Design Lead

About the Job:

The Design Lead role leads major creative initiatives, oversees the design, branding, and storytelling of our products, and collaborates across departments to bring iconic, must-have toys to life. They are a highly strategic, visionary, and hands-on designer who thrives in a brand-driven environment and has a proven track record of leading successful product launches.

Responsibilities:

Lead Ideation & Product Innovation:

• Drive revenue generating product innovation by identifying market gaps and developing commercially viable product that excites consumers.
• Be a driving force in developing new toy concepts and brand ideas that push creative boundaries.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate fresh, innovative product ideas that align with our brand vision and market trends.
• Research industry trends, pop culture, and consumer insights to drive new product concept generation.

Design & Product Development:

• Lead all aspects of design for a dedicated project load, from initial strategy, ideation, and prototyping to final production.
• Develop concept sketches, 3D models, 3D-printed prototypes, drawings, and specifications to provide clear, precise direction for manufacturing.
• Carry a dedicated project load, leading the planning and problem-solving necessary to turn concepts into reality.
• Ensure final deliverables meet quality, production, and brand standards.

Manufacturing & Engineering Collaboration:

• Coordinate and communicate all specifications and design files to effectively lead engineering initiatives with overseas manufacturing partners.
• Ensure development goals are clearly understood and achieved by working closely with factories on materials, production feasibility, and cost considerations.
• Work through design challenges, problem-solve technical constraints, and adapt designs as needed to maintain creative integrity while ensuring manufacturability.

Project & Timeline Management:

• Work with team leads to manage schedules, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring on-time completion of all product development stages.
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, balancing creative execution with deadlines and business objectives.
• Provide clear communication and updates to internal teams regarding project status, design iterations, and production progress.

Brand & Storytelling Development:

• Develop cohesive brand identities, ensuring packaging, storytelling, and product design work together seamlessly.
• Create compelling presentations and product pitches for internal stakeholders and retail partners.
• Ensure every product aligns with our company's creative direction and brand strategy.

Qualifications:

• 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.
• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit with a business-oriented mindset.
• 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 design process – preliminary, development and production.
• A desire to collaborate with a team and appreciate the benefits of that experience.
• Has the passion to keep up with new creative trends.

Schylling offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical and dental with an 80% company contribution, vision insurance, company-paid life and disability insurance, PTO and 10 paid holidays, product discount, and a 401(k) with company match.

The base salary range for this position is $85,000 to $120,000. Offered base compensation within this range will be determined based on a candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographic location and other factors relevant to the scope and responsibilities of this role.