Senior Designer Plush [Contract]

What will you work on?
Designers work on multiple projects simultaneously, bringing them from initial concepts to final production. The role primarily focuses on plush and soft goods; a foundational understanding of product design is a must. Knowledge of interactive/animated toys is a bonus. Designers work on original IP, legacy GUND collections and licensed properties. The expectation of the Project Designer is that they are responsible for their projects and execute design direction seamlessly. 
How will you create impact?

• Work across multiple seasons and products simultaneously
• Work with outside vendors, cross functional teams and overseas partners
• Partner with brand, engineering and packaging to represent design and collaborate professionally
• Prepare and present captivating presentations for executive, sales and licensor meetings
• Lead design development for new concepts and licensing pitches
• Research and stay on top of trends in fashion, home décor, toys and materials
• Create mood boards and decks to clearly communicate design rationale
• Create illustrations to convey ideas and manage outside freelancers for final renderings, CAD and occasionally animations
• Design new plush animals and characters
• Prepare and maintain spec documents for communication of designs for manufacturing teams
• Review samples with scrutiny to maintain the highest level of quality
• Design multiple options for potential product concepts to support bigger picture product line development
• Responsible for staying on schedule within the timelines provided by PD
• Must be on top of daily communication with Asia team, responsible for tracking and driving project development forward and flagging issues if they arise
• Create decks with clean, communicative graphic design
• Balance cost reductions with product integrity to achieve final designs that hit target costs
• Potential for overseas travel to Asia and Toronto
• Potential for occasional afterhours communication with China
• Participate in and host brainstorms for existing brands and new areas of expansion
• Work closely with the design lead to distill key takeaways and action next steps

What are your skills and experience?

• Strong creative and aesthetic skills and the ability to integrate them into feasible product design
• Ability to create new characters that match existing brands as well as produce designs to kick start entirely new brands
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Flexible, can-do attitude and willingness to explore, pivot to new ideas and problem solve
• Demonstrated understanding of the marketplace and competitive landscape
• Strong 2D digital skillset (Photoshop, Illustrator, Powerpoint) with the ability to hand sketch to kick off projects and communicate as needed
• Understanding of CAD and sewing/patternmaking is a big plus
• Proven track record of product development, bringing items forward from concept to on shelf goods
• Basic understanding of soft goods manufacturing
• Ability to take direction and deliver results
• Product design experience within consumer goods, toy, plush or baby

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in New York City is $80,000 to $100,000 per annum. The salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to years of experience within the job, years of experience within the required
industry, education, etc. Spin Master Inc. is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work only in other states.
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