Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer

Company: Jazwares, LLC

Location: Culver City, CA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / Consumer Goods

Date Posted: 2026-09-17

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (7+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creative development and execution of licensed plastic and plush toys from concept to production, ensuring alignment with market trends, safety standards, and brand vision.

• Act as the primary liaison with licensors, managing product approvals, presenting concept updates, and fostering strong collaborative relationships.

• Generate and refine innovative product concepts through advanced visualization techniques, including sketches, 2D/3D renderings, and physical prototypes.

• Oversee product development timelines, ensuring high-quality, cost-efficient, and timely execution of all project milestones for global markets.

• Mentor and guide junior designers, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing team culture within the product design department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a blend of creative product design leadership and strong project management, with a significant focus on managing external licensor relationships and internal cross-functional collaboration. The "Lead" title indicates a need for mentorship and strategic input beyond individual design contributions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design and development process for consumer products across both plastic and plush toy categories, ensuring strict brand alignment and market relevance.

• Serve as the main point of contact for licensors, managing product approval processes, presenting concept updates, and maintaining robust collaborative partnerships.

• Conceptualize and develop innovative product ideas through detailed sketches, high-fidelity 2D/3D renderings, and functional physical prototypes.

• Manage and monitor product development timelines meticulously to guarantee the successful, cost-effective, and timely completion of all project phases.

• Produce clear, precise product turnover specifications and control drawings for international teams and factory partners to ensure accurate manufacturing.

• Collaborate effectively with internal branding, engineering, packaging, and marketing teams to ensure a unified and cohesive product execution.

• Conduct proactive research into emerging industry trends, novel materials, and advanced manufacturing innovations within the plush and plastic toy sectors.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior designers across various licensed plush and plastic brands, cultivating a positive and productive team environment.

• Execute additional duties as assigned to support the broader product development objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities highlight a strategic approach to product lifecycle management, including detailed technical documentation (control drawings) crucial for manufacturing. The emphasis on licensor management and cross-functional collaboration suggests a need for strong communication and negotiation skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, or a related field is a plus.

Experience: 7+ years of experience in toy design, product development, or industrial design, with proven expertise in plastic toys and hard goods.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in toy design and product development, with a strong focus on plastic toys and hard goods.

• Deep knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and direct collaboration experience with Asia-based factories.

• Proven proficiency in generating detailed control drawings, rendered illustrations, and technical product specifications.

• Exceptional problem-solving abilities with a demonstrated track record of managing multiple projects and adapting to shifting priorities.

• Strong leadership, team mentorship, and project management capabilities, essential for guiding junior designers and overseeing project timelines.

• Excellent visual, verbal, and written communication skills for effective presentation of ideas and influencing stakeholders.

• A genuine passion for character-driven product design and brand storytelling, crucial for creating compelling toys. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D modeling, sculpting, and rendering software (e.g., Rhino, ZBrush, SolidWorks).

• Familiarity with plush toy design principles and manufacturing processes.

• Experience managing and approving product designs from external licensors.

• Understanding of toy safety standards and compliance requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7+ years of experience and specific expertise in plastic toys, coupled with the "Lead" title, suggests a mid-to-senior level role. The explicit mention of Asia-based factory collaboration indicates a need for understanding global supply chains and manufacturing nuances. The "nice to have" for 3D software points to a preference for candidates with advanced digital design capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end product development from concept ideation through to final production-ready specifications for both plastic and plush toys.

• Include detailed examples of control drawings, technical specifications, and rendered illustrations that highlight precision and clarity for manufacturing.

• Showcase case studies of successful product launches, emphasizing problem-solving, innovation, and adherence to brand guidelines and licensor requirements.

• Present examples of collaboration with manufacturing partners, illustrating the ability to navigate production challenges and ensure quality.

• Highlight any experience in mentoring junior designers or leading design initiatives, demonstrating leadership potential. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented design processes, from initial concept brief to final turnover package.

• Illustrate your approach to creating and managing control drawings and technical specifications for international manufacturing.

• Showcase instances where you have analyzed and improved product development workflows for efficiency and quality.

• Present methodologies for managing licensor feedback and approval cycles within the product development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Product Designer role, a portfolio is critical. It should not only display aesthetic design skills but also a deep understanding of the manufacturing process, technical documentation, and project management. The emphasis on "control drawings" and "technical specifications" suggests a need for highly detailed and production-ready work samples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $98,640.00 - $121,320.00 / Yr.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is provided by Jazwares and is specific to their multi-state employment structure. It's important to note that the actual salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry benchmarks, and specific location within applicable states. The range is competitive for a Lead Product Designer role in the Los Angeles area, considering the required experience and responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical insurance, with basic coverage fully paid by the company for employees and their children.

• Employee basic life and AD&D insurance.

• 401(K) retirement program with a company match of up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals.

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance coverage.

• Tuition reimbursement program to support continuous learning and professional development.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation and sick leave.

• Up to 16 hours per year of paid Time Off for community service projects through Jazwares Cares. Working Hours:

• A flexible work schedule is offered, with a standard requirement of being on-site Monday through Thursday.

• Employees have the option to work from home on Fridays.

• Up to 20 workdays per year can be worked fully remotely, offering flexibility for personal needs or travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, with a notable emphasis on employee well-being through fully paid basic medical insurance and comprehensive disability coverage. The 401(k) match is a significant retirement benefit. The flexible work schedule, including remote options, is a strong draw for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toy Manufacturing / Consumer Goods / Entertainment & Media (Licensed Brands)

Company Size: Jazwares is a significant global toy manufacturer, part of Berkshire Hathaway, indicating a large and established organization with extensive resources and market reach. This size suggests opportunities for impact and growth within a structured environment.

Founded: Founded in 1997, Jazwares has a history of identifying trends and transforming them into successful products, demonstrating a long-term commitment to innovation and market responsiveness.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely comprises various specialists, including designers for different product types (plastic, plush), potentially 3D modelers, and technical artists.

• As a "Lead," this role implies a reporting structure where the Lead Designer guides junior team members and collaborates closely with functional leads in Branding, Engineering, Packaging, and Marketing.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with constant interaction required between design, licensing, product development, and manufacturing teams to ensure cohesive product execution. Methodology:

• Data-driven product development, incorporating market trend research and consumer insights to inform design decisions.

• Agile and iterative design processes, from initial concept sketching and prototyping to refinement based on licensor feedback and technical feasibility.

• Emphasis on precision and clarity in technical documentation (control drawings, specifications) to ensure accurate global manufacturing.

• Collaborative problem-solving approach to navigate challenges in product development, material sourcing, and production timelines.

Company Website: www.jazwares.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Jazwares' position as a leading global toy manufacturer, particularly with its diverse portfolio of popular licensed brands, suggests a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. The company's focus on identifying trends and fostering innovation is a key aspect of its culture, which would be attractive to creative professionals. The Berkshire Hathaway affiliation adds a layer of financial stability and corporate structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Lead Product Designer, indicating a senior individual contributor or a first-level management role. It requires significant experience (7+ years) and the ability to mentor junior staff, suggesting a step towards leadership. The scope includes driving creative development, managing complex relationships (licensors), and overseeing project lifecycles, signifying a substantial level of responsibility and influence.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer will likely report to a Director or VP of Product Development or Design. They will be responsible for mentoring and guiding junior designers within the product design department, fostering a collaborative team dynamic.

Operations Impact: The Lead Product Designer directly impacts revenue and business success by translating popular licenses into commercially viable and desirable toys. Their ability to innovate, manage product lifecycles efficiently, and ensure brand integrity is crucial for market penetration, sales performance, and maintaining strong relationships with licensors, which are vital for future brand acquisitions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential progression to Senior Lead Designer, Design Manager, or Director of Product Development, managing larger teams and broader product portfolios.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific product categories (e.g., becoming a subject matter expert in plush or complex plastic mechanisms) or expanding into new areas like digital product design or user experience for toy-related apps.

• Strategic Input: Contributing to brand strategy, product roadmap planning, and the identification of new licensing opportunities based on market trend analysis and design expertise.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader business acumen by working closely with marketing, sales, and international business development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title strongly implies a growth path within the organization. The role offers opportunities to develop leadership skills through mentorship and project oversight, as well as strategic influence on product direction and brand partnerships.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Culver City, CA, and is described as a hybrid work environment. This suggests a modern office setting designed to foster collaboration and creativity.

Office Location(s): Culver City, CA is a hub for entertainment and creative industries, offering a vibrant professional environment. The hybrid model includes 4 days in the office and 1 optional WFH day on Fridays, with an additional 20 remote workdays per year. This setup balances in-person collaboration with personal flexibility.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities for direct interaction with cross-functional teams (branding, engineering, marketing).

• Access to necessary design tools, software, and potentially prototyping facilities will be available to support the creative process.

• The culture emphasizes innovation, passion, and humility, suggesting a supportive and engaging workspace where ideas are valued and team members respect each other. Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely based on a 40-hour week, but with flexibility.

• The hybrid model (Mon-Thu in-office, optional Fri WFH) and 20 remote days per year provide significant autonomy and work-life balance. This flexibility is beneficial for deep work sessions and managing personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, with specific in-office days and additional remote flexibility, is a key aspect of the work environment. This model is designed to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration with the autonomy and flexibility valued by many professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the Lead Product Designer role.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and contributions to product success. This will also cover technical proficiency in design tools and manufacturing knowledge.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with stakeholders from branding, engineering, marketing, and potentially licensing to evaluate collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and understanding of broader business objectives.

• Leadership & Mentorship Discussion: An interview focused on leadership style, experience mentoring junior designers, and ability to foster a positive team culture.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your expertise in plastic and plush toy design, covering a range of complexity and licensor collaborations.

• Showcase Process: Detail your design process for 2-3 key projects, including concept ideation, sketching, 3D rendering (if applicable), control drawing creation, and challenges overcome during development and manufacturing.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, highlight the commercial success or market reception of your designs. Mention specific contributions to cost savings or efficiency improvements.

• Highlight Licensor Management: Include examples of how you managed licensor feedback, approvals, and maintained strong relationships.

• Demonstrate Mentorship: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how you've guided or mentored junior designers.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to a hypothetical product development challenge, such as designing a toy for a new, complex license with tight deadlines.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your design choices meet market needs, brand requirements, and manufacturing constraints.

• Be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with international factories and navigating potential production issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on portfolio review. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their work, explaining not just the "what" but the "why" behind their design decisions and process. Emphasis on technical documentation and licensor management will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 2D Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for concept art, rendering, and creating illustration assets.

• 3D Modeling & Rendering Software: Proficiency in tools like Rhino, ZBrush, or SolidWorks is preferred for creating detailed 3D models, sculpting, and generating high-fidelity renderings.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with physical prototyping methods and potentially 3D printing for rapid iteration.

• Control Drawing Software: Tools or specific methodologies for creating precise technical specifications and control drawings for manufacturing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how product design impacts sales figures and market performance is beneficial. Familiarity with market trend analysis tools or reports would be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but an understanding of how product data flows through PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems or ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems could be helpful for process integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary focus will be on design and visualization tools. The explicit mention of 3D software (Rhino, ZBrush, SolidWorks) indicates a strong preference for candidates with advanced digital modeling capabilities, essential for creating complex plastic toy designs and detailed renderings.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion: A genuine enthusiasm for toys, character-driven design, and the creative process, driving commitment to producing high-quality, engaging products.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across departments and with external partners (licensors, factories) to achieve shared goals and create cohesive products.

• Humility: Recognizing the value of diverse perspectives, treating all team members and partners with respect, and fostering an environment where everyone's talent contributes to success.

