Senior Product Designer - Bedding

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer - Bedding

Company: Jazwares, LLC

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Soft Goods Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-26

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic design and development of innovative, high-quality products for a new bedding brand, SquishPillow, focusing on soft goods and textile innovation.

• Drive the entire product lifecycle from initial concept through research, prototyping, user testing, and final retail-ready specifications.

• Ensure product excellence by balancing premium comfort, aesthetic appeal, and adherence to target cost and quality assurance (QA/QC) requirements.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with branding, product management, engineering, and packaging teams to deliver cohesive and market-leading products.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Product Designer," the emphasis on "soft goods," "textile design," "bedding," and "home-textile concepts" strongly indicates a specialized role within product development, closely aligned with operations and manufacturing readiness. The focus on "cost," "QA/QC," and "international team/factory" turnover underscores its connection to operational execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Architect innovative comfort and bedding collections centered around premium material integrity, tactile usability, and exceptional consumer experiences.

• Deliver end-to-end product design, encompassing user research, concept development, prototyping, and user testing.

• Champion exceptional design quality in all products, ensuring they align with target cost and stringent QA/QC standards.

• Oversee and manage the comprehensive product design process, from ideation to final specification turnover.

• Build consensus and foster collaboration among design team members and cross-functional stakeholders throughout the design lifecycle.

• Work collaboratively with branding, product management, engineering, packaging, and other internal teams to create products that best fit the brand's vision and market strategy.

• Attend brand brainstorming sessions to gather comprehensive information and insights for product design initiatives.

• Successfully present and articulate design concepts clearly and persuasively to brand teams, development partners, management, and licensors.

• Ensure the delivery of precise, clear, and complete product turnover specifications, verifying full understanding by international teams and manufacturing partners.

• Provide expert direction on fabric selection, textile construction, pattern-making, and fill specifications to meet top-tier standards for softness, durability, and manufacturing scalability.

• Collaborate closely with brand and management teams to resolve development issues, ensuring designs meet target cost, schedule, and brand standards.

• Participate in the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept and ideation through refinement, prototype execution, and turnover packages for development teams.

• Collaborate with the packaging design team to ensure product and packaging are seamlessly aligned for optimal consumer presentation.

• Work effectively with outside vendors and international manufacturing partners, providing clear direction and feedback.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support product development and operational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep dive into the operational aspects of product design, including material selection, manufacturing liaison, cost management, and specification clarity for global production. This goes beyond typical creative design roles and emphasizes the "operations" of bringing a product to market.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive design experience, with a proven track record in soft goods, plush, bedding, or children's home furnishings.

• 1+ years of experience working with global manufacturing factories (Asia preferred). Required Skills:

• Expertise in driving the creation of next-generation bedding, plush pillow, and home-textile concepts.

• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign) or similar design software.

• Deep knowledge of materials, including fabric selection, textile construction, and fill specifications.

• Proven ability to translate character IP and brand strategies into premium, comfort-driven textile products.

• Experience in pattern-making and understanding of multiple manufacturing processes for soft goods.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to multitask, organize, prioritize, and manage time efficiently across multiple projects.

• Exceptional visual, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to present concepts effectively to diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to work cross-functionally and reciprocally with multiple departments, building consensus and fostering collaboration.

• Demonstrates a strong design sense, including a well-developed sense of aesthetics and an eye for tactile usability.

• Adaptability to shifting priorities and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while hitting deadlines.

• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office & G-Suite. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience working with licensed brands.

• Understanding of the competitive marketplace in the bedding, home decor, sleep wellness, or toy/licensing industries, including current trends and innovations.

• Experience conducting user research, prototyping, and user testing.

• Familiarity with QA/QC processes and requirements for consumer goods.

• Experience in optimizing designs for manufacturing scalability and cost-effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "global manufacturing factories," "fabric selection," "pattern-making," and "fill specifications" points to a need for practical, production-oriented design skills, which are critical for operations readiness. The preference for experience with licensed brands suggests a need to understand and adapt existing IP, a common challenge in GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects demonstrating expertise in soft goods, plush, or bedding design from concept to production-ready specifications.

• Include detailed case studies for at least two projects that highlight your process for translating IP into desirable consumer products, emphasizing material innovation and comfort features.

• Present examples of product turnover packages, clearly illustrating specifications for fabric, construction, dimensions, and quality standards relevant to manufacturing.

