Senior Softgoods Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Softgoods Product Designer

Company: Million Dollar Baby Co.

Location: Los Angeles, California (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / GTM Operations Support

Date Posted: 2026-09-08

Experience Level: 8+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the conceptualization and end-to-end design of softgoods products, including bedding, blankets, cushions, soft toys, draperies, and rugs, ensuring alignment with brand aesthetics and market trends.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive production-ready tech packs, detailing construction, materials, colorways, trims, and tolerances to facilitate seamless manufacturing.

• Collaborate closely with the sourcing team to select and specify appropriate textiles, fills, hardware, and trims, optimizing for quality, cost, and sustainability.

• Act as the primary liaison with overseas manufacturing partners, meticulously reviewing samples and communicating revisions to ensure design integrity and production accuracy.

• Drive seasonal color palette and surface pattern development, ensuring consistency and brand-appropriate innovation across multiple product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily design-focused, its responsibilities in managing production processes, collaborating with manufacturing, and ensuring product-market fit directly support Go-To-Market (GTM) operations. The emphasis on tech packs, material sourcing, and sample review indicates a need for strong operational understanding within the design function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design original softgoods from concept to production-ready tech pack across bedding, blankets, cushions, soft toys, draperies, and rugs.

• Develop and adapt designs across all six MDB Co. brands, with a primary focus on Babyletto and Namesake, ensuring brand consistency and appeal.

• Build and maintain detailed tech packs including construction details, material call-outs, colorways, trims, and tolerances.

• Select and specify textiles, fills, hardware, and trims in collaboration with the sourcing team, considering sustainability and production feasibility.

• Work directly with overseas manufacturing partners in Asia, reviewing samples and communicating revisions clearly and precisely for accurate production.

• Develop seasonal color palettes and surface patterns that align with each brand's creative direction and current market trends.

• Stay current on softgoods trends in baby, nursery, and home categories, bringing relevant insights and innovative ideas to the team.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with product development, brand marketing, and merchandising to ensure a smooth transition from concept to shelf.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, tracking milestones, key decisions, and communication to ensure timely delivery and success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires strong project management skills to handle multiple product lines and manufacturing timelines, which is a critical aspect of GTM operations. The responsibility for managing overseas manufacturing partners highlights the need for operational rigor in supply chain coordination.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Product Designer role.

Experience: 8+ years of experience designing softgoods for consumer products, home goods, baby/nursery, or a closely adjacent category.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills for creating original artwork and technical drawings.

• Strong tech pack creation skills, capable of building complete packs from scratch.

• Deep knowledge of textiles and materials (fabrics, fills, weaves, thread counts, trims) and their production behavior.

• Experience with textile sourcing, including mill relationships and material specifications.

• Hands-on experience working with offshore manufacturing partners, reviewing samples, and redlining with precision.

• Proven ability to design across diverse aesthetics: clean modern, traditional, and maximalist interiors.

• Sharp eye for color, pattern, composition, and surface design.

• Strong communication skills for presenting work and advocating for design decisions.

• Excellent project management abilities, including scheduling, milestone tracking, and stakeholder updates.

• Deep interest in home interior style and trends, with a pulse on current and emerging looks. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with PLM software (e.g., Centric, Bamboo Rose, or similar).

• Working knowledge of pattern-making or garment construction basics.

• Specific experience designing for the baby or children's category.

• Familiarity with textile safety and sustainability certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, GOTS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for expert-level Adobe Suite skills and comprehensive tech pack creation underscores the technical operational rigor needed for product development. Experience with PLM software is a significant plus, indicating a need for familiarity with systems that manage product lifecycle and supply chain data, crucial for GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of softgoods designs from concept through to production-ready tech packs.

• Examples of detailed tech packs with clear construction details, material specifications, and colorway breakdowns.

• Case studies demonstrating collaboration with manufacturing partners, including sample review and revision processes.

• Visuals of textile selections, trim details, and color palette development.

• Demonstrations of design versatility across different brand aesthetics and product categories.

• Evidence of trend research and application in design concepts. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of your process for translating market trends and brand direction into tangible product designs.

• Examples of how you create and manage tech packs, ensuring all necessary production information is included and accurate.

• Documentation of your collaboration process with sourcing and manufacturing teams, including communication protocols and problem-solving approaches.

• Examples of how you manage project timelines, track milestones, and communicate updates to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role supporting GTM, the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic design but also the operational aspects of product development. This includes the clarity and completeness of tech packs, the efficiency of the sample review process, and the ability to manage the product lifecycle from ideation to manufacturing readiness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $115,000 - $140,000 USD per year. This range is based on the provided pay transparency information for California and reflects the Senior level experience and specialized skills required for this role within the consumer goods industry.

Benefits:

• 100% of health, dental, and vision insurance monthly premiums paid by the company.

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) to support work-life harmony.

• Company matching 401(k) program.

• Vacation reimbursement program.

• Wellness and enrichment subsidy programs.

• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.

• Matching charitable donations to a nonprofit organization of your choice.

