Manager, Design & Development

NBCUniversal•Universal City, CA

13d•$105,000 - $125,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Design & Development leads the design, development, and execution of lifestyle accessory categories—including bags, backpacks, footwear, jewelry, socks, hair accessories, and related accessories—across licensed and vertically integrated brands. The role partners with cross-functional teams, licensees, vendors, and manufacturers to deliver innovative, high-quality products that meet brand standards, consumer expectations, and business objectives. The manager applies product design and technical development expertise, including 3D design, tech pack creation, AI-powered design tools, and draw-over techniques, to develop products from concept through production. The role oversees product quality, innovation, approvals, creative direction, partner collaboration, timelines, and product execution. This position has a hybrid schedule requiring work from the office at least four days per week; the company may change in-office requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Product Design, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in product design and development, preferably in accessories, footwear, apparel, home products, or licensed consumer products.
Demonstrated experience creating detailed tech packs and product specifications.
Strong proficiency in 3D design, rendering, and product visualization tools.
Experience using AI design tools in the product development process.
Strong draw-over, illustration, and visual communication skills.
Advanced proficiency with Mac and Microsoft applications, including expert-level Adobe Creative Suite skills (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign), Keynote, and product approval systems.
Strong understanding of materials, construction methods, manufacturing processes, and product execution.
Experience managing products from concept through production.
Ability to prioritize and multitask in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
Strong communication skills and ability to provide thoughtful, clear creative art direction.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to provide clear, actionable creative feedback to internal and external partners.
Self-starter with a strong leadership mindset; highly organized, resourceful, and proactive.
Flexibility and ability to find compromise in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

Design and oversee lifestyle accessory categories, including bags, backpacks, footwear, jewelry, socks, hair accessories, and related accessories.
Lead product design and development across multiple licensed and vertically integrated brands, ensuring product execution, quality, innovation, and category elevation.
Apply knowledge of materials, fabrications, color palettes, construction, embellishments, and manufacturing techniques to develop brand-right products at varied price points.
Manage products from concept through production, including trend research, sketches, draw-overs, 3D renderings, tech packs, prototypes, and final design approvals.
Use AI-powered design tools and emerging technologies to enhance concept development, creative workflows, and innovation.
Create detailed tech packs and supporting development documentation.
Provide draw-overs, creative notes, graphic direction, typography guidance, and visual feedback to licensees and manufacturing partners.
Recommend and visually communicate commercially viable product ideas that elevate consumer products and Parks experiences.
Monitor seasonal and emerging trends in fashion, graphics, color, materials, packaging, and product design, translating them into product opportunities.
Manage 2D and 3D product approvals and provide accurate, actionable creative feedback for assigned categories.
Collaborate with licensees and external vendors to ensure products align with brand standards, design intent, quality expectations, and business objectives.
Research market trends, consumer insights, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities to inform product concepts.
Develop trend reports, style guides, product concepts, color direction, and visual assets supporting IP priorities and product strategies.
Partner with internal stakeholders and collaborate with designers, freelancers, agencies, and external partners to align product vision, business goals, workloads, and execution.
Coordinate with stakeholders to meet timelines, project milestones, and launch objectives.
Manage product approval workflows, routing approvals through Legal, Compliance, Product Safety, and third-party IP stakeholders.
Use MediaBox, Adobe Launchpad, and related platforms to manage product review and approval processes.
Lead product approval meetings and ensure feedback, approvals, and decisions are captured and communicated promptly.
Assess licensee and vendor design and manufacturing capabilities to guide development and resolve execution challenges.
Build and maintain relationships with licensees, vendors, manufacturers, and creative partners, including onboarding new partners as needed.
Lead kickoff meetings and product development discussions with licensees, vendors, and manufacturers.
Provide guidance and support to junior team members as appropriate.
Attend trade shows, retail visits, and licensee meetings as needed to stay current on industry trends and support business initiatives.
Prepare meeting recaps and communicate decisions, action items, and next steps to stakeholders.
Contribute product development and design perspectives during creative reviews and cross-functional discussions.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.