• Demonstrate your ability to problem-solve design challenges related to cost, manufacturing limitations, or material sourcing within your portfolio projects.

• Include visual representations of research, concept sketching, 3D rendering (if applicable), prototyping, and final product outcomes. Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, provide a brief overview of the design process followed, including key stages of ideation, development, and handoff.

• Detail your approach to user research and testing for soft goods products, showcasing how feedback influenced design iterations.

• Illustrate your method for collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., product management, engineering, marketing) and external partners (e.g., factories, licensors) throughout the design lifecycle.

• Document your experience in specifying materials and construction methods to meet specific tactile, durability, and aesthetic requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements" section is crucial for operations roles. This enhancement emphasizes the need for candidates to demonstrate not just creative output but also a structured, repeatable process for design development, manufacturing liaison, and quality control, which are core to effective GTM operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The base salary for a Senior Product Designer in Minneapolis, MN, with 5-10 years of experience in soft goods and global manufacturing liaison typically ranges from $95,000 to $135,000 annually. This estimate considers the experience level, specialized skills in textile design and soft goods, and the Minneapolis cost of living.

Benefits:

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

• Life Insurance: Basic employee life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

• 401(K) Retirement Program: Company matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education and professional development.

• Flexible Work Schedule: Includes 4 days on-site (Monday-Thursday) with an optional remote workday on Fridays.

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

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick leave allowances.

• Community Engagement: Up to 16 hours per year for volunteer work through Jazwares Cares.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility offered through the hybrid work arrangement and remote work days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in Minneapolis, MN, factoring in the specialized nature of soft goods and international manufacturing experience. Benefits are directly pulled from the provided text, highlighting key offerings relevant to operations professionals seeking stability and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toy Manufacturing & Consumer Goods, with a strong focus on licensed brands and imaginative play products.

Company Size: Jazwares is a significant global toy manufacturer, indicating a large organization with established processes and international reach. This size implies opportunities for impact within a structured environment and potential for cross-departmental influence.

Founded: 1997. With over two decades of operation, Jazwares has a history of growth and adaptation in the dynamic toy and consumer goods market, suggesting a stable yet evolving company culture.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Product Designer will likely be part of a larger Product Development or Design team, potentially specialized for specific brands or product categories like SquishPillow.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a Design Director or VP of Product Development, with close collaboration with Product Managers, Brand Managers, and Engineering leads.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring seamless integration with marketing, sales operations, supply chain, and international manufacturing teams to ensure successful product launches. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Utilizes market trend analysis, competitive landscape research, and consumer insights to inform design decisions and product strategy.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Employs structured design processes from ideation to production, focusing on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality assurance.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated for design, the emphasis on clear specifications and working with international teams suggests a need for efficient communication and documentation practices to streamline the manufacturing process.

Company Website: www.jazwares.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Jazwares as a well-established, globally operating toy manufacturer. For a Senior Product Designer, this means working within a professional environment that values innovation, collaboration, and market responsiveness. The emphasis on "licensing" and "IP" is a key operational consideration for managing brand consistency and approval processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is designated as "Senior," indicating a level of expertise and responsibility that involves leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers (potentially), and owning significant product lines. It requires a blend of creative vision and practical execution, bridging the gap between creative concepts and manufacturable, market-ready products.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Director or a VP of Product Development. They will work closely with Product Management, Brand Management, Engineering, and potentially licensing teams. This structure necessitates strong communication and stakeholder management skills, crucial for aligning design vision with business objectives and operational constraints.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's impact is direct and substantial, influencing product quality, consumer appeal, brand perception, and ultimately, revenue generation for the SquishPillow brand. By ensuring products are not only innovative and desirable but also cost-effective and manufacturable, they play a critical role in the success of Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies. Their ability to translate creative concepts into actionable specifications for global manufacturing directly impacts production efficiency and market launch timelines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to deepen expertise in soft goods manufacturing processes, global supply chain dynamics, and cost optimization strategies through hands-on experience with international factories.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead design projects, influence product roadmaps, and potentially mentor junior designers, building leadership capabilities within a large organization.

• Brand Expansion: As the SquishPillow brand grows, there may be opportunities to expand the product line, take on design leadership for new categories, or contribute to the design strategy of other Jazwares brands.

• Industry Exposure: Involvement with licensed brands and exposure to various product types (toys, games, pillows) offers broad industry knowledge and potential for specialization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Career & Growth Analysis" focuses on how this role fits within an operational framework. It highlights the bridge between creative design and the practicalities of manufacturing, supply chain, and market launch, which are core to GTM operations. The growth opportunities are framed in terms of developing operational expertise and leadership within the product development lifecycle.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with a structured on-site presence.

Office Location(s): Minneapolis, Minnesota. This location offers a vibrant urban setting with access to design talent and industry resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model, with 4 required days in the office, fosters in-person collaboration, team brainstorming, and spontaneous problem-solving sessions essential for complex product development.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office software (Microsoft Office, G-Suite) and specialized design tools (Adobe Creative Suite). The role will involve working with detailed product specifications and potentially project management software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with product managers, brand managers, engineers, and other designers, facilitating a holistic understanding of the product development process and operational challenges.

Work Schedule: The work schedule includes a Monday through Thursday on-site presence, with an optional remote workday on Fridays. Additionally, up to 20 workdays per year can be fully remote, offering a balance between structured team collaboration and individual focused work. This flexibility allows for efficient management of design tasks, research, and communication with global partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment emphasizes the practical aspects for an operations-focused role. The hybrid model with specific on-site days is key for collaborative problem-solving and hands-on work, while the remote days allow for focused analytical tasks or communication with international teams across different time zones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio, focusing on soft goods design experience, understanding of manufacturing processes, and ability to manage product lifecycles.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, detailing 2-3 key projects. Expect questions focused on their design process, material selection rationale, problem-solving for manufacturing constraints, cost considerations, and user testing methodologies.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Management, Brand Management, and potentially Engineering leads to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and understanding of business objectives.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Product Development) to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit within Jazwares' values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Soft Goods Expertise: Showcase projects specifically related to plush, bedding, or home textiles. Clearly articulate your role and contributions.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, walk through your methodology from concept generation to final specifications. Emphasize how you translated IP into a tangible product.

• Demonstrate Operational Awareness: Include examples of how you considered cost, materials, manufacturing feasibility, and QA/QC in your design decisions. Show how you communicated these specifications to factories.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., positive user feedback, cost savings achieved, successful product launch).

• Tailor to SquishPillow: Show an understanding of the brand's aesthetic and target audience, and how your design philosophy aligns with it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss current trends in home textiles, sleep wellness, and the toy industry.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, especially concerning material choices and construction methods.

• Familiarize yourself with common challenges in soft goods manufacturing and how you would address them.

• Prepare questions that demonstrate your interest in the brand, the team, and the operational aspects of product development at Jazwares.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for operations professionals applying for this role. The focus is on demonstrating practical skills, understanding of manufacturing, and ability to translate creative briefs into operational realities, which is key for success in this type of role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Strong proficiency required in Illustrator (for vector graphics, pattern creation, technical drawings), Photoshop (for mockups, colorways, rendering), and potentially InDesign (for specification documents and presentations).

• Microsoft Office Suite & G-Suite: Essential for documentation, presentations, email communication, and general productivity.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed for design, familiarity with market trend analysis tools or competitive research platforms would be beneficial for staying abreast of industry innovations. The role will involve interpreting data related to consumer preferences and market performance to inform design direction. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how product data flows into CRM or ERP systems for sales and inventory management could be a plus. The role's output (clear specifications) directly feeds into downstream operational processes.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with physical prototyping and potentially digital prototyping tools for visualizing textile drape, stitch types, and construction details.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the essential tools for product design within a manufacturing context. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and practical documentation tools (Office/G-Suite) highlights the need for both creative output and clear technical communication, crucial for operational handoffs to manufacturing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion: A deep enthusiasm for creating high-quality, innovative products that bring joy to consumers, demonstrated through dedication to the SquishPillow brand and its unique appeal.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working harmoniously with diverse teams (branding, product management, engineering, international factories) to achieve shared goals, fostering open communication and mutual respect.

• Humility: Recognizing the value of all team members and partners, treating everyone with respect, and valuing contributions from every level and department, including manufacturing partners.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new materials, technologies, and design approaches to push the boundaries of comfort and aesthetics in soft goods and home textiles.

• Quality & Detail: A meticulous approach to design and specification, ensuring that every product meets rigorous standards for comfort, durability, and consumer experience, with a keen eye on manufacturing feasibility and cost.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively participates in cross-departmental meetings and discussions, ensuring design vision is aligned with business objectives, manufacturing capabilities, and market requirements.

