Junior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Product Designer

Company: SBT Global, Inc.

Location: Pico Rivera, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / GTM Operations (Product Development)

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: Junior (2-3 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the ideation and conceptualization of new plush toys and character-based consumer products, moving beyond mere design execution to genuine product innovation.

• Develop comprehensive product designs, from initial concept sketches and color variations to detailed 2D artwork and production-ready files, ensuring alignment with brand identity and market trends.

• Collaborate closely with product development, marketing, and production teams to translate creative visions into tangible, manufacturable products, considering safety requirements and production practicality.

• Conduct thorough market and trend research within the toy, plush, and character merchandise sectors to identify emerging opportunities and inform design strategies.

• Manage assigned design tasks efficiently, maintain organized project documentation, and support the entire product lifecycle from concept through to sample review and production oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior Product Designer," the description emphasizes bringing "fresh product ideas" and not just executing designs, suggesting a role that requires proactive ideation and a strong understanding of the product development lifecycle within the GTM context, not just pure design. This role bridges creative design with operational execution in product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop creative ideas for new plush toys and character-based consumer products, contributing original concepts to the product pipeline.

• Create detailed design assets including concept sketches, rough designs, colorways, 2D artwork, and product mockups to visually represent product ideas.

• Translate brand direction and overarching creative strategies into specific product designs that resonate with target audiences.

• Prepare professional-grade vectorized product artwork and comprehensive production files, complete with detailed design specifications and visual references, for factory use.

• Collaborate with product development teams to ensure design feasibility for manufacturing, assisting in material, fabric, color, and finish selection processes.

• Actively participate in prototype and sample review sessions, providing constructive feedback and implementing necessary design revisions to meet quality and aesthetic standards.

• Conduct ongoing research into current trends in toys, plush items, character merchandise, collectibles, and broader consumer products to identify market opportunities and inform design direction.

• Monitor competitor products and emerging market trends to maintain a competitive edge and ensure product relevance.

• Manage assigned design tasks, track project progress against deadlines, and maintain organized project files, artwork, and design documentation.

• Support product development and quality assurance teams throughout the sample and production phases, addressing design-related inquiries and issues.

• Develop an understanding of U.S. toy and consumer product safety requirements to ensure designs are compliant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative ideation, technical design execution, market analysis, and project coordination, indicating a role that requires a holistic approach to product development within the consumer goods and toy industry. The emphasis on "fresh product ideas" and "not just execute designs" suggests a requirement for proactive contribution to the product strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or BFA in Graphic Design, Product Design, Toy Design, Digital Media, or a related field is preferred. Experience:

• 2–3 years of professional experience in Graphic Design, Product Design, Product Development, Toy Production, or a closely related field.

• Experience with product design or pre-production processes, including concept development, artwork preparation, prototyping, or sample revisions, is essential.

• Experience with plush toys, soft goods, character merchandise, or consumer products is preferred but not a strict requirement. Required Skills:

• Product Design & Concept Development: Proven ability to generate creative concepts and translate them into visual designs.

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expertise in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for creating detailed artwork and production files.

• Technical Design & Production Files: Skill in preparing vectorized artwork and production-ready files for manufacturing.

• Market & Trend Research: Ability to research and analyze industry trends to inform design decisions.

• Portfolio Demonstration: A strong portfolio showcasing design skills, design process, concept sketches, product designs, mockups, final artwork, or production files.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and accept constructive feedback.

• Time Management & Organization: Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management skills to meet project deadlines.

• Google Workspace Proficiency: Working knowledge of Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.).

Preferred Skills:

• Drawing and concept development skills.

• Familiarity with plush toys or soft-goods construction.

• Experience communicating design details with factories or product development teams.

• Familiarity with print-ready or production-ready artwork.

• Experience with ClickUp, or similar project management tools.

• Basic knowledge of U.S. toy or consumer product safety requirements.

• Passion for character design, toys, and collectibles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a balance between creative design capabilities, technical software proficiency, and practical product development experience. The preference for specific product types (plush toys, soft goods) and industry knowledge (toy safety) suggests the company values candidates who can hit the ground running with domain-specific understanding. The portfolio requirement is critical for demonstrating practical application of skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Design Process: Showcase a clear workflow from initial concept ideation through to final design execution, including sketches, mockups, and final artwork.

• Technical Art & Production Files: Include examples of vectorized artwork and production-ready files that illustrate attention to detail and understanding of manufacturing requirements.

• Concept to Completion: Present projects that demonstrate the ability to develop ideas from a rough concept to a refined, manufacturable design.

• Trend Integration: Provide examples where market research and trend analysis have informed and enhanced product designs.

• Collaboration & Feedback Integration: If possible, show how feedback was incorporated into design revisions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Illustrate an understanding of the product design workflow from ideation to production handover, including key stages and deliverables.

• Artwork & Specification Preparation: Demonstrate proficiency in creating detailed artwork and specifications required for factory communication and production.

• Sample Review & Revision: Provide context on how prototypes and samples are reviewed against design intent and how revisions are managed.

• Market Analysis Integration: Show how market research and trend data are utilized to drive design decisions and product innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Product Designer role, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical skills and the ability to follow a design process. The emphasis should be on showing the how behind the what, illustrating problem-solving and creative thinking applied to product development challenges within the consumer goods sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000 per year (DOE - Depending on Experience)

Benefits:

• Full-time employment benefits package (specifics not detailed, but standard for full-time roles).

• Opportunity to work on creative and character-driven consumer products.

• Potential for professional growth and skill development within the toy and consumer products industry.

• Collaborative team environment. Working Hours:

• 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday (40 hours per week).

• This is an on-site role, requiring full-time presence at the Pico Rivera, CA office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided directly in the job description. While specific benefits are not detailed, standard full-time benefits are typically expected. The working hours are clearly defined, indicating a structured work schedule.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toys & Consumer Products, Character-Based Merchandise. SBT Global, Inc. operates within a dynamic and creative sector focused on developing tangible products that bring characters to life for consumers.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but the presence of structured departments like Brand Teams, Product Development, and Design suggests a medium to large organization capable of end-to-end product development and manufacturing oversight.

Founded: Not explicitly stated.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Product Designer will join the "Brand Teams" and work closely with product development and design teams.

• This implies a collaborative structure where designers work alongside individuals responsible for strategy, execution, and production.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with marketing, production, and quality assurance teams. Methodology:

• Creative Ideation: Emphasis on generating "fresh product ideas" and contributing to concept development.

• Data-Informed Design: Utilizes market and trend research to inform design strategies and product opportunities.

• Process-Oriented Development: Focuses on developing designs from concept through to production-ready files, with structured sample review and revision processes.

• Collaborative Execution: Works within a team framework, integrating feedback and supporting various stages of product development.

Company Website: www.sbtglobal.com (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates in a creative and consumer-focused industry. The emphasis on "fresh product ideas" suggests a culture that values innovation and proactive contribution from its design team members. The structure implies a need for strong collaboration and communication skills to navigate the product development lifecycle effectively.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to junior position within the Product Design function, aimed at individuals with 2-3 years of experience. It's designed for growth from executing designs to contributing more significantly to product ideation and development strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Product Designer will report to a senior member of the Brand Team or Design Department, receiving guidance and oversight on assigned tasks and projects. Collaboration will extend to Product Development, Marketing, Production, and QA teams.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the company's product pipeline and market competitiveness by developing new, appealing, and manufacturable plush toys and character-based consumer products. Successful execution contributes to revenue generation through desirable product offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in plush toy design, character development, and production art.

• Process Mastery: Gain comprehensive experience in the end-to-end product development lifecycle within the toy industry.

• Creative Contribution: Progress from executing designs to leading concept development for specific product lines.

• Industry Knowledge: Develop a strong understanding of market trends, consumer preferences, and safety regulations in the toy and consumer product sector.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Build relationships and gain insights from marketing, production, and QA teams, fostering a broader understanding of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a foundational step for a career in product design within the consumer goods and toy industry. Growth is expected through hands-on experience, mentorship, and increasing responsibility in concept generation and product strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site position requiring full-time presence at the Pico Rivera, California office.

Office Location(s): Pico Rivera, California, United States. This location provides access to the Los Angeles metropolitan area's resources and talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves working closely with product development, design, marketing, production, and QA teams, suggesting an open and communicative workspace.

• Creative Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and likely a supportive environment for creative work.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with colleagues to brainstorm, review designs, and coordinate project efforts.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. This provides a structured schedule conducive to focused design work and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement indicates a preference for in-person collaboration and direct team interaction, which is often beneficial for creative roles involving brainstorming and rapid feedback loops.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.

• Design Challenge/Task: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from their portfolio, demonstrating their process, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet design brief requirements.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about experience, design philosophy, approach to collaboration, and understanding of the toy/consumer product market.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: Evaluation of how well the candidate aligns with the company's creative and collaborative culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, from initial concept to final execution.

• Highlight Creativity & Innovation: Emphasize projects where you contributed original ideas or unique solutions, especially those relevant to character-based products.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Include examples of high-quality vector artwork and production files that showcase proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

• Contextualize Your Work: Explain the project goals, your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.

