Lead Product Designer - Action Figures

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Opportunity: 
Mattel, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled, experienced and self-motivated Lead Designer to join its Action Figure product design team.  The group is focused on creating new product opportunities; by understanding the consumer, trends and technology that are then translated into successful product. This involves creating and communicating toy concepts in 2D and/or 3D models to design and marketing management.

As Lead Designer, you must be well versed in conceptualizing and expressing big ideas across multiple touchpoints. Teamwork is essential; you'll align with multiple internal teams, including product design, development, marketing, packaging, content, and live events. You must be a self-starter and able to manage a variety of projects at once.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Actively generate new product opportunities
• Successfully present and communicate their concepts to the design and marketing management and creative departments
• Builds consensus between members throughout the design process
• Partner with Development, Design, Engineering, Packaging and Cost Engineering to ensure product integrity and marketing objectives
• Daily communication with Asia partners
• Oversee all phases of design and development with other disciplines within the company and ensure the creative vision endures through production
• Thinks strategically; envisions how each product segment compliments the broader Mattel portfolio and stands apart from the competitive set
• Efficiently manage and deliver multiple projects on schedule
• Function as a brand steward to ensure standards are maintained with our cross-functional teams and external partners
• Take a strategic approach to address challenges and create solutions
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to gather feedback on our work and our processes to ensure the project aligns with expectations
• Take personal accountability and collaborate positively with team members and all cross functional business partners
• Maintain a self-motivated approach with a consistently positive attitude

What We’re Looking For:

• 6+ years of design experience
• Adobe Creative Suite proficiency and 2D computer programs
• Proficient at drawing figures and creatures with a solid understanding of super heroic anatomy
• Proficient at drawing vehicles and mechanical “prop” design
• Previous experience with designing playsets is a plus
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Familiarity of 3D modeling
• Knowledge of material and manufacturing process
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment
• Ability to project manage, set priorities and execute projects at a high level
• Ideal candidate will exhibit interest and knowledge of current toy and pop culture trends
• Understanding of features and play patterns in the toy industry is a plus
• Portfolio demonstrating strong design excellence and superior problem solving

The annual base salary range for this position is between $94,000.00 and $133,000.00.
**This range is indicative of projected hiring range, however annual base salary will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy