Product Designer - Bedding

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - Bedding

Company: Jazwares, LLC

Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Soft Goods Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-26

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 Years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product innovation and development for a new bedding brand, translating character intellectual property into high-quality, comfortable home textile products.

• Manage the end-to-end product design lifecycle, encompassing research, concept generation, prototyping, user testing, and final production turnover.

• Ensure product quality, safety, and aesthetic standards are met while adhering to target cost and manufacturing specifications.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with branding, product management, engineering, and licensor teams to deliver cohesive and brand-aligned products.

• Oversee material selection, fabric sourcing, and fill specifications to guarantee product excellence and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a Product Design capacity, but the emphasis on soft goods, manufacturing processes, quality assurance (QA/QC), and factory collaboration strongly aligns it with operational excellence within the GTM (Go-To-Market) and Product Operations functions. The successful candidate will bridge creative design with the practicalities of bringing physical products to market, requiring a blend of design sensibility and operational rigor.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptualization and design of innovative bedding, plush pillows, and home textile products that effectively translate character IP into comfortable and engaging consumer goods.

• Execute comprehensive product design activities, including market research, concept development, prototyping, and user testing to validate design efficacy and user appeal.

• Champion superior product design and quality, ensuring all developed products meet target cost parameters and stringent Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) requirements.

• Develop and implement innovative comfort and bedding systems, focusing on premium materials, tactile user experience, and exceptional aesthetic appeal.

• Facilitate consensus-building and alignment among team members throughout the design and development phases.

• Foster strong, collaborative partnerships with branding, product management, engineering, packaging, licensor, and other internal teams to ensure product designs are optimally suited for the brand and meet all licensor stipulations.

• Actively participate in brand brainstorming sessions to gather comprehensive information necessary for effective product design and strategy.

• Skillfully present and articulate design concepts and strategies to brand teams, development leads, management, and licensor stakeholders.

• Ensure the meticulous delivery of precise and complete product turnover specifications, verifying understanding and clarity with international teams and manufacturing partners.

• Manage relationships and collaborations with external vendors, ensuring alignment with project goals and quality standards.

• Collaborate closely with packaging design teams to ensure seamless integration and alignment between product and packaging aesthetics and functionality.

• Conduct thorough material selection, fabric sourcing, and fill specification processes, ensuring all products meet rigorous standards for softness, durability, and safety.

• Oversee the completion, review, and documentation of specification changes, manage licensor approval processes, and provide detailed feedback on illustrative turns, sculpts, paint masters, and sample reviews.

• Work dynamically with brand and management teams to proactively resolve development issues, ensuring designs consistently meet target cost, schedule, and brand standards.

• Participate in the entire project development lifecycle, from initial ideation and refinement through prototype execution and the creation of comprehensive turnover packages for development teams.

• Perform all other assigned duties that contribute to the successful execution of product development and operational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design and operational execution. The emphasis on "target cost," "QA/QC requirements," "product turnover specifications," "international team/factory coordination," and "vendor management" signifies a need for strong project management and operational oversight within the design process. The role requires not just creative vision but also the ability to translate that vision into manufacturable, cost-effective, and high-quality products.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Design, Industrial Design, Toy Design, or a closely related field is considered a strong asset. Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in product design, with a significant focus on soft goods, plush toys, bedding, or children's home furnishings.

• At least 1 year of hands-on experience working directly with global manufacturing factories, preferably in Asia, to manage production and ensure quality. Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in soft-goods manufacturing processes and a deep understanding of various fabrications, including ultra-soft micro-fibers and plush knits.

• Proficient in pattern-making techniques relevant to soft goods and plush products.

• Strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for design creation, mock-ups, and specification documentation.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace for general business operations, communication, and documentation.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.

• Exceptional visual, verbal, and written communication skills, essential for presenting concepts and collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team environment.

• Knowledge of materials and various manufacturing processes relevant to soft goods and home textiles.

• Experience working with licensed brands, understanding the nuances of brand guidelines and approval processes.

• A keen eye for aesthetics and a well-developed design sense, capable of creating visually appealing and trend-relevant products. Preferred Skills:

• Proactive observation and understanding of current market trends, innovations, and the competitive landscape within the toy and home furnishings industries.

• Experience in user-centric design methodologies and conducting user testing to inform product development.

• Familiarity with prototyping techniques specific to soft goods and plush items.

• Experience in developing and managing product specification documents for international factories.

