Director of Product Design

The worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family product

• The role of the Director/Snr Director, Product Design is to build the Barbie toy segments by driving the creative strategy and delivering fresh and exciting product lines.

• We are seeking an “out of the box” creative individual with a toy, fashion and/or digital play background.

• This position will also drive mechanical and occasionally high tech innovation - 3D design knowledge is crucial and familiarity with cutting edge digital/consumer electronics space will be considered a plus.

• This role demands a combination of left-brain and right-brain usage to achieve success as well as a comprehensive knowledge of girls.

• Prior Mattel experience a plus.

• This role is responsible for crafting and directing the design and development of innovative, creative, and complete product concepts based on the strategic goals set forth by Design and Marketing management; this includes active partnering with Design, Marketing, Packaging, Development, Content, Consumer Products, Licensors, Inventors and Executive management.

• This is accomplished through directing and managing a large and experienced cross-functional design and development team.

• The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial and should feel comfortable existing in a variety of creative disciplines.

• They must also be able to manage a fast-paced and evolving culture.

• They should be able to articulate a creative vision that can be applied across a franchise and not only be up-to-date on cultural and fashion trends, but understand how to interpret them for product for our core audience.

• The candidate must be comfortable leading as well as being part of a team and should be motivated to nurture a creative and collaborative team culture.

• Actively partner with Design and Marketing management, core team partners (Packaging, Development, Consumer Products, Content, Digital, Marketing Communications), per the creation and support of the corporation's strategic brand and category goals.

• Develop creative strategies for all product lines in line with business objectives.

• Direct management of cross-functional design team; this includes guiding career growth of a diverse group of reports with various skills and key responsibilities.

• Direct and participate in generating innovative and creative concepts that translate into complete 3-D products; drive creativity to maintain fresh and current approach to product design and development.

• Manage and participate in the early phase of product design and development cycle to insure that product can be 1) manufactured and 2) is within cost and target profit margins.

• Exhibit strong knowledge and awareness of historical and competitive market place.

• Implement and communicate creative vision to support marketing objectives across all brand touch points.

• Direct the activities of a cross-functional design team to insure innovation, strategic alignment, manufacturability and profitability of product per the Global D&D process guidelines. Develop a creative culture for the team. Direct, manage, and participate in generating creative product concepts per strategic goals set forth per direction from Design, Marketing, and Executive management; this includes managing constructive criticism given by management during the product review process.

• Manage all phases of the design and early development process from inception through Final Product Release. Including partnering with inventors and vendors

• Partner with Asia teams to oversee all phases of the development process from FPR (Final Product Release) to PS (Production Start).

• Toy/fashion/industrial product design experience required

• Experience and passion for digital and future play is strongly desired

• Proven experience building and refreshing an existing product line

• Must have experience managing a large, diverse creative team

• Ability to craft and execute a Creative Strategy

• Practical knowledge of 3D/Mechanical Design, Photoshop, Illustrator

• Experience working with Asia manufacturers

• Manufacturing knowledge: taking product from concept to shelf

• Fundamental knowledge of basic business and cost-to-margin strategy

• Strong knowledge/interest in Mattel's Girls brands

• Proven ability to Build a Brand and Drive a Creative Agenda

• Knowledge of current Toy, Fashion, Consumer Product and Lifestyle Trends and the business as related to Marketing.

• Must have knowledge of the Manufacturing Process including Raw Materials (textiles, plastics) and Costing of Product.

• Excellent ability to manage, motivate and grow a team of talented designers.

• Girl-focused toy design experience preferred.

• Bachelor Degree preferred with a minimum 10+ Years Related Professional Experience.

• Must have at least 5 + years experience leading a senior creative team.

• Mattel is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer F/M/Disability/Vet