Toy Designer - Plush

Jazwares Careers • Culver City, CA

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Toy Designer for the Plush line leads the design and development of innovative soft goods for internal intellectual property and licensed products. The role balances creative vision with strategic alignment to translate entertainment properties into compelling plush products, championing the design process from initial ideation through final production. The designer works cross-functionally with brand management, engineering, packaging, licensors, and global manufacturing to create user-centric play experiences while meeting cost, quality, and timeline requirements.

The position is based in a flexible work environment: on-site Monday through Thursday, with optional work from home on Fridays and up to 20 fully remote workdays each year. The salary range is $75,840 to $91,740 per year; eligibility for an annual performance incentive may apply. The description notes that responsibilities may change or be assigned as needed.

Requirements

• 3 to 5 years of relevant design and development experience focused on soft goods and plush toys.
• A strong portfolio of work samples.
• At least 1 year of experience collaborating directly with global manufacturing factories; Asia experience is preferred.
• Understanding of textiles, materials, and multiple manufacturing processes.
• Deep understanding of the competitive marketplace, current industry trends, and creating cohesive products within licensed brand guidelines.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Expertise in creating detailed control drawings and rendered illustration concepts.
• Exceptional visual, verbal, and written communication skills and strong presentation abilities to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Adaptability, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage shifting priorities and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, or a highly related field.
• Experience in the toy, baby, costume, or pets industry.
• Knowledge of 3D modeling, sculpting, and rendering software.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product design lifecycle, generating concepts for new and existing brands while monitoring industry trends and the competitive marketplace.
• Develop high-quality designs that adhere to target costs and QA/QC requirements and support product-line strategy.
• Collaborate with brand management, engineering, packaging, and licensors to create cohesive products that fit the brand and meet licensor guidelines.
• Pitch, prepare, and communicate concepts to brand, development, management, and licensor teams, building consensus throughout the design process.
• Deliver product turnover specifications; review illustrative turns, sculpts, paint masters, and plush samples; and document specification changes for licensor approval.
• Work with global manufacturing teams and brand management to resolve development issues and support transitions from concept to mass production.

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 company matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible work schedule, including optional work from home on Fridays and up to 20 fully remote workdays each year.
• Time off for vacation and sick leave.
• Up to 16 hours per year for volunteering on community service projects through Jazwares Cares.
• Potential eligibility for an annual performance incentive.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed