Senior Designer, Apparel & Accessories - Licensed Product Development and Design

NBCUniversal•Universal City, CA

6h•$90,000 - $105,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Universal Brand Development Group is seeking a Senior Designer of Product Design Development for the Universal Products & Experiences Consumer Products division. This senior creative role leads the development of apparel and fashion accessories, including bags, headwear, and footwear, translating Universal intellectual property such as Jurassic World, Minions, and Shrek into trend-setting, commercially relevant products. The designer provides technical expertise and supports the Supervisor and Manager while coordinating with licensees and internal stakeholders. The position develops fashion-forward concepts informed by current market trends and leads the translation of macro and micro trends into seasonal product storytelling. It provides design feedback on textiles, construction, and graphics; adapts and expands style guides; and reviews licensee submissions from concept through final sample to balance fashion sensibility with brand consistency. The role also supports cross-functional coordination with Category Management, Legal, and Franchise teams. The position currently follows a hybrid schedule requiring work from the office at least four days per week; the company may change in-office requirements. Travel may be required. A professional portfolio showing original work across the product development lifecycle is required. The salary range is $90,000–$105,000 per year. The position is eligible for company-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, discounts, and other perks.

Requirements

At least 4 years of senior-level design experience in the fashion industry, including apparel, bags, footwear, or related products.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
Deep understanding of fashion tech packs and the ability to translate 2D graphics into 3D garment constructions.
In-depth knowledge of fabric properties, washes, and embellishment techniques such as embroidery, patches, and screen printing.
Exceptional color sense and material-sourcing skills.
Ability to articulate design intent logically and professionally, support the Manager, and facilitate consensus with external partners.
Proactive mindset and ability to drive results.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
Confidence advocating for design decisions and collaborating toward shared goals.
Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator, and working knowledge of InDesign, Keynote, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
Submit a professional portfolio demonstrating fashion-trend translation into character-driven licensed products, the full product-development lifecycle, and the candidate’s original individual design contributions.

Responsibilities

Analyze current market trends, including streetwear and luxury, and develop innovative product concepts that combine character aesthetics with contemporary fashion.
Pitch creative directions to the Manager for alignment.
Translate macro and micro fashion trends into cohesive, trend-led storytelling and provide the technical and aesthetic foundation for seasonal apparel and accessory lines.
Provide licensees with detailed design feedback on textiles, specialty construction, and graphic placement to support the Manager’s final approvals.
Adapt and expand Universal style guides for complex garment and accessory constructions.
Manage daily creative workflows by reviewing licensee submissions through Lunchpad and providing actionable feedback from concept through final sample.
Coordinate with Category Management, Legal, and Franchise teams under the Manager’s direction to help bring competitive products to market.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the needs of the team.