Product Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Design Manager

Company: NBCUniversal

Location: Windsor, Victoria, Australia (Melbourne Area)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design & Development / Brand Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end creative and product development for Toys & Hardlines categories, ensuring brand integrity, innovation, and commercial success within the entertainment licensing space.

• Drive design excellence and strategic product execution in alignment with franchise priorities and retailer business objectives for the ANZ/SEA markets.

• Foster a collaborative and high-performing creative culture, optimizing processes, timelines, and resources for efficient product development cycles.

• Serve as a key liaison between internal teams, external licensees, and licensing agents, providing confident creative direction and managing stakeholder relationships effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into Brand Stewardship and Licensing management within the consumer products sector, specifically for Toys & Hardlines. This role requires a blend of creative design oversight and commercial product development expertise, with a strong emphasis on translating entertainment Intellectual Property (IP) into tangible products. The location is specified as Windsor, Victoria, Australia, which is part of the broader Melbourne metropolitan area.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle for Toys & Hardlines categories, working with key ANZ/SEA licensees and licensing agents to ensure brand integrity, quality standards, and commercial viability.

• Provide confident and clear creative direction during projects and meetings, driving decisive outcomes and actionable next steps for internal and external partners.

• Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing creative environment that encourages innovation, professional growth, and calculated risk-taking in product design.

• Optimize design development processes, timelines, and resource allocation to align with business objectives and critical project milestones, ensuring efficient execution.

• Demonstrate deep expertise in both the entertainment brands and the Toys & Hardlines categories to identify emerging trends, uncover new market opportunities, and translate strategic concepts into compelling, market-ready product lines.

• Conceptualize, develop, and guide the creation of differentiated and engaging product ranges across various categories, ensuring alignment with franchise narratives and consumer appeal.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional internal teams (Category, Franchise, Legal, Marketing, etc.) and external stakeholders to support overarching business initiatives and strategies.

• Ensure all licensed products strictly uphold the integrity, storytelling, and visual consistency of the assigned entertainment franchises.

• Guide partners through the licensing and approval processes, clearly setting expectations for quality, delivery timelines, and overall execution standards.

• Act as the product expert regarding materials, technical design, and manufacturing feasibility, ensuring designs are both innovative and commercially viable.

• Manage and prioritize team workload and project priorities within a dynamic, fast-paced environment, adapting to shifting demands.

• Lead creative brainstorming sessions to generate novel product concepts, explore new categories, and identify potential brand extensions.

• Stay abreast of global design, retail, consumer, and cultural trends to proactively identify opportunities for product and design innovation.

• Monitor competitive products and packaging to inspire differentiation and maintain a competitive edge.

• Lead and model effective cross-functional communication, building strong, trusted relationships with internal teams, leadership, and external partners to facilitate open dialogue and alignment.

• Represent the Product Design Studio (PDS) in internal and external forums, acting as a primary design manager to convey clear creative direction and drive follow-through.

• Partner closely with Category, Franchise, and Legal teams to ensure partners are fully equipped with the necessary tools, assets, guidance, and information for successful product delivery.

• Confidently pitch and present creative strategies, product designs, and line plans to diverse stakeholders, adapting communication styles to influence and gain buy-in.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's emphasis on "Toys & Hardlines," "licensing," and "franchise integrity" suggests a strong focus on Intellectual Property (IP) management and consumer product adaptation. The need for "end-to-end creative and product development" indicates responsibility from initial concept through to final production approval, requiring a blend of creative vision and practical manufacturing knowledge. The mention of "ANZ/SEA licensees" highlights a specific geographic focus for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Graphic Design, or a related creative field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in product design and development, with a significant focus on consumer products, specifically within the Toys & Hardlines categories.

• Proven track record of managing the full product development cycle from concept ideation through to production approval.

• Demonstrated experience working with entertainment Intellectual Property (IP) and translating brand guidelines, character stylization, and storytelling into market-ready products.