• Skills in vendor management and negotiation to secure favorable terms and ensure supplier performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements, particularly the 3+ years in soft goods/bedding and 1+ year with global factories, indicate a need for a candidate who can hit the ground running and requires minimal ramp-up time on manufacturing and supply chain realities. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and specific fabric knowledge points to a hands-on design role with a strong technical foundation in textile and product development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design projects that showcase end-to-end product development, from initial concept sketches to final production-ready designs.

• Demonstrations of successful translation of character IP or brand guidelines into tangible, high-quality soft goods or home textile products.

• Case studies highlighting innovative comfort solutions, material applications, or unique construction techniques in bedding or plush items.

• Examples of detailed product specification documents, including material callouts, construction details, and QA/QC guidelines, suitable for international factory partners.

• Evidence of user-centric design thinking, including research insights, user testing feedback, and how it influenced design iterations. Process Documentation:

• Documentation and examples of your process for conducting market research and trend analysis to inform product ideation.

• Visuals and explanations of your prototyping methods for soft goods and plush items, demonstrating iterative design refinement.

• Clear articulation of your workflow for creating comprehensive product turnover packages, ensuring all necessary information is conveyed to manufacturing teams.

• Examples of how you have managed material sourcing and fabric selection to meet specific performance, aesthetic, and cost targets.

• Documentation illustrating your approach to collaborating with licensors and internal teams to gain necessary approvals and feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role with a strong operational component, the portfolio should not just be about aesthetics but also about demonstrating a structured, repeatable, and efficient design process that considers manufacturing realities, cost constraints, and quality standards. The ability to present "turnover packages" and "product specifications" effectively is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Product Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Minneapolis, MN, the estimated salary range is $70,000 - $95,000 per year. This estimate considers the specialized nature of soft goods design, experience with global manufacturing, and the cost of living in the Minneapolis area. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance: 100% company-paid for employees and their children.

• Employee Basic Life and AD&D Insurance: Providing essential financial protection.

• 401(K) Retirement Program: With a generous Jazwares matching contribution of up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals.

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Ensuring income protection during unexpected absences.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Supporting continuous learning and professional development.

• Flexible Work Schedule: Including a Monday-Thursday on-site policy with an optional Work From Home (WFH) on Fridays.

• Remote Work Flexibility: Up to 20 workdays fully remote per year.

• Paid Time Off: Including vacation and sick leave for work-life balance.

• Jazwares Cares Program: Opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours annually on community service projects. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility, with a structured on-site component (Monday-Thursday) and remote options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in Minneapolis. Jazwares' commitment to 100% company-paid medical insurance for employees and children, along with the 4% 401(K) match, represents a strong benefits package, particularly attractive for mid-level professionals. The hybrid model and remote days offer significant work-life balance potential.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toy Manufacturing and Consumer Goods, with a strong focus on innovative play experiences and popular licensed brands.

Company Size: Jazwares is a significant player in the global toy industry, indicated by its broad reach and diverse brand portfolio. Its size suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact and growth, while likely maintaining a degree of agility.

Founded: Founded in 1997, Jazwares has established a strong presence and reputation over more than two decades, demonstrating stability and a proven track record in a competitive market.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely operates within a larger Product Development or Merchandising department.

• It involves close collaboration with Brand Management, Product Management, Engineering, and potentially external licensor teams.

• Reporting structures are expected to be clear, with designers likely reporting to a Design Lead or Director of Product Development, who in turn may report to higher executive levels. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing market trends, consumer insights, and competitive analysis to inform design decisions.

• Collaborative Iteration: Emphasizing cross-functional teamwork, feedback loops, and iterative refinement of concepts and prototypes.

• Agile Development: Adapting to evolving market demands and licensor requirements through flexible and responsive design processes.

• Quality Focus: Embedding QA/QC checkpoints throughout the development lifecycle to ensure product excellence.

Company Website: www.jazwares.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Jazwares' position as a "leading global toy manufacturer" and a "Berkshire Hathaway company" signifies a stable, well-resourced organization with a strong market presence. The company's emphasis on "identifying new and relevant trends" and "transforming them into high-quality products" suggests a culture that values innovation and market responsiveness. The mention of a "new bedding brand, SquishPillow" indicates an exciting growth area within the company.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Mid-Level. It requires independent contribution and the ability to manage projects from concept to completion, with a strong emphasis on translating creative vision into manufacturable products. The "2-5 years" experience bracket suggests a role where the individual is expected to be proficient and contribute significantly without constant supervision, but also has room for further development.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Director of Product Development. They will work closely with cross-functional teams including Product Managers, Brand Managers, Engineers, and potentially external licensors. This structure emphasizes collaboration and clear communication channels.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the company's revenue and market position by creating desirable, high-quality products that meet consumer demand and align with brand strategy. Their ability to manage costs and quality ensures profitability and brand reputation. Successful product launches contribute directly to sales figures and market share growth for new brands like SquishPillow.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in soft goods, textile innovation, and specific product categories (e.g., plush, bedding).

