Jazwares
Manager, Product Design - Squishmallows
Jazwares, Culver City, California, United States, 90232
We are looking for a talented and experienced Manager, Product Design to lead our Squishmallows design team. This role will be pivotal in shaping the future of one of the world's most popular plush brands. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in product design, particularly in plush or soft goods, with a passion for innovation and creative storytelling. This role will oversee a team of 5-6 designers and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, licensing, and production, to bring new Squishmallows products to life.
What you will do:
Prioritize and oversee the plush design team’s work schedule as well as help to assign their projects.Manage and mentor a team of 5-6 product designers, providing guidance, feedback, and support to foster creativity and professional growth.Review the Designer’s vector designs with Illustrative turns and check that the Pantone colors are well selected.Work closely with Product Development to oversee plush sample reviews from the design side to check construction, color, size, proportion, fabrics, and other details.After sample review meetings, oversee that the sample review design notes taken by another team member and revision overlays from designers, if needed, are correct.Work closely with top-level design management on all steps of the plush line process from concept up to final pre-production sample approval.Occasionally work on new design concepts or to improve and modify a designer’s vector designs created in Adobe Illustrator.Work collaboratively with your branding, product development, packaging, licensing, and other internal and external team partners to help create innovative products.Support the overall strategic goals within a brand providing direction and feedback during the development process that is attentive to brand needs.Maintain a deep understanding of current trends in plush toys and consumer products, and apply this knowledge to drive innovation within the Squishmallows brand.Participate in all stages of the product life cycle.Supervisor Responsabilities:
Manages People: YesThis position provides work direction to others; and assigns and evaluates work.What we are looking for:
Bachelor’s Degree in toy design, industrial design, industrial engineering, or industry-relevant field preferred. A combination of education and experience is applicable.5 - 8 years of product design experience preferably within the plush, Kawaii, or soft goods toy product development.3 - 5 years of experience working with global manufacturing factories (Asia preferred).1-3 years of direct leadership experience.Strong portfolio showcasing a range of product designs, with a focus on plush or soft goods.Strong project management skills with the ability to handle a large volume of SKUs.Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (illustrator, photoshop, and Indesign) and other graphic design software.Expertise in managing multiple form factors, including collector figures, plush toys, and action figures.Passionate about anime, with a deep understanding of various anime titles and cultural nuances.Exceptional art direction and design management skills, with a focus on high-quality, collector-level products.Excellent people and partner management abilities, fostering strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.Working Conditions:
Environment:OfficeExtreme Exposures:NoneSchedule:Regular office; may require occasional calls with Asia counterparts outside of regular hoursPhysical Requirements:Light; Lifting up to 25 lbsMust be able to sit at a desk for extended periods of time
National Travel Required: Yes - LimitedLocal Commute: This role will commute to our Cerritos Warehouse 2 times a week.
What we offer:
At Jazwares, we believe in providing our employees with comprehensive and competitive benefits that support their well-being and overall satisfaction. The salary range for this position is $115,000.00 - $120,000.00 /Yr. Actual base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for annual performance incentives may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, salary range may not apply to other states.
Our benefits package includes basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children, employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.
Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes a Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation, and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects.
Working at Jazwares:
At Jazwares, we believe an innovative idea can come from anywhere, and anyone. Through our three pillars, we foster innovation and encourage creativity in every area of our business.Humility:
We recognize the value in others and treat everyone with respect. Our strength lies in our people and talent.Passion:
Our conviction and enthusiasm show in our products, relationships, and commitment to our community.Collaboration:
We share one vision worldwide, constantly striving to improve and innovate together.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to be part of the fastest-growing toy company in the industry. Connect with us today and let's shape the future of play together!
JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
#LI-KL1 #LI-HYBRID #LI-ONSITE
What you will do:
Prioritize and oversee the plush design team’s work schedule as well as help to assign their projects.Manage and mentor a team of 5-6 product designers, providing guidance, feedback, and support to foster creativity and professional growth.Review the Designer’s vector designs with Illustrative turns and check that the Pantone colors are well selected.Work closely with Product Development to oversee plush sample reviews from the design side to check construction, color, size, proportion, fabrics, and other details.After sample review meetings, oversee that the sample review design notes taken by another team member and revision overlays from designers, if needed, are correct.Work closely with top-level design management on all steps of the plush line process from concept up to final pre-production sample approval.Occasionally work on new design concepts or to improve and modify a designer’s vector designs created in Adobe Illustrator.Work collaboratively with your branding, product development, packaging, licensing, and other internal and external team partners to help create innovative products.Support the overall strategic goals within a brand providing direction and feedback during the development process that is attentive to brand needs.Maintain a deep understanding of current trends in plush toys and consumer products, and apply this knowledge to drive innovation within the Squishmallows brand.Participate in all stages of the product life cycle.Supervisor Responsabilities:
Manages People: YesThis position provides work direction to others; and assigns and evaluates work.What we are looking for:
Bachelor’s Degree in toy design, industrial design, industrial engineering, or industry-relevant field preferred. A combination of education and experience is applicable.5 - 8 years of product design experience preferably within the plush, Kawaii, or soft goods toy product development.3 - 5 years of experience working with global manufacturing factories (Asia preferred).1-3 years of direct leadership experience.Strong portfolio showcasing a range of product designs, with a focus on plush or soft goods.Strong project management skills with the ability to handle a large volume of SKUs.Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (illustrator, photoshop, and Indesign) and other graphic design software.Expertise in managing multiple form factors, including collector figures, plush toys, and action figures.Passionate about anime, with a deep understanding of various anime titles and cultural nuances.Exceptional art direction and design management skills, with a focus on high-quality, collector-level products.Excellent people and partner management abilities, fostering strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.Working Conditions:
Environment:OfficeExtreme Exposures:NoneSchedule:Regular office; may require occasional calls with Asia counterparts outside of regular hoursPhysical Requirements:Light; Lifting up to 25 lbsMust be able to sit at a desk for extended periods of time
National Travel Required: Yes - LimitedLocal Commute: This role will commute to our Cerritos Warehouse 2 times a week.
What we offer:
At Jazwares, we believe in providing our employees with comprehensive and competitive benefits that support their well-being and overall satisfaction. The salary range for this position is $115,000.00 - $120,000.00 /Yr. Actual base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for annual performance incentives may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, salary range may not apply to other states.
Our benefits package includes basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children, employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.
Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes a Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation, and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects.
Working at Jazwares:
At Jazwares, we believe an innovative idea can come from anywhere, and anyone. Through our three pillars, we foster innovation and encourage creativity in every area of our business.Humility:
We recognize the value in others and treat everyone with respect. Our strength lies in our people and talent.Passion:
Our conviction and enthusiasm show in our products, relationships, and commitment to our community.Collaboration:
We share one vision worldwide, constantly striving to improve and innovate together.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to be part of the fastest-growing toy company in the industry. Connect with us today and let's shape the future of play together!
JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
#LI-KL1 #LI-HYBRID #LI-ONSITE