Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Morgan Street Holdings

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Industrial Design

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation of innovative physical products and collectible concepts, deeply rooted in cultural trends, consumer insights, and brand strategy.

• Translate complex ideas into tangible, high-perceived-value products through strong visual storytelling and compelling presentation.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to navigate the entire product lifecycle, from initial ideation through to manufacturable reality.

• Focus on product development for the "kidult" and Gen-Z demographics, leveraging expertise in collectibles, gaming, lifestyle, and fashion.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Product Designer," the description emphasizes a specialized niche within product design focusing on collectibles, lifestyle, and consumer products for older demographics. The "Senior" aspect implies a need for independent project ownership and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced designers, though this isn't explicitly stated. This role appears to blend industrial design principles with strong market trend analysis and creative concept generation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Generate original physical product, collectible, and experience concepts that align with campaign strategy briefs, integrating cultural moments, trends, and consumer insights.

• Infuse creative sprints and ideation sessions with expertise in play, lifestyle, fashion, entertainment, sport, and "kidult" insights.

• Identify global and local market trends and translate them into actionable product opportunities for the consumer market.

• Immerse in the world of retail brands, licensing, and intellectual property (IP) to support internal teams and enhance client understanding.

• Clearly communicate design ideas using mixed media, including mood boards, sketches, digital visuals, proof-of-concept renders, and physical prototypes.

• Create visually engaging presentations and concept boards to effectively bring ideas to life for stakeholders.

• Write clear, compelling copy to articulate design thinking, rationale, and strategic intent.

• Develop creative concepts into compelling products with high perceived value, balancing innovation with commercial viability.

• Manage commercial checks, including cost, manufacturing feasibility, safety, and sustainability parameters, throughout the design process.

• Solve complex design and engineering challenges collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

• Produce detailed red-line draw-overs, 3D prints, and prototype/sketch models to communicate design solutions effectively.

• Work alongside peers in brand partnerships, account management, strategy, creative, digital, engineering, and supply chain departments.

• Support senior stakeholders on large-scale programs while confidently leading smaller workstreams end-to-end.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative ideation, strategic market analysis, and practical design execution. The emphasis on "bringing product concepts to life," "visual storytelling," and "sell-in thinking" suggests a need for designers who can not only conceptualize but also champion their ideas through development and presentation. The need to balance creativity with commercial realities like cost, manufacturing, and safety is a critical operational aspect of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 3+ years of agency or in-house product/industrial design experience, with a strong focus on toys/games, lifestyle/fashion, sport, entertainment, or adjacent consumer product categories.

Required Skills:

• Strong concept generation and ideation capabilities for physical products and collectibles.

• Deep understanding of pop culture, including gaming, lifestyle, fashion, music, and entertainment trends relevant to Gen-Z and "kidult" audiences.

• Proven ability to translate cultural insights and market trends into compelling product concepts.

• Excellent visual communication skills, proficient in creating mood boards, sketches, digital visuals, and renders.

• Strong presentation and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and strategic intent clearly and persuasively.

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat).

• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SharePoint).

• Agile, hands-on design thinking and problem-solving approach.

• Foundational knowledge of 3D modeling, printing, and rendering software (e.g., Fusion 360, Blender, ZBrush, SolidWorks, Freeform, Keyshot, or similar).

• Experience in character sculpting.

• Foundational understanding of basic injection molding processes and designing around value engineering and product safety parameters.

Preferred Skills:

• A demonstrable passion and fandom for "kidult" culture, collectibles, toys, and pop culture.

• Knowledge of Gen-Z audiences and the specific consumer products that appeal to them.

• Understanding of play patterns and safety standards (e.g., EN71/ASTM).

• Curiosity about consumer engagement with both mainstream brands and emerging IP.

• Comfort and confidence working in a fast-moving, hybrid, and cross-functional environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section is quite detailed, indicating a need for candidates with a strong technical toolkit alongside creative and cultural fluency. The blend of design software, 3D modeling, and an understanding of manufacturing processes suggests a role focused on tangible product development rather than purely digital design. The "preferred skills" strongly emphasize passion and cultural immersion, which are key for this specialized niche.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio is mandatory, demonstrating depth and range in concept thinking, cultural awareness, and visual storytelling for consumer products.

• Showcase examples of physical product development, from initial sketches and ideation through to concept renders and potential prototypes.

• Include case studies that illustrate the process of translating market trends and consumer insights into viable product concepts.

• Demonstrate experience in creating visually engaging presentations and concept boards that effectively "sell-in" ideas.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of the product development lifecycle, including:

  • Early-stage ideation and concept generation.

  • Design refinement, visualization, and storytelling.

  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., engineering, supply chain).