• Experience managing external partners, including licensees and licensing agents, and guiding them through complex approval processes. Required Skills:

• Product Design & Development: Strong concept-to-execution design capabilities, with the ability to translate creative briefs into tangible, commercially viable products.

• Creative Direction: Ability to provide clear, confident, and actionable creative direction to internal teams and external partners.

• Licensing & Brand Stewardship: Deep understanding of entertainment licensing principles and the ability to uphold franchise integrity and brand consistency across all product lines.

• Toys & Hardlines Expertise: Specialized knowledge of product types, market trends, materials, and consumer expectations within the Toys & Hardlines sectors.

• Visual Ideation & Communication: Proficiency in sketching, visual ideation, digital rendering, and creating compelling presentation materials to effectively communicate design intent and strategy.

• Technical Design & Manufacturing: Understanding of tooling, materials, manufacturing constraints, safety requirements, and cost parameters, with the ability to design within these limitations.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse internal teams (Category, Franchise, Legal, Marketing) and external partners.

• Project Management: Skill in managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring adherence to timelines and milestones.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships, negotiate effectively, and influence diverse stakeholders across different divisions and third parties.

• Trend Analysis: Keen awareness of current global design, retail, consumer, and cultural trends, with the ability to apply these insights to product innovation.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in specific 3D design software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino, Alias) and 2D design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Experience with packaging structure design, branding elements, and toy functional details/instructions.

• Familiarity with the specific market dynamics and retailer landscape in ANZ/SEA regions.

• Experience in reviewing prototypes, samples, and pre-production builds to ensure design integrity.

• Ability to create clear, production-ready design documentation, including specs and artwork files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Desired Characteristics" section in the original posting is somewhat redundant with the "Basic Requirements." This enhancement clarifies these as "Preferred Skills" to differentiate and highlight areas that would give a candidate an edge. The experience level is inferred from the "5-10 years" AI output and the managerial responsibilities outlined.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Concept-to-Execution Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed projects demonstrating the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept ideation through to final production approval for Toys or Hardlines.

• Brand IP Translation: Include examples that clearly illustrate how entertainment Intellectual Property (IP), character stylization, and brand guidelines were effectively translated into compelling, market-ready product designs.

• Design Documentation Samples: Present examples of clear, production-ready design documentation, including specifications, artwork files, and presentations used to communicate design intent to partners.

• Problem-Solving & Innovation: Highlight instances where innovative design solutions were developed to overcome manufacturing constraints, cost limitations, or market challenges, demonstrating creative problem-solving.

• Collaboration & Partnership Examples: Showcase how you have effectively collaborated with internal teams and managed external partners (licensees, agents) to achieve successful product outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of structured product development workflows, including stages like ideation, concept development, prototyping, testing, and final approval. Highlight any processes you've optimized for efficiency.

• Brand Guideline Implementation: Provide examples of how you ensure brand integrity and consistency through documented processes for applying brand guidelines, character art, and storytelling elements to product designs.

• Partner Management Protocols: Outline or provide examples of processes for managing external partners, including onboarding, communication protocols, review cycles, and approval gatekeeping.

• Trend Integration Methods: Illustrate processes for identifying, analyzing, and integrating global design, retail, and consumer trends into the product development pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Design Manager role, especially in a brand-heavy environment like NBCUniversal, a robust portfolio is crucial. The emphasis is on demonstrating not just creative output, but also the process, problem-solving, and partnership management skills required to bring products to market successfully, particularly within a licensing framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $100,000 - $150,000 per annum (Estimated)

Explanation of Estimate:

This estimated salary range is based on industry benchmarks for Product Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in major metropolitan areas of Australia, specifically Melbourne. Factors considered include the responsibility for end-to-end product development, managing external partners, and the strategic importance of brand IP translation within a large entertainment company like NBCUniversal. The range accounts for variations in experience, specific skill sets, and the scope of the ANZ/SEA market oversight. This estimate is derived from data from industry salary surveys, recruitment agency reports, and publicly available compensation data for similar roles in Australia.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution to a superannuation fund.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Discounts & Perks: Potential for discounts on NBCUniversal products, experiences, and theme park tickets.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and conference attendance to enhance design and management skills.

