Softgoods Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Softgoods Product Designer

Company: Million Dollar Baby Co.

Location: Los Angeles, California (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Development

Date Posted: May 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end design process for softgoods, from initial concept to production-ready technical specifications, ensuring alignment with brand aesthetics and market trends.

• Develop and adapt designs across a portfolio of children's furnishing brands, with a strategic focus on leading brands like Babyletto and Namesake, to maintain brand consistency and appeal.

• Create comprehensive and accurate tech packs that detail construction, materials, colorways, trims, and tolerances, facilitating clear communication with manufacturing partners.

• Collaborate closely with the sourcing team to select and specify appropriate textiles, fills, hardware, and trims, balancing design integrity with cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

• Manage relationships and communication with offshore manufacturing partners, meticulously reviewing samples and providing precise revisions to ensure product quality and adherence to specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is "Softgoods Product Designer," the company's focus on children's furnishings (cribs, nursery items) and the mention of brands like Babyletto and Namesake indicate a strong emphasis on the baby and nursery product category. This means candidates should highlight experience and passion for designing safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing products for this demographic. The hybrid nature suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills to bridge in-office and remote collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design original softgoods products, including bedding, blankets, cushions, soft toys, draperies, and rugs, from initial sketches to final production specifications.

• Translate seasonal trends and brand directives into cohesive color palettes and surface patterns that enhance product appeal and align with each brand's unique creative direction.

• Conduct thorough research on current and emerging softgoods trends within the baby, nursery, and home categories, integrating insights to inform design decisions and drive product innovation.

• Act as a key liaison between design, product development, brand marketing, and merchandising teams to ensure seamless product lifecycle management from concept ideation through to market launch.

• Proactively manage multiple design projects simultaneously, establishing realistic schedules, tracking milestones, identifying potential roadblocks, and communicating progress and challenges effectively to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility of "managing multiple projects simultaneously and hitting deadlines without needing to be chased" implies a need for strong organizational skills and proactive project management. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and communicate status updates without constant prompting. This is crucial for roles involving offshore manufacturing and cross-functional collaboration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 5+ years of direct experience in softgoods design, with a significant portion focused on consumer products, home goods, or the baby/nursery category.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for creating original artwork, technical drawings, and production-ready specifications.

• Proven ability to build complete, detailed tech packs from scratch, demonstrating a deep understanding of construction, materials, and manufacturing requirements.

• Extensive knowledge of textiles and materials, including fabrics, fills, weaves, thread counts, trims, and their performance characteristics in production and consumer use.

• Experience in textile sourcing, including establishing mill relationships, defining material specifications, and understanding supply chain dynamics.

• Hands-on experience working directly with offshore manufacturing partners, including sample review, redlining, and precise revision communication.

• Demonstrated design versatility across multiple aesthetics, from clean and modern to traditional and maximalist styles, with a strong eye for color, pattern, composition, and surface design.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design rationale and advocate for design decisions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software such as Centric, Bamboo Rose, or similar systems.

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

• Specific design experience within the baby or children's product category.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on building tech packs "from scratch" and the requirement for "deep knowledge of textiles and materials" points to a need for a designer who is not just concept-driven but also highly technical and detail-oriented in their production documentation. Candidates should be prepared to showcase examples of their tech pack creation abilities and their understanding of material properties and manufacturing processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design projects showcasing a range of softgoods products, with a focus on those relevant to the baby, nursery, or home goods sectors.

• Detailed examples of completed tech packs, demonstrating clarity, accuracy, and completeness in construction details, materials, and specifications.

• Case studies illustrating the design process from concept ideation through to production, highlighting problem-solving, material selection, and collaboration with manufacturing.

• Visual examples of original artwork, surface patterns, and color palette development for softgoods.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have documented design processes, from initial trend research and concept development to sample review and final production handover.

• Include examples of how you manage and communicate revisions to overseas manufacturers, demonstrating precision and clarity in technical instructions.

• Highlight any experience in documenting material specifications, sustainability certifications, or quality control standards related to softgoods production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the direct interaction with overseas manufacturing and the need for precise technical packs, a strong portfolio demonstrating technical design skills and production-ready documentation is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to walk through specific examples of their tech packs and explain their decision-making process regarding materials, construction, and manufacturing constraints.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

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

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

• Company matching contributions to a 401(k) retirement plan.

• Reimbursement programs for vacation expenses and wellness/enrichment activities.

• Tuition reimbursement for continued education and professional development.

• Matching charitable donations to non-profit organizations of your choice.

• Regular company-wide monthly celebrations with meals provided.

• Dog-friendly workplace environment.

