Designer, Design & Development (Toys)

NBCUniversal•Universal City, CA

5d•$72,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

NBCUniversal’s Universal Franchise Products & Partnerships Consumer Products Group is seeking a creative, collaborative Toy Product Designer for its Preschool Boys, Plush, Bluesky Team. The designer will develop innovative toy concepts and guide licensed products from early ideation through production. The role combines hands-on product concepting, toy design, and creative art direction with an understanding of consumer needs and play. It involves identifying new and white-space opportunities, translating characters and stories into compelling products and play experiences, and working with toy licensees and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products. The designer partners closely with toy licensees throughout product development, providing clear creative direction through draw-overs, visual references, and design notes. The role develops concepts and presentations, manages product submissions and feedback, and leads projects with internal and external teams. It also contributes to design strategy, consumer and trend-informed opportunities, and other creative initiatives. The position reports to a Sr. Design Manager and requires travel as needed for business and operational needs. This position currently follows a hybrid schedule requiring work from the office at least four days per week; the company may change in-office requirements. It is eligible for company-sponsored benefits. Salary range: $72,000–$85,000 per year.

Requirements

At least 3 years of design and development experience.
Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree; preferably in toy design, industrial design, product design, or graphic design.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to provide thoughtful, clear creative art direction to partners and vendors.
Ability to prioritize and multitask in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment involving multiple product-development calendars.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal skills to navigate situations across multifunctional departments.
Understanding of age-appropriate play patterns and experience with toy categories such as preschool, plush, playsets, action figures, vehicles, role play, or collectibles.
Curiosity about consumer behavior, emerging toy trends, technology, innovation, and new ways to play.
Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and relevant product-development software, including Keynote.
Willingness to learn and integrate company-approved AI workflows.
Professional portfolio demonstrating product ideation, sketching, creative problem-solving, and design development; submitted work must be original and clearly show individual contributions.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with licensed entertainment intellectual property, style guides, and character-driven product development.
Portfolio examples of toy, children’s product, character-based product, or other three-dimensional product design are strongly preferred.
Portfolio examples showing the full product-development lifecycle, including sketches, trend research, pattern and print development, overlays/redlines, technical design packages (tech packs), sampling iterations, and final products.

Responsibilities

Partner with toy licensees throughout the full product-development process, from initial concept through production, providing creative direction through draw-overs, visual references, and design notes.
Translate characters, stories, and franchise attributes into product features, play patterns, and collectible experiences.
Develop toy concepts and presentations using concept sketches, product renderings, mood boards, and visual storytelling.
Manage product submissions through Universal’s product approval systems and provide timely, constructive, solutions-oriented creative feedback.
Lead design projects with internal and external cross-functional teams, balancing product objectives, consumer needs, and timelines.
Co-create design strategies with the Manager and Director, using research, trends, and consumer insights to inform product opportunities.
Partner with Category, Retail, Franchise, and other teams to provide licensees with creative direction, assets, insights, and information.
Identify consumer, category, and portfolio white-space opportunities using consumer insights, global toy trends, competitive products, and cultural influences.
Support the UP&E product development process through clear, timely communication and participation in development reviews and meetings.
Support creative initiatives including blue-sky ideation, content exploration, and product innovation.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to meet evolving team and business needs.
Travel as required to support business and operational needs.