Build-A-Bear is hiring: Product Designer in Saint Louis

At Build-A-Bear we believe in the power of imagination, creativity, and memorable experiences. Our mission is to add a little more heart to life by creating unique experiences, lasting connections, and beloved memories that create lasting emotional connections. We are a multi-channel, site-based experience and entertainment company, with diversified categories and consumer segments. We are seeking a strategic and inspirational Product Designer to join our dynamic team.

The Product Designer is a visionary creative, dedicated to crafting extraordinary products that captivate and delight our Guests. With a sharp sense for innovation and an unyielding passion for design, this role brings imaginative concepts to life, resonating with and inspiring our audience. As a Product Designer, you'll focus on the creation of plush products within the girls' and trend-driven categories, seamlessly blending our brand's unique aesthetic with the latest market trends and compelling storytelling themes. From initial concept to final adoption, you will transform ideas into commercially successful products that reinforce our brand's market leadership. Your designs will not only captivate and delight but also drive innovation, elevate the guest experience, and support our brand and business goals.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and present creative product designs aligned with brand aesthetics, storytelling, themes, and market trends
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and licensed partners to translate innovative designs into commercially successful products
• Create sketches, mood boards, and technical drawings to communicate design concepts and specifications
• Maintain strong awareness of consumer trends, preferences, and competitive landscape to drive product innovation and differentiation

Required Qualifications:

• 3-5 years experience in Toy Design, Product/Industrial Design, Fashion or Graphic Design
• Expert in Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop
• Expert ability in rendering design concepts into art form
• Proficiency with PLM systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ years of experience in related field
• Background in Girls, Teen &/or Trend-Driven Products
• Plush design experience
• Skilled in working with licensed product
• Expert in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop & proficient in other areas of Adobe Creative Suite

Behavioral Traits for Success:

• Drive, determined, and self-disciplined approach to consistently achieve results
• Possess a high level of specialized expertise
• Values new ideas and concepts, carefully analyzing and testing them before communication and adoption
• Ensures quality is never compromised
• Thrives in a working environment with clear expectations
• Prefers a fast-paced environment
• Technical problem-solving and ingenuity while working within approved organizational systems and technology

Working Environment:

• Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs
• Corporate Office located St. Louis, MO (Candidate must be willing to relocate to the St. Louis Metro Area)
• Hybrid work schedule
• Domestic travel 5-10%

Your Performance Will Be Measured On:

Your ability to achieve annual department objectives and corporate goals which include but are not limited to the following:

• Consistently aligned designs with brand aesthetic and storytelling themes
• Leadership approval on presented concepts
• Effective communication & collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Ability to translate design concepts into market-ready products
• Creation of on-trend, consumer-centric, and innovative design concepts
• Clarity and accuracy in sketches, mood boards, and technical drawings
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to enhance product relevance and market recognition
• Increase product sales and market share
• Ability to take and apply feedback
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to enhance product relevance and market recognition
• Stakeholder Feedback