Design Lead

Schylling Inc.•Pawtucket, RI

4d•$85,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Design Lead leads major creative initiatives and oversees the design, branding, and storytelling of products. This strategic, visionary, and hands-on designer collaborates across departments to bring toys to life and has a track record of leading successful product launches. The role drives product innovation by identifying market gaps, researching trends and consumer insights, and developing commercially viable concepts aligned with the company’s brand vision. It leads product design from strategy and ideation through prototyping and final production, including preparing sketches, 3D models, prototypes, drawings, and manufacturing specifications. The Design Lead works closely with engineering teams and overseas manufacturing partners on specifications, materials, production feasibility, cost considerations, and technical problem-solving. The role also manages multiple project schedules and deliverables, communicates project progress to internal teams, and develops cohesive brand identities, presentations, and product pitches.

Requirements

BA or BS in Toy Design or Industrial Design.
More than 8 years of professional design experience with a toy or children’s products company.
Demonstrated product development design experience in the toy or children’s product category.
Solid drawing and rendering skills using Sketchbook Pro and Photoshop.
Strong 2D visual communication skills, including comfort drawing on a Cintiq tablet with Sketchbook Pro, Photoshop, or similar software.
Entrepreneurial spirit and a business-oriented mindset.
Passion for toys and children’s products.
Strong knowledge of and interest in toy industry trends, leading brands, products, and emerging developments.
Experience communicating daily with manufacturing partners.
Proficiency in all phases of the design process: preliminary, development, and production.
Willingness to collaborate with a team and value collaborative work.
Passion for keeping up with new creative trends.

Responsibilities

Identify market gaps and develop commercially viable product innovations that excite consumers.
Develop new toy concepts and brand ideas that push creative boundaries.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on product ideas aligned with brand vision and market trends.
Research industry trends, pop culture, and consumer insights to generate product concepts.
Lead design for assigned projects from strategy and ideation through prototyping and final production.
Develop concept sketches, 3D models, 3D-printed prototypes, drawings, and specifications for manufacturing.
Plan and solve problems needed to turn product concepts into reality.
Ensure final deliverables meet quality, production, and brand standards.
Coordinate design specifications and files with engineering teams and overseas manufacturing partners.
Work with factories on materials, production feasibility, and cost considerations.
Resolve design challenges and technical constraints while maintaining creative integrity and manufacturability.
Manage schedules, timelines, and deliverables with team leads to support on-time product development.
Oversee multiple projects while balancing creative execution, deadlines, and business objectives.
Communicate project status, design iterations, and production progress to internal teams.
Develop cohesive brand identities that integrate packaging, storytelling, and product design.
Create presentations and product pitches for internal stakeholders and retail partners.
Ensure products align with the company’s creative direction and brand strategy.