Design Lead

Job Overview:

We’re actively searching for Design Leads who are eager to work in an inclusive environment that praises initiative, curiosity, and critical thinking. As Design Lead, you’ll be at the forefront of toy and brand creation—concepting, designing, and developing original product lines that align with our company’s vision.

You’ll lead major creative initiatives, oversee the design, branding, and storytelling of our products, and collaborate across departments to bring iconic, must-have toys to life. We’re looking for 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 & 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.
• 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.
• Have 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.

About Schylling:

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.