• Commuting Support: Potential for subsidized public transport or parking facilities.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility may be available, with potential for some remote work or adjusted start/end times, subject to team and business needs, though the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information was not provided in the raw input. This estimation is based on typical compensation for a Product Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Melbourne, Australia, considering the industry and company profile. Benefits are standard for a large corporation in Australia and may vary. The "working_hours" AI output of 40 is interpreted as standard full-time.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media and Entertainment, Consumer Products, Licensing

Company Size: Large Enterprise (NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, employing tens of thousands globally).

Founded: NBCUniversal was formed in 2004, with roots tracing back much further through its predecessor companies. Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) operates as a significant division focused on transforming IP into tangible products and experiences.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design Manager will likely be part of the Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) division, specifically within the Product Design Studio (PDS).

• This role will manage a team of designers and/or work closely with external design partners, licensees, and licensing agents.

• The structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration with Category Managers, Franchise Managers, Legal teams, and potentially stakeholders from film/TV production. Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: A core methodology is ensuring all product designs meticulously uphold the integrity, storytelling, and visual consistency of NBCUniversal's diverse entertainment franchises.

• Data-Driven Product Development: While creativity is paramount, decisions are informed by market trends, consumer insights, retailer objectives, and commercial viability assessments.

• Agile & Iterative Processes: The UP&E division operates with the energy of a start-up, suggesting an agile approach to product development, allowing for quick iteration and adaptation.

• Collaborative Innovation: Encourages an environment where creative ideas are shared, debated, and refined through cross-functional input and external partnership.

Company Website: https://www.universalproductsexperiences.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights NBCUniversal's vast media empire and UP&E's mission to extend IP beyond the screen. The emphasis on "creativity, technology, and storytelling" as core values, alongside an "inclusive global team" and "inventive spirit," paints a picture of a dynamic, creative, and collaborative work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-to-Senior level management role, overseeing a specific product category (Toys & Hardlines) and geographic region (ANZ/SEA). It requires a blend of design leadership, project management, and strategic partnership skills.

Reporting Structure: The Product Design Manager likely reports to a Director or Senior Director of Product Design or a similar leadership role within the Universal Products & Experiences division. They will manage direct reports (junior designers) and/or oversee the work of external design agencies and licensees.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on revenue generation through the successful design and commercialization of licensed products. By ensuring brand integrity and market relevance, the manager contributes to strengthening brand presence, driving consumer engagement, and achieving sales targets for NBCUniversal's entertainment properties in key international markets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Category Expansion: Potential to deepen expertise in specific product categories or expand scope to cover additional product lines or regions within UP&E.

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to Director-level roles, managing larger teams, broader product portfolios, or more strategic global initiatives within UP&E.

• Cross-Divisional Mobility: Opportunities to move into broader brand management, marketing, or product strategy roles within NBCUniversal or its parent company, Comcast.

• Skill Development: Access to training programs, workshops, and industry events focused on design innovation, licensing, global consumer markets, and leadership development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of creative product development and commercial strategy. Growth opportunities are likely tied to demonstrating success in driving product innovation, managing complex partnerships, and achieving commercial targets within the licensing landscape.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Windsor, Victoria, Australia, within a professional corporate office environment. This suggests a structured workspace designed for collaboration, creativity, and focused work.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Location: 92 High Street, Windsor, Victoria 3181, Australia. Windsor is a well-established inner-city suburb of Melbourne, offering good access to public transport and amenities.

• Accessibility: Likely accessible via public transport (trains and buses serving the Melbourne metropolitan area) and potentially offering onsite or nearby parking.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect dedicated areas for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and design reviews, fostering interaction with colleagues and external partners.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially prototyping tools or facilities to support product development.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a dedicated team of designers, product developers, and cross-functional colleagues within the UP&E division. The environment likely encourages an open-door policy for design discussions and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• The role requires a standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday to Friday.

