Senior Designer

Description

JAKKS Pacific, Inc., a multi-brand company that, since 1995, has been designing, developing, producing and marketing toys and leisure products for children and adults around the world, currently seeks an experienced Senior Designer - Boys Division.

This position is responsible for the creative vision of a project from conception through production. 

The Senior Designer is responsible for managing and executing the development and implementation of all design and technical aspects of product development, while working in parallel with Design Management and Marketing to insure overall brand vision and schedule requirements are met. 

This is a hands-on role with multiple types of projects that may include: 

• Design and management of product lines, with a focus on design and development. 
• Working with licensors for approvals and general design direction. 
• Hands on design from concept to shelf. 
• Interaction with internal departments including VP of Design, Costing Engineers, Creative Services, the HK support team, Marketing, Packaging and Sales.  

 Daily Responsibilities may include: 

•  Research and Development – Evaluate trends and consumer insights to identify new ways to play, explore current design trends, innovations, etc. and create Mood Boards for presentation. 
• Concept design and ideation - Create innovative new products and play patterns through collaborative team brainstorming and exploration. 
• Design sketching and rendering – hands on creation of holistic product design through sketches, renderings, graphics, control drawings, material selection and color specifications.  
• Work closely with 3rd party vendors (sculptors, painters, illustrators, etc.) as needed per project.  
• Definition of product features through written documents and diagrams and internal project management systems.  
• Preparation of 2D and 3D presentation materials (boards, samples, etc.) for internal and external meetings; participation in trade show set ups/tear downs. 
• Visual communication and internal presentation of ideas and designs. 
• Management of product design throughout the development process. 
• Create and review instruction sheets as needed. 
• Close communication with engineers, vendors & R&D teams around the world. 

 Requirements: 

• 5 -7 years design/product development experience within the consumer product or (preferably) the toy industries.  
• Degree in design, illustration or industrial design.  
• Very Strong Sketching, Illustration, and Rendering Skills (proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is necessary). Character design and a proficiency in boys products is a plus. 
• Flexibility, creativity, enthusiasm for, and love of, the creative process.  
• Works well as part of a team (an absolute MUST). 
• The vision and perseverance to take ideas from concept, through development and into production.  
• Self-starting, self-motivating, and self-managing; a solid team player.  
• Strong organizational skills are necessary, no exception. 
• Project management skills; the ability to multi-task and handle several projects simultaneously. 
• Excellent problem solving skills.  
• Ability to work against strict deadlines and rapid changes in regards to direction of development and priorities. 
• Ability to effectively pitch toy concepts to peers and upper management. Must be comfortable presenting product lines and speaking in groups.  
• Work cross-functionally with Design, Digital, Marketing, Packaging, etc.