• Free MDB Co. swag and a generous employee discount on products.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement. The role's project management demands may require flexibility to meet deadlines, especially when working with overseas manufacturing partners across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is comprehensive, offering strong support for employee well-being and professional development, which is attractive for experienced professionals in product development and operations roles. The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Children's Furnishings and Home Goods. Million Dollar Baby Co. is a prominent player in this market, known for its eco-conscious designs and multiple award-winning brands. The company emphasizes sustainability (FSC-certified wood, Greenguard Gold certification, Styrofoam-free packaging) and a family-oriented work environment.

Company Size: The company has grown significantly over the years, indicated by its inclusion on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list for 13 years and its partnerships with major retailers like Target and Amazon. While specific current employee numbers aren't provided, it operates across multiple brands and has a global supply chain, suggesting a medium to large-sized organization.

Founded: 1990. This long history indicates stability and a deep understanding of the children's furniture and nursery market.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will likely be part of a broader Product Development or Design team, collaborating closely with Merchandising, Brand Marketing, and Sourcing departments.

• The team structure is family-owned and operated, suggesting a culture that values respect, empathy, and collaboration.

• Cross-functional collaboration is explicitly mentioned as a key aspect of the role, indicating a matrixed or project-based work environment where designers work with various departments to bring products to market. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the emphasis on market trends and consumer insights.

• Process optimization is evident in the focus on creating efficient workflows from concept to production and managing manufacturing relationships.

• Continuous improvement and learning are core values, suggesting a dynamic environment that encourages skill development and adaptation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's culture is built on strong core values centered around treating employees like family, making an impact, customer experience, continuous improvement, and quality conversations. This provides a clear framework for understanding team dynamics and expectations for operations-aligned roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, indicating a position of significant responsibility and expertise. It requires not only creative design skills but also a robust understanding of the product development lifecycle, manufacturing processes, and supply chain operations.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Design Director, Head of Product Development, or a similar senior leadership position within the product creation function. Close collaboration with Brand Marketing and Merchandising teams is expected.

Operations Impact: The Senior Softgoods Product Designer has a direct impact on the company's ability to launch successful products that meet market demands, quality standards, and sustainability goals. Their work directly influences the product catalog, brand perception, and ultimately, revenue generation through effective GTM execution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in supply chain management, manufacturing liaison, and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.

• Leadership Potential: Progression to Lead Designer, Design Manager, or Head of Product Development roles, overseeing larger teams and strategic product initiatives.

• Brand Specialization: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert for specific brands within the MDB Co. portfolio, driving their unique design language and market positioning.

• Sustainability Focus: Potential to lead initiatives related to sustainable materials and eco-friendly production processes, aligning with company values and industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a designer in this role, growth opportunities often involve moving into more strategic product development roles, potentially encompassing broader operational responsibilities in supply chain, quality assurance, or even product marketing alignment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Employees are expected to work from the Los Angeles office on a flexible basis, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California. This location is the company's headquarters and likely where key decision-makers and cross-functional teams are based.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is described as family-oriented and collaborative, fostering open communication and teamwork.

• Access to design tools and resources will be available, including necessary software and potentially material libraries.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with product development, marketing, and merchandising teams will be frequent, facilitating a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours (likely 40 hours/week) are expected, but the hybrid nature and global manufacturing ties may necessitate some flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and communication with overseas partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Los Angeles provides a blend of in-person collaboration essential for design reviews and team synergy, alongside the flexibility often sought by senior professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A deeper dive into your portfolio, potentially including a presentation of past projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This may involve a specific design exercise or a discussion of how you would tackle a hypothetical product development challenge.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Product Development, Marketing, and Sourcing to evaluate collaboration style and understanding of business objectives.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion to assess cultural fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the Senior Product Designer role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process from concept to production, highlighting problem-solving and decision-making at each stage.

• Detail Tech Packs: Include examples of highly detailed and accurate tech packs, demonstrating your expertise in construction, materials, and specifications.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of successful cross-functional collaboration and interaction with manufacturing partners, showcasing your communication and revision skills.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Present a range of designs that illustrate your ability to adapt to different brand aesthetics and product categories.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your designs (e.g., successful product launches, cost savings through material selection, positive customer feedback).

• Tailor to MDB Co.: Research Million Dollar Baby Co.'s brands and values. Highlight projects or styles that align with their aesthetic and commitment to sustainability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to trend forecasting, material selection, and cost-conscious design.

• Practice articulating your design rationale, especially regarding material choices and manufacturing feasibility.

• Familiarize yourself with common softgoods construction methods and textile properties.

• Understand the importance of sustainability certifications and how they influence design and sourcing decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only creative talent but also the candidate's operational understanding of product development, manufacturing, and project management, crucial for a role that bridges design and GTM execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency required in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for design creation, technical drawings, and artwork development.

• Tech Pack Software: While not specified, proficiency in creating detailed tech packs often involves using design software in conjunction with potentially specialized tools or templates for clarity and consistency.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how design choices impact sales, customer feedback, and returns would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• PLM Software (Preferred): Experience with Product Lifecycle Management systems like Centric, Bamboo Rose, or similar is a strong plus. These systems are critical for managing product data, BOMs, and supply chain information, directly supporting GTM operations.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools for tracking projects, milestones, and team communication (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) is highly likely given the role's responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is non-negotiable. Experience with PLM systems is a key differentiator for candidates looking to leverage their design skills within a structured operational framework.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values (as reflected in company values):

• Treat Your Team Like Family: Expect a supportive, respectful, and collaborative team environment where empathy and kindness are valued.

• Make an Impact, Drive Results: Focus on delivering meaningful work that contributes to the company's success and moves families forward through innovative products.

• Deliver a “Wow” Customer Experience Every Time: Understand that design quality directly impacts customer satisfaction and brand reputation. Every detail matters.

• Strive for Continuous Improvement & Learning: Be proactive in skill development, staying updated on trends, and seeking ways to enhance design and production processes.

• Cultivate Quality Conversations: Communicate honestly, thoughtfully, and effectively with all stakeholders, including internal teams and external manufacturing partners.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring close partnerships with Product Development, Merchandising, Brand Marketing, and Sourcing teams.

• Open communication is encouraged, facilitating the exchange of ideas and feedback throughout the product lifecycle.

• Problem-solving is a shared responsibility, with designers expected to work constructively with manufacturing partners to resolve production challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's deeply ingrained values provide a strong foundation for understanding the expected work culture and how operations-minded individuals can thrive by aligning with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Operational Constraints: Meeting deadlines and cost targets while maintaining design integrity and brand aesthetic.

• Global Manufacturing Liaison: Navigating communication, quality control, and revision processes with overseas partners across different time zones and cultural nuances.

• Trend Forecasting & Innovation: Consistently identifying and integrating emerging trends into product designs while staying true to brand identity.

• Material Sourcing & Sustainability: Finding innovative, sustainable materials that meet performance, cost, and safety requirements.

• Managing Multiple Brand Portfolios: Juggling distinct brand identities, target audiences, and product lines simultaneously.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Supply Chain Expertise: Gain hands-on experience in international sourcing, manufacturing oversight, and quality assurance.

• Master PLM Systems: Develop proficiency in Product Lifecycle Management software, crucial for operational efficiency.

• Sustainability Certifications: Expand knowledge of textile certifications like OEKO-TEX and GOTS, and how to integrate them into design and sourcing strategies.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop skills in leading product development initiatives that require significant cross-departmental coordination.

• Trend Analysis & Market Research: Hone skills in identifying and interpreting market trends to inform design strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to blend creative design with critical operational responsibilities, providing a strong foundation for career growth in product development and GTM strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a market trend into a production-ready softgoods product." (Focus on your methodology, research, and collaboration steps.)

• "How do you ensure the quality and consistency of softgoods produced by overseas manufacturers?" (Highlight your sample review process, communication strategies, and quality control measures.)

• "Walk us through a challenging tech pack you created and how you ensured all necessary details were included for production." (Emphasize clarity, completeness, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you balance creative vision with budget and timeline constraints in product design?" (Discuss your prioritization, negotiation, and iterative design approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Million Dollar Baby Co. and our specific brands (Babyletto, Namesake, etc.)?" (Research the brands' aesthetics, sustainability efforts, and market position.)

• "How do you embody our core values of 'Treat Your Team Like Family' and 'Make an Impact, Drive Results' in your work?" (Provide specific examples from your experience.)

• "Describe a time you had to communicate difficult feedback or revisions to a manufacturing partner. How did you handle it?" (Focus on professionalism, clarity, and constructive problem-solving.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by brand or product category, clearly outlining your role, process, and the final outcome for each project.

• Highlight Tech Packs: Dedicate specific slides or sections to showcase the detail and thoroughness of your tech packs.

• Showcase Collaboration: Use project descriptions to illustrate how you worked with cross-functional teams and manufacturing partners.

• Emphasize Material Knowledge: Discuss your rationale behind textile and trim selections, including performance, cost, and sustainability considerations.

• Tell the Story: For each project, explain the "why" behind your design decisions and how they addressed market needs or brand objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss both the creative vision and the operational execution required for successful product development and launch.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Softgoods Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 8+ years of softgoods design experience, expert-level Adobe Suite skills, tech pack creation capabilities, and experience with manufacturing collaboration. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate your portfolio: Ensure it prominently features your best softgoods designs, detailed tech packs, and examples of your design process, especially concerning material selection and collaboration with overseas partners. Make sure to showcase your versatility across different styles.

• Prepare your portfolio presentation: Practice walking through your key projects, articulating your design decisions, and explaining your process for ensuring production-ready deliverables. Be ready to discuss your understanding of textile sourcing and manufacturing liaison.

• Research Million Dollar Baby Co.: Familiarize yourself with their brands, values (especially sustainability and family culture), and recent product launches to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.

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