• Company-branded merchandise and generous employee discounts on MDB Co. products.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are not explicitly stated but are assumed to be a standard 40-hour work week, common for full-time roles. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in scheduling, aligning with typical industry practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $90,000 - $105,000 for a Softgoods Product Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Los Angeles is competitive for the market. The extensive benefits package, particularly the 100% premium coverage for health insurance and the various enrichment programs, indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which is a significant draw for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Children's Furnishings, Home Goods, Retail, Manufacturing. Million Dollar Baby Co. operates in a competitive market, emphasizing eco-conscious designs and high-quality products for children. Their focus on sustainability (Greenguard Gold, FSC-certified wood) and innovative packaging (Styrofoam-free) positions them as a leader in responsible manufacturing.

Company Size: The company has grown significantly over the years and is a recognized name in its industry, evidenced by its presence in major retailers like Target and Amazon, and specialty stores. The "Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies" list also suggests a dynamic and expanding organization.

Founded: 1990. As a family-owned and operated business based in Los Angeles for over three decades, MDB Co. has a strong foundation and a clear vision for growth.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely works within a larger Product Development department, collaborating closely with Brand Marketing, Merchandising, and Sourcing teams.

• The reporting structure for this role is not specified but would typically be to a Design Manager or Director of Product Development.

Methodology:

• Data-driven insights are implied through their focus on market trends and product performance, though not explicitly detailed for the design process.

• Workflow optimization is evident in their commitment to continuous improvement and efficiency, particularly in managing the product lifecycle from concept to shelf.

• Automation is not a primary focus for this design role, but efficiency in process and communication is key.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values—treating the team like family, making an impact, delivering exceptional customer experiences, continuous improvement, and cultivating quality conversations—are deeply embedded in their culture. This suggests a supportive yet performance-driven environment where collaboration and respect are paramount. The "Best Place to Work" awards reinforce this positive workplace atmosphere.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Product Designer, requiring significant hands-on experience and the ability to work independently. It implies a capacity for ownership of design projects from inception to commercialization.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Manager, working within a product development or design department. Collaboration will extend across various departments, including sourcing, marketing, and merchandising.

Operations Impact: The designer's impact is directly tied to the successful development and marketability of softgoods products. Their ability to create appealing, functional, and production-ready designs directly influences product quality, brand perception, sales performance, and ultimately, the company's revenue and market share in the competitive children's furnishings sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in specific softgoods categories (e.g., nursery textiles, sustainable materials) or for particular brands within the MDB Co. portfolio.

• Leadership: Advancement to Senior Designer, Lead Designer, or Design Manager roles, overseeing teams, managing larger projects, and contributing to strategic design direction.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like sustainable design practices, advanced textile sourcing, PLM software implementation, or emerging design technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "continuous improvement & learning" and "making an impact" suggests that growth opportunities will be available for individuals who demonstrate initiative, deliver strong results, and actively contribute to the company's goals. Proactively seeking to understand the broader business impact of design decisions will be key for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," indicating a mix of in-office and remote work. This suggests a modern office setup designed for collaboration, with dedicated workspaces for design activities.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California. This location offers access to a vibrant design community and a significant hub for the home goods and consumer products industries.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely collaborative, encouraging interaction with design peers, product developers, and marketing teams.

• Access to design software, material libraries, and potentially prototyping resources would be expected.

• The hybrid model necessitates a well-equipped home office setup for remote workdays, with reliable technology for virtual collaboration.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the hybrid arrangement and the company's focus on "flexible PTO" and "work/life harmony" suggest some degree of flexibility in daily scheduling, provided project deadlines and team needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "dog-friendly workplace" is a unique cultural perk that contributes to a relaxed and employee-centric atmosphere. For a hybrid role, candidates should be comfortable with both independent work and team-based collaboration, adapting their work style to leverage the benefits of both in-office and remote settings.

📄 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.

• Portfolio Presentation: A crucial stage where candidates present their design work, focusing on softgoods projects, tech pack examples, and their design process. Be prepared to discuss your approach to problem-solving, material selection, and collaboration with manufacturers.

• Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Discussions with hiring managers and team members to evaluate technical proficiency (Adobe Suite, tech packs, materials), project management skills, and cultural fit with MDB Co.'s values.

• Case Study/Design Challenge (Potential): You may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a solution to a specific design problem related to softgoods for the nursery or home category.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest softgoods projects that best represent your skills and experience relevant to MDB Co.'s brands and product categories.

• Highlight Tech Packs: Include clear examples of your tech packs, explaining the level of detail and how they facilitate production.

• Tell the Story: For each project, explain the brief, your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Emphasize your role and contributions.

• Demonstrate Versatility: If possible, show your ability to design across different styles and for various brands, as required by MDB Co.

• Focus on Production Readiness: Clearly articulate your understanding of materials, construction, and manufacturing constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research MDB Co. Brands: Understand the aesthetic, target audience, and key selling points of Babyletto, daVinci, Nursery Works, and Namesake.

• Trend Awareness: Be ready to discuss current trends in softgoods, particularly within the baby and nursery sectors, and how they can be translated into commercially viable products.

• Sustainability Focus: Familiarize yourself with common textile certifications and sustainable practices relevant to children's products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should ensure it is well-organized, visually appealing, and directly addresses the requirements outlined in the job description, particularly the emphasis on tech packs and manufacturing collaboration. Prepare to speak in detail about the technical aspects of your designs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating original artwork, patterns, and detailed technical illustrations. Expect to demonstrate expert-level proficiency.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for mood boards, color palette development, rendering, and image manipulation. Expert-level proficiency is required.

• PLM Software (Preferred): Experience with systems like Centric, Bamboo Rose, or similar is a significant advantage for managing product data, specifications, and workflows.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct responsibility, understanding how design choices impact sales and product performance may involve reviewing basic sales data or market trend reports.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of how design integrates into broader product management systems might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "expert-level Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills" and the preference for PLM software highlights the technical demands of this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency with these tools and how they leverage them in their design workflow to create production-ready assets.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Treat Your Team Like Family: Demonstrating empathy, respect, and collaborative spirit in all interactions, especially when working with overseas partners and cross-functional teams.

• Make an Impact, Drive Results: Focusing on designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also commercially successful, contributing to the company's growth and market position.

• Deliver a “Wow” Customer Experience Every Time: Ensuring designs meet high standards of quality, safety, and appeal for the end-user (children and parents).

• Strive for Continuous Improvement & Learning: Actively seeking to improve design processes, stay updated on trends, and develop new skills related to materials, sustainability, and manufacturing.

• Cultivate Quality Conversations: Communicating honestly, clearly, and thoughtfully with internal teams and external partners to build trust and ensure project success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with product development, marketing, and merchandising to ensure design concepts translate into viable products that meet business objectives.

• Process Review & Feedback: Open to giving and receiving constructive feedback on designs and processes to foster continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design insights, trend research, and best practices with the team to elevate the overall design output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's strong emphasis on family, respect, and quality conversations suggests a supportive and communicative work environment. Candidates who can demonstrate these values in their interactions and work style will be a strong cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Aesthetics and Market Trends: Effectively designing for multiple distinct brands while staying current with evolving consumer tastes and market demands in the competitive children's furnishing sector.

• Managing Offshore Manufacturing Relationships: Navigating communication nuances, quality control, and sample revisions with international partners to ensure product consistency and timely delivery.

• Material and Sustainability Sourcing: Staying abreast of new textile innovations, ensuring material specifications meet safety and sustainability standards (like Greenguard Gold), and working within cost constraints.

• Project Prioritization: Effectively managing a diverse project load with competing deadlines across different brands and product types, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Sustainability: Gaining expertise in eco-friendly materials, certifications, and sustainable manufacturing practices specific to the children's product industry.

• Advanced Technical Design: Enhancing skills in complex construction techniques, pattern making, and utilizing PLM systems for greater efficiency.

• Brand Strategy Contribution: Moving beyond product design to influence broader brand identity and product line strategy.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers or be mentored by senior leadership within the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for product designers in fast-paced consumer goods environments. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they have successfully navigated similar situations, highlighting their problem-solving skills and adaptability.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a softgoods product from initial concept to a production-ready tech pack. What are the critical steps and considerations?" (Focus on detail, clarity, and manufacturing input)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with specific brand identities while also incorporating current market trends? Can you provide an example?" (Demonstrate brand awareness and trend integration)

• "Walk us through a challenging experience you had working with an offshore manufacturing partner. How did you resolve the issue?" (Highlight communication, problem-solving, and resilience)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Million Dollar Baby Co.'s core values resonate with your own professional approach?" (Connect your values to theirs, e.g., family, impact, learning)

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?" (Assess project management and prioritization skills)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the problem you solved, your design process, key decisions (material, construction), challenges, and the final outcome.

• Showcase Tech Pack Excellence: Dedicate specific slides or sections to your tech packs, explaining the level of detail and how they facilitate communication with factories.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have data on sales performance, customer feedback, or cost savings related to your designs, present it.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about specific materials, construction methods, and Adobe tool functionalities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to "redline" a sample or discuss specific details of a tech pack during the interview, demonstrating your hands-on technical ability. Emphasize your understanding of how design decisions impact manufacturing costs, timelines, and product quality.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Softgoods Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of softgoods design experience, emphasizing projects within the consumer products, home goods, or baby/nursery categories. Clearly list your proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and any experience with PLM software.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your best softgoods designs, detailed tech packs, and examples of your design process. Prioritize projects relevant to MDB Co.'s brands.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration with manufacturing partners. Be ready to articulate your design rationale clearly and concisely.

• Research MDB Co.: Familiarize yourself with Million Dollar Baby Co.'s brands, values, and commitment to sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with theirs.

⚠️ 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.