• Innovation: A drive to constantly research trends, explore new materials, and develop novel concepts to stay ahead in the competitive toy market.

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to producing technically sound, safe, and aesthetically pleasing products, reflected in meticulous control drawings and specifications.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with branding, engineering, packaging, and marketing teams to ensure a unified product vision and execution.

• Licensor Partnership: Maintaining a professional, communicative, and collaborative relationship with licensors is paramount for successful product approvals and brand representation.

• Global Teamwork: Effective communication and coordination with international teams and factory partners are essential for smooth production and timely delivery.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages senior designers to mentor junior staff, fostering skill development and a collective pursuit of excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Jazwares' stated values of Passion, Collaboration, and Humility provide a clear framework for understanding the expected team dynamics. The emphasis on collaboration extends beyond internal teams to include external licensors and global manufacturing partners.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating popular, established character licenses into innovative toy designs while adhering strictly to licensor guidelines and brand integrity.

• Navigating Global Manufacturing Complexities: Managing relationships with Asia-based factories, ensuring quality control, cost-effectiveness, and timely production amidst potential supply chain disruptions or communication barriers.

• Rapid Trend Cycles: Staying ahead of fast-moving toy industry trends, material innovations, and consumer preferences to ensure product relevance and market success.

• Mentoring and Leading Diverse Skill Sets: Guiding junior designers with varying levels of experience and expertise, fostering a cohesive team while managing individual development needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in 3D modeling, sculpting, and rendering software (Rhino, ZBrush, SolidWorks).

• Material & Manufacturing Innovation: Exposure to new materials, sustainable design practices, and advanced manufacturing techniques through industry research and supplier interactions.

• Licensing & Brand Management: Gaining deeper insights into intellectual property management, licensor negotiation, and brand extension strategies.

• Leadership Development: Formal or informal training in team management, project leadership, and strategic planning for product portfolios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a lead role in the licensed toy industry, requiring strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to market dynamics. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing both technical design skills and leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a licensed property and translating it into a successful toy concept. What are the key considerations, and how do you balance creative freedom with brand IP?" (Focus on structured approach, market research, and licensor negotiation.)

• "Walk us through a challenging product development project where you had to overcome significant manufacturing or material issues. What was your role, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving, technical knowledge, and collaboration with factories.)

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers? Provide an example of how you've helped a team member develop a specific skill or overcome a design challenge." (Emphasize leadership, communication, and team development.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Jazwares' portfolio of brands, and how do you see your design philosophy aligning with our company values of Passion, Collaboration, and Humility?" (Research brands, demonstrate cultural fit.)

• "How do you stay current with toy industry trends, new materials, and manufacturing innovations?" (Show proactive learning and industry engagement.)

• "Describe your experience working with international factories. What are the key challenges, and how do you ensure quality and timely delivery?" (Demonstrate global supply chain understanding.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (plastic, plush) or by showing the full lifecycle of 2-3 key projects.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the brief, your concept exploration, design decisions, technical specifications, challenges faced (licensor, manufacturing), and the final outcome/impact.

• Visuals: Ensure high-quality renderings, clear control drawings, and photos of physical prototypes or final products.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to explain the technical aspects of your designs and your control drawing process.

• Conciseness: Practice presenting within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful information.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, technical design expertise, and a solid understanding of the toy industry's unique challenges, particularly regarding licensing and global manufacturing.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting.ultipro.com portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your most relevant experience in plastic and plush toy design, emphasizing your 7+ years of experience, leadership, and technical documentation skills.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly showcases achievements related to product development lifecycles, licensor management, and any mentorship or team lead experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice your portfolio presentation, focusing on storytelling, technical explanations, and demonstrating your problem-solving and leadership capabilities. Prepare for questions about brand alignment and manufacturing collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Jazwares' key brands (Squishmallows, Pokémon, Star Wars, etc.) and their company values to articulate your fit during interviews. Understand their market position and recent product launches.

⚠️ 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.