking, passion for toys, and overall fit for the team's innovative mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in toy design, ideation, and new brand development.
Show the Process: For each project, clearly illustrate your journey from initial concept to final execution. Include sketches, mood boards, CAD models, and renders.
Highlight "New Brands" Experience: Emphasize projects where you were instrumental in developing new IPs or conceptualizing entirely new product lines.
Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes related to your designs, such as market success, consumer reception, or successful pitch wins.
Tailor to Toys: Ensure your portfolio prominently features toy designs, especially in plush, dolls, or play sets, to align with Just Play's core business.
Visual Storytelling: Practice presenting your work as a narrative, explaining the "why" behind your design decisions and how you addressed project challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge that requires rapid ideation and concept visualization. Practice generating multiple ideas quickly and sketching them out clearly.
Familiarize yourself with current toy industry trends, popular play patterns, and successful new toy launches.
Brush up on your 3D CAD skills and your ability to present concepts effectively using software like PowerPoint.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit request for a portfolio showcasing "process sketches, product renders, and final photography" is paramount. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design thinking, problem-solving methodology, and ability to translate abstract ideas into tangible, market-ready toy concepts.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for 2D design, illustration, rendering, and presentation creation. Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is a must.
3D CAD Software: Experience with 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino, Fusion 360, or similar) is required for creating product prototypes and visualizations.
PowerPoint: Crucial for developing and delivering compelling design presentations to internal stakeholders and potential licensors.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of product development pipelines and project management tools might be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around design and visualization tools. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and 3D CAD is non-negotiable for this role, as these are the primary instruments for concept development and presentation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Innovation: A strong emphasis on creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and the development of novel product concepts is central to the New Brands team.
Passion for Toys: A genuine love for toys and an understanding of what makes them engaging for children is a core cultural value.
Collaboration: Working effectively within a small team and with external partners is key to successful product development.
Consumer-Centricity: Designing products that resonate with children and meet consumer expectations is paramount.
Execution: The ability to not only ideate but also to translate those ideas into manufacturable and marketable products is highly valued.

Collaboration Style:

Expect a dynamic, hands-on collaborative environment where open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged.
The team likely operates with a shared goal of bringing exciting new toy concepts to market, fostering a supportive and creative atmosphere.
Cross-functional collaboration with marketing and management teams will be integral to ensuring design concepts align with brand strategy and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "passion for toys" and "blue-sky thinking" suggests a culture that thrives on creativity, imagination, and a deep appreciation for the product category. This is not just a design job; it's about bringing joy and innovation to children through play.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Creativity with Market Viability: The challenge of generating truly innovative ideas while ensuring they are practical, manufacturable, and commercially successful.
Rapid Iteration: Working in a fast-paced environment that requires quick concept development and iteration, especially for licensed pitches.
Cross-functional Alignment: Effectively communicating design vision and rationale to stakeholders with potentially different priorities (e.g., marketing, finance).
Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously monitoring and anticipating evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements in the toy industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Gain exposure to the full lifecycle of new brand development, from initial ideation to market launch.
Develop expertise in various toy categories (plush, dolls, collectibles) and their unique design considerations.
Enhance presentation and pitching skills through regular interactions with senior leadership and potential licensees.
Expand knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and cost engineering within the toy industry.
Opportunities to work on high-profile licensed properties and develop proprietary IP that could become future flagship brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for growth by immersing the designer in the creation of new brands and product lines, providing hands-on experience in both creative innovation and market-driven product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your process for generating new product ideas for a toy category you're unfamiliar with." (Focus on research, trend analysis, user empathy.)
"Walk us through a concept you developed that was initially rejected. How did you adapt or learn from it?" (Demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and learning from feedback.)
"How do you balance creative vision with manufacturing constraints and cost targets?" (Show understanding of the product development lifecycle.)

Company & Culture Questions:

"What excites you about Just Play's focus on innovation and new brands?" (Show genuine interest in the company's mission.)
"What are your favorite toys, and why? What makes them successful?" (Demonstrate passion for the industry and analytical thinking.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem, your approach, the solution, and the outcome.
Process Emphasis: Clearly show your sketches, ideation steps, and how you arrived at the final design. This is crucial for an "Ideator" role.
Visual Clarity: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Use high-quality images and renders.
Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.
Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for toy design and innovation throughout the presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase their "blue-sky thinking" and their ability to translate those ideas into concrete, visually-represented product concepts, emphasizing the "ideation" aspect of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

Submit your application through the ADP recruitment portal (https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=c5e8e933-6249-44f0-993e-e73ca511ec4b&jobId=570879).
Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature toy design projects, ideation processes, 2D sketches, 3D renders, and final product visualizations. Tailor it to showcase your ability to develop new brands and concepts.
Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 4+ years of relevant toy/product design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, 3D CAD, and any experience with plush, dolls, or play sets. Use keywords from the job description.
Interview Practice: Prepare to walk through your portfolio, articulate your design process, and answer strategy-based questions related to ideation and product development. Practice presenting your "blue-sky" concepts.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Just Play's existing product lines, brand identity, and recent toy industry trends to demonstrate your understanding and passion for the market.

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

Senior Product Designer - Innovation/New Brands