Associate Product Designer - Plush

Jazwares, LLC•Culver City, CA

4h•$66,480 - $79,740•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Product Designer – Plush plays a key role in designing and developing innovative, high-quality plush products for internal IP and major licensed properties—specifically taking the lead on Five Nights at Freddy’s plush initiatives. Combining creative ideation, a deep appreciation for the FNAF universe, and technical soft-goods problem-solving, you will turn fan-favorite characters and concepts into compelling physical products that resonate with the community and align with brand strategies.

Requirements

0–3 years of experience in product design, soft goods/plush development, or character toy design.
0–3 years of experience collaborating with overseas manufacturing partners (Asia preferred).
Genuine passion for the Five Nights at Freddy’s universe, lore, and aesthetics, with a strong pulse on what the fan community wants to see in plush collections.
Exhibit interest and knowledge of the current trends/innovations as well as an understanding the competitive marketplace in the toy industry
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office & G-Suite
Strong proficiency in adobe creative suite (illustrator, photoshop, and indesign)
Able to work cross functionally and reciprocally with multiple departments
Able to work independently or collaboratively
Knowledge of materials and multiple manufacturing processes
Exceptional visual, verbal, and written communication skills
Able to multitask, organize, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
Demonstrates a strong design sense, including a well-developed sense of aesthetics
Can easily adapt to shifting priorities, and can manage multiple priorities at one time, while also demonstrating vigilance in keeping projects moving forward and hitting deadlines
Excellent attention to detail
Lifelong Learner
Adaptable
Effective problem solver and critical thinker; proactive in resolving issues
Ability to deal effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels in a professional manner

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in toy design, industrial design, industrial engineering, or industry relevant field is a plus.

Responsibilities

Instrumental in generating new toy concepts to enhance new and/or existing brands
Champion great design in our high-quality products and help assure they are within target cost and QA/QC requirements
Builds consensus between members throughout the design process
Work collaboratively with your branding, product management, engineering, packaging, licensor, and other internal team partners to create product that is the best fit for the brand
Attend Brand and licensing meeting and brainstorming to obtain enough information for product design
Successfully present and communicate concepts to the brand, development, management, and licensor teams
Ensure delivery of precise, clear, and complete product turnover specifications and ensure they fully understood by the international team/factory
Support the overall strategic goals of product, provide direction and feedback during the development process that is attentive to Licensor and for brand assurance
Responsible for completing, reviewing, documenting specification changes, submitting for licensor approval, and providing comments for illustrative turns, sculpts, paint masters, and sample reviews
Work closely with brand/management teams to resolve development issues, while assuring designs meet the target cost, schedule, and brand standards
Participate in the entire life cycle of project development from a concept through initial ideation, refinement, prototype execution and turn over packages to development teams
Communicate with packaging design team to assure product and packaging are aligned

Benefits

basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children
employee basic life and AD&D insurance
401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals
short and long-term disability
tuition reimbursement
flexible work schedule
Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays
up to 20 workdays fully remote each year
Time Off for vacation and sick leave
opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects