Sr. Designer (toys & Hardlines)

Sr. Designer (Toys & Hardlines)

Universal Products & Experiences is seeking a Sr. Designer to support the design, development and approval of products across the Toys & Hardlines categories. This role reports to the Senior Manager, Product Design Studio, and plays a key part in delivering creative, high-quality and brand-aligned products. The successful candidate will play a critical role in upholding brand integrity while driving design excellence, creativity, and innovation. This role ensures efficiency and effectiveness across the product approvals process, ultimately supporting sustainable growth across the broader business. You will help shape the future of our products by setting a high bar for design quality, guiding product development, and collaborating closely with best-in-class partners across the industry.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks.

Salary range: $90,000 - $105,000

Design & Development

• Oversee all stages of product development lifecycle from concept though final production for assigned product categories - providing timely, actionable feedback to licensees and partners.
• Review and guide toy functionality, safety considerations, materials, tooling constraints, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Deliver accurate design direction/overlays aligned with property guidelines and priorities to external partners, including licensees, retailers and agents.
• Serve as the design expert for assigned categories, materials, technology, 2D/3D execution, product construction and manufacturing capabilities.
• Create mood boards and concept sketches for pitches and presentations.
• Research trends, innovations, and consumer insights to inspire new ideas.
• Participate in all key design and development meetings.
• Develop new product ideas and turn them into marketable lines.
• Understand basic packaging structure, branding elements, and toy functionality.
• Share detailed meeting recaps and action steps with management.
• Ensure brand consistency while driving creative innovation in product development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the needs of the team.

Design Strategy

• Work with team to identify growth opportunities in market.
• Conceptualize designs to support business strategies.
• Spot emerging trends and innovations across product categories.
• Balance design vision with cost targets, MOQ requirements, retail price points, and production timelines.
• Understand competitive market and consumer target.
• Build clear, polished design strategy presentations for internal mtgs.

Licensing Expertise

• Understand the licensed entertainment and consumer products landscape.
• Ensure brand consistency across licensed characters, storytelling, and asset/toolkit delivery.
• Design and deliver show-to-shelf results.

Collaboration & Communication

• Be the front-facing daily product design contact in assigned categories for external partners including licensees and retailers
• Strong skills in daily & strategic communication to the team, internal and external partners, including licensees, retailers, and 3rd party approvers.
• Proven ability to lead projects and facilitate discussions with all internal and external partners.
• Build strong relationships with all internal and external partners.
• Consistent communication and collaboration with internal and external partners (specifically licensees)
• Lead cross-functional development discussions and drive alignment across Franchise, Legal, Category, Retail, and Licensees.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in licensing, manufacturing, or consumer product design.
• Strong understanding of design, product development and manufacturing processes for Toys and Hardlines categories.
• Experience with licensed entertainment products.
• Strong traditional and digital hand-drawing skills.
• Excellent design & illustration skills.
• Strong grasp of 2D composition and 3D form factors.
• Proactive mindset to drive results.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and working knowledge of InDesign, Keynote, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident in advocating for design decisions and collaborating toward shared goals.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Toy Design, Industrial design, Illustration, or a related field required.

Additional Requirements

• Travel may be required
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the needs of the team
• Hybrid: This position currently has a hybrid schedule, which requires contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time.