  • Consideration of manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding) and safety standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, especially one focused on physical products and collectibles, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to show not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to conceptualize, communicate, and consider practical development aspects. The emphasis on "sell-in thinking" implies a need to demonstrate how candidates can advocate for their designs effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Generous medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid parental leave programs.

• Paid medical leave programs.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match component.

• Profit sharing opportunities.

• 15 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, in addition to company holidays.

• Tuition reimbursement program.

• Student loan repayment assistance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a starting point and may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering a good mix of health, financial, and work-life balance support, which is competitive for a senior-level role. The mention of "Total Rewards" and a philosophy that integrates compensation, benefits, recognition, learning, and culture suggests a holistic approach to employee well-being and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Marketing, Sourcing (specifically focused on consumer products, collectibles, and brand engagement).

Company Size: Over 1,400 employees across 28 countries. This indicates a large, global organization with significant reach and resources, offering opportunities for diverse project exposure and international collaboration.

Founded: Not specified, but the company operates globally and has a broad range of solutions, suggesting established operations.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Product Designer will be part of the Global Product Design team.

• This team likely collaborates closely with Global Family Business Unit, brand partnerships, account management, strategy, creative, digital, engineering, and supply chain teams.

Methodology:

• The company's operational approach is described as uniting technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change.

• They engage with millions of customers daily for their clients, implying a strong focus on consumer engagement and market responsiveness.

• Key company values include authenticity, diversity, access, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

• They foster a culture where brilliant people are "better together," encouraging ideas to be heard.

Company Website: tmsw.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Morgan Street Holdings, operating as "tms," positions itself as a multifaceted agency and solutions provider. The emphasis on "transformational change" and driving consumer engagement suggests a dynamic, results-oriented environment. The global footprint is significant, offering exposure to diverse markets and projects. The explicitly stated commitment to inclusion and authenticity is a key cultural differentiator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

• The role reports into the Global Product Design team, likely under a Design Director or Lead.

Operations Impact:

• The Senior Product Designer will directly influence the creation of covetable and cherished collectibles and consumer products, impacting brand engagement and consumer perception for clients like McDonald's, T-Mobile, and adidas.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specialized product design for collectibles, lifestyle goods, and the "kidult" market. Gain experience in managing the end-to-end product lifecycle for high-profile brands.

• Industry Exposure: Work with a diverse range of clients and IPs across various sectors (toys, games, lifestyle, fashion, entertainment, sport).

• Leadership Potential: Opportunity to lead smaller workstreams, influence project direction, and potentially mentor junior designers as experience grows within the team.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Develop robust collaboration skills by working closely with strategy, marketing, engineering, and supply chain teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a significant level of responsibility and autonomy. Growth opportunities focus on specialization within a niche, broader industry exposure, and developing leadership capabilities through project ownership and cross-functional collaboration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model is specified. This means a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work. The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and team interaction, essential for design sprints and cross-functional meetings.

Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois, USA. Specific office details (amenities, layout) are not provided but can be assumed to be professional and conducive to creative work.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model suggests a need for self-discipline and effective remote work practices, alongside strong engagement during in-office days.

• The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration indicates a workspace that supports team-based projects and idea-sharing.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in how and where work is performed, but core working hours and availability for team collaboration will be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring adaptability. The Chicago location places the role within a major metropolitan hub with access to talent and industry networks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly the focus on collectibles and cultural trends.

• Creative/Technical Interview: Likely involves a deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and technical skills (e.g., software proficiency, 3D modeling).

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio piece in detail or tackle a design challenge, demonstrating their ability to conceptualize, visualize, communicate, and consider commercial factors. This is where "visual storytelling and sell-in thinking" will be heavily assessed.

• Cross-Functional Team Interview: Interaction with potential team members from design, strategy, engineering, or account management to evaluate collaboration style, communication, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase projects that directly align with the role's focus on collectibles, lifestyle, fashion, gaming, and the "kidult" demographic. Highlight your passion for these areas.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your process, the challenges faced, your creative solutions, and the impact or outcome. Emphasize your role and contributions.

• Demonstrate Process: Show your thinking from initial sketches and mood boards through to detailed renders and consideration of manufacturability. Include "red-line draw-overs" or prototype examples if possible.

• Highlight Commercial Acumen: Include examples where you balanced creativity with cost, safety, and manufacturability constraints.

• Visual Engagement: Ensure your portfolio is visually compelling, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality imagery and clear, concise descriptions.

• Presentation Readiness: Be prepared to "sell-in" your best projects verbally, demonstrating your storytelling and communication skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is provided, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Prioritize conceptual thinking and cultural relevance, then move to visualization and practical considerations.

• Practice articulating your design rationale and strategic thinking clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a client.

• Be prepared to discuss how your design addresses potential manufacturing, cost, or safety concerns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their creative process and strategic thinking, especially concerning consumer products and cultural trends. The "sell-in" aspect is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat are explicitly required for visual design, concept art, and presentation preparation.