• Leadership: Advance into Senior Product Designer, Design Lead, or Managerial roles overseeing design teams and strategy.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain exposure to broader aspects of product lifecycle management, including marketing, sales, and supply chain operations.

• Brand Expansion: Contribute to the growth and development of new brands and product lines within Jazwares' portfolio.

• Industry Exposure: Potentially attend trade shows, fabric fairs, and industry events to stay abreast of trends and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the emphasis on operational aspects like cost targets, factory liaison, and QA/QC suggests that career growth could also lead into roles with more direct operational oversight within product development or even supply chain coordination for soft goods. The role provides a strong foundation for understanding the "business of design."

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining on-site collaboration with remote flexibility. The on-site days are structured Monday through Thursday, with Fridays offering an optional Work From Home (WFH) arrangement. An additional 20 workdays of fully remote work are permitted annually.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Minneapolis, MN, specifically within the 55402 zip code. This location likely offers a professional office setting conducive to collaborative design work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and designated on-site days are designed to foster in-person collaboration, brainstorming, and team synergy crucial for design projects.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, likely including design software workstations, meeting rooms equipped for presentations, and the necessary digital tools for remote collaboration.

• Operations Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with various internal departments (branding, product management, engineering) as well as external partners (vendors, licensors), providing broad exposure to different aspects of the product lifecycle.

Work Schedule:

• The work schedule is flexible, supporting a healthy work-life balance. The core requirement is 4 days on-site per week (Monday-Thursday), with the option to work remotely on Fridays and an additional 20 days per year. This structure allows for focused individual work and essential team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with specific on-site days (Mon-Thurs) and remote flexibility (Fri WFH + 20 days/year) is a key aspect of the work environment. This structure is designed to balance the need for in-person collaboration for creative processes with the desire for work-life balance and autonomy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruiting team to assess qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, design philosophy, and understanding of soft goods manufacturing and product development. Expect questions about your process and how you handle challenges.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A dedicated session to present your portfolio, walking through key projects and your design process. You may be given a specific design challenge or case study to solve, simulating real-world tasks. This is where your ability to articulate your design decisions and operational considerations will be assessed.

• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from branding, product management, or engineering to evaluate your collaboration skills and ability to work cross-functionally.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within Jazwares.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate your end-to-end design process for soft goods, bedding, or plush.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design approach, the materials and processes you considered, the user insights that guided you, and the final outcome (including any manufacturing or cost considerations).

• Highlight Operations: Explicitly discuss your involvement in material selection, working with factories, understanding QA/QC, and managing product specifications. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "designed product that met target cost of X," "reduced sample revision rounds by Y%").

• Showcase Technical Skills: Include examples of your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite for mock-ups, technical drawings, or specification sheets.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving strategies, and how you handle feedback or conflicting requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Product: If a design challenge is given, thoroughly research the SquishPillow brand and its target audience.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a clear, logical design process. Articulate how you would approach research, ideation, material selection, and considering manufacturing constraints for a new bedding product.

• Think Operationally: Consider cost, durability, safety, and manufacturability in your proposed solutions.

• Presentation Clarity: Prepare to present your ideas concisely and effectively, highlighting key considerations and potential next steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "product turnover specifications," "international team/factory," and "QA/QC requirements" in the job description means your portfolio and interview responses should actively demonstrate your understanding and experience in these operational aspects of design. Don't just show pretty pictures; show how you make products that can be successfully manufactured at scale.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign are essential for creating product designs, mock-ups, technical drawings, and specification sheets.

• Microsoft Office Suite & G-Suite: For general documentation, communication, and project management (e.g., Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets, PowerPoint/Slides).

• 3D Design Software (Potential): While not explicitly listed, proficiency in 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino, Blender) can be beneficial for visualizing complex forms and for creating detailed prototypes, especially for plush and complex soft goods.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to interpret sales data, customer feedback, and market trend reports can inform design decisions. Familiarity with any internal reporting dashboards that track product performance would be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• This role would interact with product information management (PIM) systems or PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software, though direct management might not be required. Understanding how design specifications feed into these systems is beneficial.

• Automation tools are less likely to be directly used by the designer, but an awareness of how design elements can be optimized for efficient manufacturing processes is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around design software. However, understanding how design data flows into broader operational systems (like PIM/PLM) and how design choices impact manufacturing efficiency and cost is a critical operational aspect of this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion: A deep enthusiasm for creating innovative and engaging products that bring joy to consumers, particularly children. This passion fuels creativity and dedication to quality.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in working together across departments and with external partners to achieve shared goals. Open communication and mutual respect are key to successful product development.

• Humility: Recognizing the value of each team member's contribution and approaching challenges with an open mind and a willingness to learn from others. This fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment.

• Innovation: A drive to constantly explore new trends, materials, and technologies to create unique and market-leading products. This involves a willingness to experiment and push creative boundaries.

• Efficiency & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality products on time and within budget, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to design and development that balances creativity with operational realities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with product managers, brand managers, engineers, and marketing teams, actively participating in discussions and providing design expertise.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes, with mechanisms for incorporating input from various stakeholders.

• Shared Ownership: A team mentality where success is viewed collectively, with individuals contributing their specialized skills to achieve overarching project and company objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Jazwares' stated values of Passion, Collaboration, and Humility are directly applicable to how a Product Designer would operate. The emphasis on "shaping the future of play" and "innovative idea can come from anywhere" suggests a culture that encourages creative input and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity and Constraints: The primary challenge will be to consistently generate innovative and appealing designs while adhering to strict cost targets, manufacturing limitations, safety regulations, and licensor requirements.

• Global Manufacturing Complexity: Navigating the complexities of working with international factories, including communication barriers, quality control issues, lead time management, and cultural differences.

• Rapid Trend Cycles: Staying ahead of fast-moving trends in the toy and home goods markets to ensure products remain relevant and desirable.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively managing diverse stakeholder expectations and ensuring consensus on design direction and execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Soft Goods: Opportunities to become an expert in various textile properties, construction methods, and finishing techniques for bedding and plush.

• Licensor Brand Management: Gaining experience in interpreting and applying diverse brand guidelines from major licensors.

• Product Lifecycle Management: Expanding knowledge beyond design to understand manufacturing, supply chain, and Go-To-Market strategies.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers and product development professionals within Jazwares.

• Industry Trends: Staying current with advancements in materials, manufacturing technologies, and design software through industry resources and potentially company-sponsored training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are common in product development roles that interface heavily with manufacturing and global supply chains. The growth opportunities highlight how this role serves as a strong foundation for a career in product development, operations, or even brand management within the consumer goods sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a character IP into a physical product, specifically for bedding or plush. What are the key considerations?" (Focus on your end-to-end process, material choices, and IP adherence.)

• "How do you ensure your designs meet target cost and QA/QC requirements while still being innovative?" (Highlight your experience with cost engineering, material selection, and quality standards.)

• "Walk me through a challenging project where you had to balance conflicting demands from different stakeholders (e.g., brand, engineering, licensor). How did you resolve it?" (Demonstrate your problem-solving, communication, and negotiation skills.)

• "How do you stay current with trends in the toy, bedding, or home furnishings market?" (Showcase your proactive research methods and industry awareness.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Jazwares and the new SquishPillow brand?" (Research the brand, its products, and Jazwares' overall mission.)

• "Based on our company values (Passion, Collaboration, Humility), how would you contribute to our team culture?" (Provide specific examples of how you embody these values.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with manufacturing partners located overseas?" (Discuss your experience with clear communication, specification accuracy, and quality oversight.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Start with a brief overview of your design philosophy and experience. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, the solutions, and the outcome.

• Quantify Success: Wherever possible, use numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., "met X target cost," "improved durability by Y%," "reduced sample iterations").

• Emphasize Operational Contributions: Explicitly discuss material sourcing, factory liaison, specification details, and QA/QC involvement. Show that you understand the "how" of manufacturing.

• Engage Your Audience: Be enthusiastic, clear, and concise. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on connecting your design skills directly to the operational realities of product development and manufacturing. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed costs, quality, and factory communications.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "soft goods manufacturing," "bedding design," "plush," "Adobe Creative Suite," "global factories," "product specifications," and "QA/QC." Quantify achievements with numbers where possible to demonstrate impact.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-5 of your most relevant projects. Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your end-to-end design process, with a strong emphasis on material selection, manufacturing considerations, and how you've met cost and quality targets. Be ready to present this virtually or in person.

• Research Jazwares & SquishPillow: Understand the company's mission, values, and recent product launches. Familiarize yourself with the SquishPillow brand and its market positioning.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design decisions and operational contributions clearly and concisely. Practice answering common interview questions related to design process, problem-solving, and collaboration.

⚠️ 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.