Job description
*This is a temp to possible hire position*
Job Description
This role requires the creativity to design, and the experience and aptitude to guide the wider team, to create exceptional toy products (figures, playsets, vehicles, plush, roleplay and more) for a new brand from one of the top licensors in the world. This person should be diverse and flexible to take on additional products as the brand develops. This person will also take on managing outside design talent and overseeing model development. This role requires the expectation that the person can operate for extended periods of time with minimal supervision and know the appropriate times to check in with manager. The staff designer also functions as a mentor and role model.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Concept development for established licensed property in the preschool aisle
- Deliver excellence to the licensor and help to build and maintain a strong relationship between licensor and the company
- Regular communication with the licensor
- Relentlessly drive innovation in each product
- Prepare multiple sketch options for potential product ideas to ensure delivering the best
- Research and review product categories
- Develop detailed drawings and/or models of potential products, using outside vendors as needed
- Prepare and present product design concepts and development to the executive level of the organization and licensor.
- Independently drive projects forward, in collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Oversee the correct preparation of various product description / documentation forms required by the Engineering and Production Departments for turnover of final product designs for manufacturing
- Interface and communicate with the overseas office on all aspects of the design and development process.
- Travel overseas unaccompanied to Asia &/or Toronto as needed for projects & trade shows
Key Metrics:
- 100% accurate in company processes and internal systems
- 100% accurate in licensor processes and systems
- Efficiently adhere to deadlines and show proven ability to handle multiple tasks
- Successfully lead 5-10 medium/high complexity items
- Ability to delegate responsibilities in the most efficient manner
Reporting Lines
- Reports to Design Manager
Required Skill Set:
- Experience with top licensed brands, submissions, and communication with licensor
- Strong creative, artistic, and aesthetic skills and the ability to integrate these skills with functional utility to product needs
- Flexible and upbeat with shifting priorities, and unexpected changes
- Strong analytical and communication skills
- Understanding of mechanical functions and ability to effectively optimize mechanisms for toy
- Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and take products from initial concept through to production
- Demonstrated ability to understand the marketplace and develop product to address real opportunities.
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- 7+ years in Toy Design
- Undergraduate degree in Toy Design, Industrial design or equivalent; or related experience and/or training
- Plastics, electronics, and/or mechanical experience necessary
- Portfolio of work, including both finished product and conceptual thinking and process images (rough sketches, control art, foam-core models, etc.)
- Experience with preschool design a plus, specifically playsets and girl-appealling toys
- Licensing experience a plus
