Senior Toy Designer

Job Overview:

We’re looking for a Senior Designer to join our dynamic and creative team, bringing big ideas and thoughtful execution to our expanding toy and brand portfolio. In this role, you’ll be responsible for concepting, designing, and developing original toy lines, working with the VP of Product Development and design team to execute compelling, market-driven products.

As a Senior Designer, you will take ownership of multiple projects—leading the design process from ideation to final production—while collaborating across departments to ensure each product aligns with our creative vision and business goals. This is the perfect role for a highly creative, detail-oriented designer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to push the boundaries of toy innovation.

Responsibilities:

Creative Development & Ideation:

• Drive revenue generating product innovation by identifying market gaps and developing commercially viable product that excites consumers.
• Develop original toy concepts that align with our company’s creative vision and market trends.
• Brainstorm and collaborate with the design team to generate fresh, innovative product ideas.
• Research industry trends, pop culture, and consumer insights to drive new product concept generation.
• Pitch ideas to senior leadership, incorporating feedback to refine and improve concepts.

Design & Product Execution:

• Own the design process for a dedicated project load, from concept through final production.
• Create concept sketches, 3D models, 3D-printed prototypes, drawings, and specifications to provide clear manufacturing direction.
• Ensure that aesthetic, playability, and brand storytelling are fully integrated into every product.
• Work through design challenges and production constraints, adapting as needed to maintain creative integrity.

Collaboration with Leadership & Manufacturing:

• Work closely with Design Leads and the VP of Product Development to ensure alignment on creative direction.
• Partner with production, and overseas manufacturing teams to ensure product feasibility, material selection, and cost considerations.
• Communicate and coordinate with factories and vendors, ensuring designs meet manufacturing standards and deadlines.

Project & Timeline Management:

• Balance multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all milestones and deadlines are met.
• Work with product development and marketing teams to align project timelines with seasonal launches.
• Provide clear updates to leadership on design progress, challenges, and opportunities.

Brand & Storytelling Integration:

• Develop cohesive brand identities, ensuring that packaging, product design, and storytelling work together seamlessly.
• Assist in preparing presentations and product pitches for internal stakeholders and retail partners.
• Maintain consistency in brand aesthetics, materials, and play value across product lines.

Qualifications & Experience:

• BA or BS in Toy Design, Industrial Design.
• +8 years of professional design experience with a toy or children’s products company.
• Demonstrated design experience in the development of products in the toy or children’s product category.
• Solid drawing and rendering skills using Sketchbook Pro and Photoshop. Strong 2D visual communication skills required – should be comfortable drawing on a Cintiq tablet with Sketchbook Pro, Photoshop, or similar.
• A passion for toys and children’s products is essential to be effective in the role.
• Strong knowledge and interest of toy industry trends, leading brands, products, and what’s emerging.
• Experience with daily manufacturing partner communication.
• Proficient in all phases of the design process – preliminary, development and production.
• A desire to collaborate with a team and appreciate the benefits of that experience.
• Have the passion to keep up with new creative trends.

Schylling offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage with an 80% company contribution, company-paid life and disability insurance, PTO and at least 9 paid holidays, product discount, and a two-year cliff vesting 401k with weekly company match and eligibility after 30 days.

At Schylling, we are on a mission to create timeless moments of joy, laughter, and imagination for kids of all ages. Since 1975, our toys have been designed to spark creativity and deliver smiles, both delightful playthings from years past and innovative new items with a nostalgic appeal. We offer iconic brands such as NeeDoh®, LAVA® Lamp, Big Wheel®, Schylling hand puppets, Sea-Monkeys® and a variety of other toys that satisfy curiosity, encourage discovery, and help people find their best mellow and chill.