Manager, Product Design Barbie

Mattel • El Segundo, CA

395d

About The Position

The Manager of Product Design for Barbie at Mattel is a pivotal role that involves leading a creative team to design innovative toys that resonate with a diverse audience. This position focuses on shaping the future of the iconic Barbie brand by integrating contemporary fashion trends and promoting values of diversity and empowerment. The manager will oversee the entire product design process, from ideation to final production, ensuring that the designs reflect the brand's cultural relevance and inspire young minds through imaginative play.

Requirements

• 7+ years of cross-functional experience in product design.
• Experience with premium brands and an eye for designing premium products.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple parallel-path projects effectively.
• Self-directed problem-solver with a proactive approach to challenges.
• Structured thinker capable of developing frameworks for strategic decisions.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with the toy industry and trends in adjacent industries.
• Experience in leading a design team and empowering team members.
• Passion for making great products and understanding consumer needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Barbie product design team in creating fashion lines that resonate with today's diverse audience.
• Develop and execute product design vision, contributing innovative design concepts.
• Conduct market research and trend analysis to identify opportunities for innovative toy concepts.
• Collaborate with brand managers and licensing partners to understand brand identity and storytelling elements.
• Iterate on toy designs based on internal feedback and market insights to optimize play value and appeal.
• Mentor junior designers to foster a culture of creativity and collaboration within the team.
• Work closely with engineers and manufacturers to refine designs and oversee the prototyping process.

Benefits

• Flexible work model that combines in-person collaboration with flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Inclusive workplace culture that values diverse perspectives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees