Overview

As the Manager of Product Design for Dolls, you will lead a creative team to steer innovative doll lines from concept to final production. You will oversee multiple design projects, ensuring they align with brand strategy, aesthetic excellence, and functional play standards while keeping consumer insights and fashion trends at the forefront. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams in product development, marketing, and global manufacturing, you will deliver market-leading doll products. Beyond directing design execution, you will mentor design talent, manage budgets and timelines, and champion great design. Ideal candidates bring a strong portfolio in toy/doll design and proven leadership experience. What You Will Do Partner with internal departments to ensure seamless development of each toy project. Review and comment on your team's product and design quality, actively transitioning into a leadership path. Collaborate with the Product Design Director on innovation efforts, driving creative boundaries to stay competitive. Stay ahead of industry trends and innovations, seamlessly incorporating them into doll product designs. Manage the development and daily workloads of product designers and external vendors, fostering strong relationships to ensure quality and timeline delivery. Direct product design and guide the process from initial concept through design development. Promote an awareness of sustainable design practices, eco-friendly materials, and ethical design considerations. Understand and incorporate consumer insights and feedback directly into the design process. Champion great design while ensuring products meet target costs and QA/QC requirements with minimal supervision. Ensure precise and complete Product Documentation Sheets (PDS) for development teams in the US and Asia, checking that designs align with competitive cost standards. Review 3D sculpt turns and paintmasters, preparing precise submissions and comments. Present product designs in all internal gates, including Line Reviews and Model Reviews. Maintain a Product Design Shape of the Line to evaluate the collection and prepare for all presentation needs. Lead the team to support innovation and fresh creative ideas for the brand. Communicate effectively with Licensors, applying comments to product development while working closely with Brand and USPD. Develop visual materials and deliver compelling design presentations to Licensors. Build and foster positive relationships with Licensor Creative Counterparts, acting as a brand ambassador to establish best-in-class partnerships. Manage design-focused requests, key milestones, approval dates, and general expectations with Licensors, providing proactive solutions to communication challenges. Foster a culture of continuous learning and creativity within the design team. Prioritize and manage multiple projects within design specifications, maintaining a strong understanding of schedules to keep deliverables on track and on time. Communicate with the packaging design team to assure product and packaging are perfectly aligned. Mentor and develop junior designers' abilities. Ensure all cross-functional departments are aligned and working towards a common goal through effective communication. Monitor the Product Design Budget, negotiating costs with vendors to adhere to budget constraints. Manages People: Yes Supervisor & Leadership Responsibilities Oversees the day to day responsibilities of a medium team Responsible for the talent management of direct reports including providing guidance, mentorship, feedback, conducting performance evaluations, and collaborating with human resources on any disciplinary action required Fosters a positive team environment by promoting collaboration, communication, and accountability. Mentor and Develop Junior Designer abilities What We Are Looking For: Bachelor's degree in toy design, industrial design, industrial engineering or similar field required. 6 + years of end to