• While primarily on-site, some flexibility in daily hours may be negotiable depending on team needs and project deadlines. The emphasis is on delivering results and meeting key milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" work arrangement implies a need for consistent presence, essential for managing in-person design reviews, team collaborations, and stakeholder meetings, particularly when dealing with physical product development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on relevant experience in product design, licensing, and team management.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a curated portfolio showcasing their best work, focusing on Toys & Hardlines, IP translation, and end-to-end product development. This may occur in a dedicated interview slot.

• Skills-Based Interviews: Expect questions designed to assess creative direction capabilities, problem-solving skills, understanding of manufacturing, and ability to manage partners.

• Behavioral & Situational Questions: To evaluate leadership style, collaboration approach, and ability to foster a positive team culture. Questions will focus on how you handle challenges, manage conflict, and drive innovation.

• Cross-Functional Panel Interview: Potentially meet with key stakeholders from Category, Franchise, Legal, or Marketing teams to assess cultural fit and collaboration potential.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with senior leadership to confirm strategic alignment and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 strong projects that best represent your experience in Toys & Hardlines, entertainment IP, and end-to-end product development. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the process you followed (ideation, design, development, approvals), the solutions you implemented, and the commercial outcomes or impact.

• Showcase IP Translation: Explicitly demonstrate how you translated brand guidelines and character stylization into compelling product designs. Use visual examples of original IP vs. final product.

• Highlight Process & Problem-Solving: Detail the specific steps taken in product development, including how you addressed manufacturing constraints, cost challenges, or retailer requirements.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, include metrics or evidence of commercial success, such as sales figures, market share impact, or positive retailer feedback.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, rationale, and how you managed feedback and approvals from various stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical product brief based on a popular NBCUniversal franchise and asked to outline your approach to designing a product line, including target audience, key features, and potential challenges.

• Process Improvement: Be prepared to discuss how you would optimize the product development process for a specific category or market, focusing on efficiency and brand integrity.

• Partner Management Case Study: You may be asked to describe how you would handle a scenario involving a difficult licensee or a product that is deviating from brand standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a design management role typically involves a significant portfolio review. Candidates should be prepared to not only present their work but also articulate the strategic thinking, process, and collaborative efforts behind each project.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard 2D design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for artwork, presentations, and concept development. 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino, Alias, Blender) may also be expected for product form development and rendering.

• Prototyping & Rendering Tools: Familiarity with tools for creating realistic digital renderings and potentially physical prototypes to visualize product concepts.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com for task management, workflow tracking, and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Research Platforms: Access to and understanding of market research tools and platforms (e.g., Mintel, Euromonitor, WGSN) to identify consumer and design trends.

• Internal Reporting Tools: Familiarity with company-specific or common business intelligence tools for tracking product performance, sales data, and market feedback.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how product information integrates with CRM systems or how automation can streamline design feedback loops and approval workflows could be beneficial.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience working with systems that manage and distribute brand assets, character art, and design files to partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on design and product development tools. While direct CRM or sales operations tools might not be primary, understanding how design outputs feed into broader business systems and how to manage digital assets for partners is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A fundamental value, encouraging novel ideas and pushing creative boundaries to develop unique products that resonate with consumers.

• Brand Integrity: A paramount focus on upholding the legacy and storytelling of NBCUniversal's franchises, ensuring all products are authentic representations.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teamwork is essential for success. Every voice matters.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality products and experiences that meet rigorous standards and delight audiences.

• Efficiency & Agility: Embracing an entrepreneurial spirit to move quickly, adapt to market changes, and optimize processes for timely delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Synergy: The culture emphasizes strong partnerships across departments (Category, Franchise, Legal, Marketing) to ensure alignment and integrated product strategies.

• Open Feedback Loop: Encourages constructive feedback exchange among team members and with external partners to refine designs and improve processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A proactive approach to sharing insights, trends, and best practices within the design team and across the broader UP&E organization.

