Lead Plush Designer - Hello Kitty

As a Lead Plush Designer, you will drive the creative development of plush toys from concept to production, ensuring alignment with market trends, safety standards, and brand vision. You will collaborate with product development, branding, and engineering teams, and mentor junior designers. Your role involves conducting user research, staying ahead of industry trends, and bringing innovative ideas to life through strong sketching skills and material knowledge. Extensive experience in product design is required.

What you will do

• Lead the design and development of Sanrio products across plush, ensuring brand alignment and market relevance.
• Act as the primary liaison with licensors, managing approvals and maintaining strong relationships.
• Generate and refine product concepts through sketches, 2D/3D renderings, and prototypes.
• Oversee product development, ensuring quality, cost efficiency, and timely execution.
• Provide clear and precise turnover specifications for international teams and factories.
• Collaborate with branding, engineering, packaging, and marketing teams for cohesive product execution.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, materials, and manufacturing innovations in both plush and plastics.
• Present concepts and product updates to internal teams, licensors, and stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior designers on the Hello Kitty brand and other Girls' team plush brands, fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture.
• Manage project timelines and ensure all deadlines and milestones are met.
• This job description is not exhaustive, and other duties may be assigned as needed.

Manages People: No

What we are looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• 5-8 years of experience in toy design, product development, or industrial design, with expertise in plush toys.
• Experience with 3D modeling, sculpting, and rendering (Rhino, ZBrush, or SolidWorks is a plus).
• Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and working with Asia-based factories.
• Strong ability to problem-solve, manage multiple projects, and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Excellent visual, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Expertise in control drawings, rendered illustrations, and technical specifications.
• Strong leadership, team mentorship, and project management abilities.
• Passion for Sanrio, Hello Kitty, and character-driven product design.

Working Conditions

• Environment: Office
• Extreme Exposures: None
• Schedule: Regular office
  • May occasionally participate in after hours meeting with Asia partners
• Physical Requirements:
  • Sedentary; Lifting up to 10 lbs
  • Must be able to sit at desk for long periods of time
• Travel Required: Yes - Limited

What we offer:

At Jazwares, we believe in providing our employees with comprehensive and competitive benefits that support their well-being and overall satisfaction. The salary range for this position is $100,000.00 - 110,000.00/Yr. The base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for the annual performance incentive may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, so the salary range may not apply to other states.

Our benefits package includes basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children, employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.

Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes a Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects.

Working at Jazwares

At Jazwares, we believe an innovative idea can come from anywhere and anyone. Through our three pillars, we foster innovation and encourage creativity in every area of our business.

• Passion: Our conviction and enthusiasm show in our products, relationships, and commitment to our community.
• Collaboration: We share one vision worldwide, constantly striving to improve and innovate together.
• Humility: We recognize the value in others and treat everyone with respect. Our strength lies in our people and talent.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to be part of the fastest-growing toy company in the industry. Connect with us today, and let's shape the future of play together!

JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Jazwares is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

Who We Are

Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global toy manufacturer with a robust portfolio of owned and licensed brands. Founded in 1997, Jazwares celebrates imaginative play with a progressive focus on identifying new and relevant trends to transform into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares engages consumers through innovative play experiences with popular brands such as Squishmallows, Pokmon, Hello Kitty, Star Wars, Disney, BumBumz, and Adopt Me. In addition to toys, offerings include virtual games, costumes, and pet products. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Jazwares has offices worldwide and sells its products in over 100 countries. For more information, visit www.jazwares.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook