Manager, Product Design - Squishmallows

Help bring imagination to life with Jazwares, the company behind the global sensation **Squishmallows**. Join our team in Santa Fe Springs, CA, and help manage the designers that create iconic plush toys loved by millions around the world! 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 plush project. - Review and comment on your team's product and design quality, actively transitioning into a leadership path. - Collaborate with the VP of Product Design 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. - 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 end product design or other relevant experience with a focus in Plush Design or Character Driven products. - 5 + years experience working with global manufacturing factories, As…