• Tailor to the Role: Feature projects that align with plush toys, character merchandise, or consumer products if available.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully analyze any design challenge provided, ensuring you understand the objectives, target audience, and constraints.

• Focus on Process: Be prepared to explain your thought process and design decisions, not just present a final outcome.

• Time Management: Practice working within time limits to deliver a complete and well-thought-out response.

• Presentation Skills: Be ready to present your work clearly and concisely, highlighting key aspects and answering questions effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio and process indicates that SBT Global, Inc. values practical skills and a demonstrated ability to execute designs effectively from concept to production. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their creative thinking and technical capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating vectorized product artwork, logos, and detailed design specifications.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for concept sketching, mood boards, mockups, and image manipulation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Workspace: Used for general productivity, document creation, collaboration, and potentially project tracking (Docs, Sheets, Slides).

CRM & Automation:

• ClickUp (Preferred): Experience with ClickUp or similar project management tools is a plus for managing design tasks, deadlines, and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is a non-negotiable requirement. Familiarity with project management tools like ClickUp is a significant advantage, indicating the company's focus on efficient workflow and task management within the design and product development process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A strong emphasis on bringing "fresh product ideas" to the table, fostering an environment where new concepts are encouraged and developed.

• Collaboration: Working closely with various teams (product development, marketing, production, QA) requires a team-oriented approach and strong interpersonal skills.

• Detail-Oriented Execution: Precision in design, artwork preparation, and sample review is critical for ensuring product quality and manufacturability.

• Growth Mindset: Eagerness to learn and grow within the toy and consumer products industry, adapt to feedback, and develop new skills.

• Brand Alignment: Maintaining brand identity while incorporating market trends is a key consideration in design decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with product development, marketing, production, and quality assurance teams to bring products to market.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: A culture that values constructive feedback for design revisions and continuous improvement of products.

• Knowledge Sharing: While not explicitly stated, the collaborative nature suggests an environment where ideas and best practices are shared to enhance overall product development outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value proactive creative input, meticulous execution, and strong teamwork. Candidates who can demonstrate these qualities will likely be a good fit for SBT Global, Inc.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Constraints: Developing innovative designs while ensuring they are practical, cost-effective, and safe for manufacturing.

• Adapting to Market Trends: Staying current with rapidly evolving trends in the toy and consumer product market and translating them into appealing designs.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various design tasks, meeting deadlines, and coordinating with different teams simultaneously.

• Receiving and Implementing Feedback: Effectively incorporating constructive criticism from team members and stakeholders into design revisions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Toy Design: Gaining specialized knowledge in plush toy construction, character design, and the unique aspects of the toy industry.

• End-to-End Product Lifecycle Exposure: Understanding the entire process from initial concept to mass production, including manufacturing, safety compliance, and quality control.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Learning about marketing strategies, production processes, and QA standards by working closely with these departments.

• Mentorship: Potential for guidance from senior designers and product development professionals within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant learning opportunities for designers looking to specialize in the vibrant toy and character merchandise sector. The challenges present a chance to develop critical problem-solving skills relevant to the product development lifecycle.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new product concept from a basic idea to a design brief."

• "How do you stay updated on trends in the toy or consumer product industry, and how do you incorporate them into your designs?"

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to balance creative vision with production constraints."

• "How do you approach receiving and implementing feedback on your designs?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about designing plush toys and character-based products?"

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our Brand Teams and product innovation?"

• "Describe a time you collaborated with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, production) on a project. What was your role and the outcome?"

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of product safety in the toy industry?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your design process.

• Storytelling: For each key project, tell a story: what was the challenge, what was your approach, what were the key design decisions, and what was the result?

• Highlight Process: Show sketches, mood boards, iterations, and technical artwork to demonstrate your journey from concept to completion.

• Focus on Relevance: Emphasize projects that align with character design, plush toys, or consumer products. If you don't have direct experience, highlight transferable skills.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Know your work inside and out and be ready to answer detailed questions about your choices, tools, and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, demonstrate creative problem-solving, and show how they can integrate market trends and production realities into their work. Highlighting passion for character-based products will be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 2-3 years of relevant experience in graphic or product design, emphasizing any work with consumer products, character merchandise, or soft goods. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your design process, technical skills (Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop), and creative ideation. Ensure it includes examples of sketches, mockups, and final artwork. If possible, include any production file examples.

• Prepare for a Design Challenge: Be ready to potentially complete a design task or present a case study from your portfolio during the interview process. Practice explaining your design decisions and process.

• Research SBT Global, Inc.: Familiarize yourself with their products and understand their position in the toy and consumer products market. Consider how your design style and ideas align with their brand.

⚠️ 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.