• Partnership Management: A professional and persuasive style when working with licensees and agents, balancing guidance with collaboration to achieve mutual goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture, as described, blends the creative energy of a "start-up" with the structure and resources of a large corporation. The emphasis on "imagination beyond the screen" and "creating moments that matter" points to a passion-driven, purpose-oriented work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Integrity with Commercial Viability: Constantly navigating the need to stay true to iconic IPs while ensuring products are appealing, affordable, and manufacturable for diverse markets.

• Managing Global Partner Networks: Effectively overseeing and guiding multiple licensees and agents across different regions (ANZ/SEA), ensuring consistent quality and adherence to brand standards.

• Rapidly Evolving Market Trends: Staying ahead of fast-paced shifts in toy and consumer product trends, consumer preferences, and retail landscapes.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Navigating potential communication nuances and differing business practices when working with partners in various international markets.

• Resource Optimization: Driving creative excellence while managing timelines and budgets efficiently within a dynamic business environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into IP: Gaining in-depth knowledge of NBCUniversal's extensive portfolio of entertainment properties and their target audiences.

• Global Market Insights: Developing a nuanced understanding of consumer behavior, retail dynamics, and design preferences in the ANZ/SEA markets.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Opportunities to hone team leadership, negotiation, and strategic planning capabilities through mentorship and formal training.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Participation in relevant trade shows, design forums, and licensing events to stay current with industry best practices and network with peers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader business acumen by working closely with marketing, legal, and category management teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to grow within a globally recognized entertainment brand, focusing on the strategic application of creative talent to drive commercial success through licensed consumer products.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a complex entertainment IP into a cohesive product line for the Toys & Hardlines category. How do you ensure brand integrity while driving innovation?"

  • Preparation: Have a case study ready that clearly outlines your step-by-step approach, highlighting how you balance creative execution with brand guidelines and market demands.

• "How do you manage relationships with external licensees and licensing agents to ensure timely delivery of high-quality, on-brand products?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss your approach to partner communication, setting expectations, providing feedback, and managing approvals. Use examples of successful partnership management.

• "Imagine a key franchise character's design undergoes a significant update mid-development for a new film. How would you adapt your product designs and manage the impact on existing production timelines and licensee commitments?"

  • Preparation: Focus on your problem-solving skills, ability to adapt quickly, and strategies for mitigating risks and communicating changes effectively. Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about NBCUniversal and the Universal Products & Experiences division, specifically?"

  • Preparation: Research UP&E's recent product launches, key franchises, and their stated mission. Connect your passion for entertainment and consumer products to their goals.

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative design culture within your team and when working with external partners?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your leadership style, methods for encouraging idea sharing, and how you build trust and open communication channels.

• "How do you measure the success of your product designs, beyond just sales figures?"

  • Preparation: Think about metrics related to brand representation, consumer engagement, retailer feedback, and adherence to strategic objectives. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation like a story for each project: the challenge, your creative process, key design decisions, how you handled approvals and feedback, and the final outcome.

• Visual Emphasis: Use high-quality images of your designs, mockups, and final products. Clearly label each piece with the franchise, category, and your specific contribution.

• Process Demonstration: Walk through your workflow – from initial sketches and mood boards to digital renderings and manufacturing considerations.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include data on sales performance, market reception, or any other measurable success metrics.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's engaging, informative, and fits within the allotted time. Be ready for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, strategic thinking, project management capabilities, and strong interpersonal skills, all within the context of entertainment licensing and consumer product development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant experience in Toys & Hardlines, entertainment IP translation, and end-to-end product development. Ensure it showcases your ability to manage projects from concept to completion.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your experience in product design management, licensing, creative direction, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review the company's recent product lines and franchises. Prepare to discuss your design philosophy, management style, and specific examples of successful product launches and partner collaborations. Practice presenting your portfolio.

• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of NBCUniversal and Universal Products & Experiences' mission, values, and recent initiatives. Be ready to articulate why you are a strong cultural fit and how you can contribute to their goal of "creating moments that matter."

⚠️ 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.