• Process Review & Feedback: Open to constructive feedback on designs from all stakeholders, including manufacturing partners, and actively participates in design reviews to refine concepts and resolve issues.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise on materials, construction, and manufacturing best practices with colleagues, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the design and operations teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values are interpreted through the lens of operations. "Passion" translates to dedication to product success, "Collaboration" to effective cross-functional and supply chain partnerships, and "Humility" to respecting the expertise of manufacturing partners. This framing helps candidates understand how to align their approach with the company's operational ethos.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing IP Constraints with Innovation: Effectively translating established character IP into unique and comfortable bedding products while adhering to licensor guidelines and brand aesthetics.

• Global Manufacturing Liaison: Navigating communication, quality control, and logistical complexities when working with international factories to ensure product specifications are met precisely.

• Cost Management: Designing innovative products that meet premium quality and comfort standards while staying within target cost parameters for mass production.

• Market Trend Integration: Rapidly identifying and incorporating emerging trends in home textiles, sleep wellness, and consumer preferences into product designs to maintain market relevance.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and consensus-building across multiple departments with potentially differing priorities (e.g., creative vs. commercial vs. operational).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Soft Goods Manufacturing Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of textile properties, construction techniques, and production processes through direct engagement with factories.

• Global Supply Chain Exposure: Developing a deeper understanding of international logistics, quality assurance protocols, and vendor management in a consumer goods context.

• Brand Development Strategy: Contributing to the strategic direction of a new brand and potentially influencing its product roadmap and design language.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Opportunities to lead design projects, mentor junior team members, and develop strategic design thinking within a growing company.

• Industry Trend Immersion: Continuous learning about innovations in materials science, ergonomic design, and consumer comfort technologies within the home goods and toy industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section is framed to prepare candidates for the operational complexities inherent in bringing consumer products to market, especially with international manufacturing. Growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing operational expertise and strategic influence within the product development lifecycle.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex character IP into a soft goods product. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure brand integrity while maximizing comfort and appeal?" (Focus on IP translation, material choice, and user experience.)

• "Walk us through a challenging product development project where you had to work closely with international manufacturing partners. What were the main obstacles, and how did you ensure product quality and timely delivery?" (Focus on global manufacturing liaison, problem-solving, and QA/QC.)

• "How do you approach balancing innovative design with strict cost targets and manufacturing limitations in the soft goods industry? Provide an example." (Focus on cost-consciousness, design for manufacturability, and operational efficiency.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Jazwares and the SquishPillow brand, how would you approach developing a unique design language that appeals to both children and adults?" (Focus on brand understanding and target audience analysis.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and build consensus when working with diverse teams, such as branding, product management, and global factories?" (Focus on collaboration style and communication strategies.)

• "Describe your process for staying informed about current trends in home textiles, sleep wellness, and the toy industry, and how you integrate these insights into your design work." (Focus on market awareness and proactive research.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your process, your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the final outcome.

• Quantify Your Impact: Wherever possible, use data (e.g., positive user feedback, cost savings, successful launch metrics) to demonstrate the value of your designs.

• Highlight Operational Acumen: Explicitly discuss your considerations for materials, manufacturing, cost, and quality assurance, showcasing your understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle.

• Showcase Technical Specifications: Be prepared to discuss the level of detail in your turnover packages for factories, demonstrating your ability to communicate complex requirements clearly.

• Engage and Inquire: Ask thoughtful questions about the team, the brand's future, and the operational challenges of product development at Jazwares.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are tailored to assess a candidate's operational readiness, their ability to manage the practicalities of product development, and their fit within a company that values structured processes and cross-functional collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest soft goods design projects, emphasizing those with a clear process from concept to production-ready specifications for manufacturing. Ensure these projects demonstrate your ability to translate IP and balance creative vision with operational realities (cost, materials, manufacturing).

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of experience in soft goods/bedding design, 1+ year of global manufacturing liaison experience, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Use keywords such as "textile design," "product lifecycle management," "QA/QC," "pattern-making," and "global factories."

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio with a focus on your design process, problem-solving for manufacturing challenges, and the operational considerations you integrated into your work. Be ready to discuss cost targets and material selection rationale.

• Research Jazwares & SquishPillow: Understand the company's mission, values, and the specific brand identity for SquishPillow. Prepare questions that demonstrate your insight into the company's operations, market position, and growth strategy.

⚠️ 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.