• 3D Modeling & Rendering Software: Foundational knowledge required in tools such as Fusion 360, Blender, ZBrush, SolidWorks, Freeform, or Keyshot. Experience in character sculpting is a plus. These are crucial for bringing physical product concepts to life and creating realistic visuals.

• Microsoft 365 Suite: Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SharePoint are essential for daily work, communication, project management, and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how product concepts integrate into broader marketing and sales strategies may require some awareness of CRM principles and how products are positioned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both 2D design software (Adobe) and 3D modeling/rendering tools is significant. This indicates a role that bridges conceptual art with tangible product visualization and development. Proficiency in these specific tools will be a strong indicator of suitability.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Authenticity & Diversity: Valued critically, with efforts to create access and equity for all. Candidates are encouraged to bring their authentic selves and voices.

• Inclusion & Belonging: Fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and valued.

• Collaboration: "Brilliant people are better together." Emphasis on teamwork and shared success.

• Innovation & Transformation: Driving transformational change for clients through technology, marketing, and sourcing.

• Results-Oriented: Commitment to rewarding results and achieving success for clients and the company.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly cross-functional, involving teams from strategy, creative, account management, digital, engineering, and supply chain.

• Encourages open communication and idea sharing, where individuals' voices are heard.

• The hybrid work model implies a need for adaptable and effective communication across different working environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company strongly emphasizes a culture of authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. This is not just corporate speak but a core tenet of their operational philosophy, aiming to leverage diverse perspectives for innovation. Collaboration is central, and the hybrid model necessitates strong communication skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Constraints: Consistently generating innovative concepts while adhering to strict cost, manufacturing, safety, and sustainability requirements.

• Translating Trends to Market-Ready Products: Effectively identifying fleeting cultural trends and translating them into tangible, appealing products that resonate with specific demographics (Gen-Z, "kidult").

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder needs and technical requirements across multiple departments (e.g., engineering, marketing, supply chain) to bring designs to fruition.

• Rapid Product Development Cycles: Working in a fast-paced environment where ideas need to be conceptualized, developed, and presented quickly to meet client demands and market opportunities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Expertise: Deepen knowledge in the lucrative and dynamic collectibles, lifestyle, and "kidult" product markets.

• End-to-End Product Lifecycle Experience: Gain hands-on experience managing projects from initial ideation through to production oversight.

• Client & Brand Exposure: Work with a wide array of leading global brands and diverse IPs, enhancing market understanding and strategic thinking.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Opportunities to learn from senior designers and potentially take on leadership roles for smaller projects or workstreams.

• Industry Trends: Continuous learning on evolving consumer behaviors, pop culture influences, and emerging design and manufacturing technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a creative role in a commercial environment, requiring a blend of artistic vision and practical execution. The growth opportunities are robust, offering significant potential for specialization and career advancement within the consumer product and brand engagement sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your portfolio that demonstrate your ability to:

  • Generate original product/collectible concepts based on cultural trends and consumer insights.
  • Translate these concepts into compelling visual presentations that "sell-in" ideas.
  • Balance creative vision with commercial realities (cost, manufacturability, safety).
  • Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

• How do you stay ahead of trends in collectibles, gaming, lifestyle, and fashion?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research tms (Morgan Street Holdings) and their work, particularly their client roster and the types of projects they undertake.

• Understand their stated values (authenticity, diversity, inclusion) and be ready to discuss how you embody these in your work and collaboration.

• How do you see yourself fitting into a global, hybrid work environment?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills for this specific role.

• For each project, prepare a concise narrative:

  • The Challenge: What was the brief or problem?
  • Your Process: How did you approach it? (Show sketches, mood boards, ideation, 3D work).
  • The Solution: What was the final concept/design?
  • The Rationale: Why was this the best solution? (Connect to trends, consumer insights, brand strategy).
  • The Commercial Considerations: How did you address cost, manufacturing, safety?
  • The Outcome/Impact: What was the result or potential impact?

• Be ready to answer detailed questions about your choices, techniques, and contributions.

• Practice your presentation to ensure it's clear, engaging, and within a reasonable time limit.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing both creative passion for the relevant product categories and a strong understanding of the commercial and collaborative aspects of product development. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Morgan Street Holdings careers site.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating your passion for collectibles, lifestyle, fashion, and gaming, with a focus on physical product development and visual storytelling. Ensure it clearly showcases your process from ideation to concept visualization.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize 3+ years of relevant product/industrial design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and 3D software, and any experience with consumer products targeting Gen-Z or "kidult" demographics. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design process, cultural insights, and commercial considerations. Prepare answers for strategy and behavioral questions related to collaboration and problem-solving.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Morgan Street Holdings (tms), their clients, and their company culture, particularly their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Understand their approach to driving transformational change in the consumer product space.

⚠️ 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.