Senior Manager, Product Design - Squishmallows

Jazwares Careers • Santa Fe Springs, CA

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

As the Senior Manager of Product Design for Squishmallows, you will lead the design and development of innovative plush for this iconic, market-leading brand! This role requires an expert balance of creative vision and strategic leadership to translate consumer insights into compelling, highly collectible products. You will champion the entire design process from initial ideation to final production, ensuring strict alignment with overarching brand strategies. Collaboration is key: you will partner cross-functionally with brand management, packaging, and global manufacturing teams to deliver exciting play experiences while adhering to cost, quality, and timeline requirements. In this leadership role, you will also mentor junior design staff and manage external vendor partnerships. Come join one of the world's biggest toy-making companies and help us shape the future of play!

Requirements

• 7+ years of product design or other relevant creative experience with a compelling portfolio showcasing a specific focus on Plush Design or character-driven products
• 5+ years of experience collaborating with global manufacturing factories (Asia preferred)
• 4+ years of direct leadership experience with a proven track record of training, mentoring, and inspiring junior staff
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and expertise in control drawings and rendered concept illustrations
• Deep understanding of current market trends, the competitive marketplace, and the nuances of working with licensed brands
• Exceptional project management and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple shifting priorities autonomously
• Excellent visual, verbal, and written communication skills with the confidence to present to stakeholders at all organizational levels

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, or an industry-relevant field is a plus
• Prior experience working in the toy, baby, costume, or pets industry

Responsibilities

• Manage the entire design, development, and QC/QA processes for the Squishmallows brand, ensuring strict adherence to target costs, quality standards, and development schedules
• Collaborate with the Director of Product Design on strategic direction and innovation efforts, proactively generating new toy concepts to enhance the brand
• Provide clear, precise, and complete product turnover documentation (PDS) to internal development teams and global Asia partners
• Review, submit, and provide actionable feedback on illustrative turns, 3D sculpts, paint masters, and development samples
• Partner cross-functionally with branding, product management, engineering, packaging, and licensing to align products with licensor needs and strategic brand goals
• Prepare for and lead meetings, manage resource allocation, and track project assignments to keep cross-functional teams aligned
• Act as a dedicated leader by training, mentoring, and coaching junior design staff while also managing external vendor partnerships
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children
• Employee basic life and AD&D insurance
• 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals
• Short and long-term disability
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid volunteer time (up to 16 hours a year on community service projects)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree