Plush Toy Designer

Plush Toy Designer (Junior & Senior)

Townshend, Vermont | Full-Time | Onsite

Design toys that become childhood favorites.

For more than 90 years, Mary Meyer has been creating soft toys that comfort, delight, and become cherished companions for babies and children around the world. From baby's first teddy bear to treasured keepsakes, our products are designed with imagination, exceptional craftsmanship, and a whole lot of heart.

We're growing our creative team and are excited to add a Junior Plush Toy Designer and a Senior Plush Toy Designer at our headquarters in beautiful Townshend, Vermont.

If you love bringing characters to life, have an eye for color, texture, and personality, and enjoy collaborating with a passionate team, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: This is a full-time, onsite position based in Townshend, Vermont. While relocation assistance is not available, we welcome applicants who are eager to make Vermont—and Mary Meyer—their new home.

About Mary Meyer

Since 1933, Mary Meyer has been creating premium plush toys, baby gifts, and developmental products that are loved by families across generations. We believe every product should be beautifully designed, thoughtfully made, and worthy of becoming a child's favorite.

Today, as part of the Aurora World family, we continue to blend timeless design with fresh creativity while staying true to the warmth and quality that have defined our brand for more than nine decades.

What You'll Do

As a Plush Toy Designer, you'll help create the next generation of Mary Meyer products—from the first spark of an idea through final production. You'll work closely with Product Development, Marketing, Sales, and our manufacturing partners to design plush toys that are innovative, lovable, and unmistakably Mary Meyer.

Responsibilities

• Design original plush toys and baby products that reflect the Mary Meyer brand. 
• Develop concepts from initial sketches through production-ready artwork and prototypes. 
• Prepare technical packages, specifications, colorways, material selections, and production documentation. 
• Collaborate with Sales and overseas manufacturing partners throughout the development process. 
• Evaluate samples and prototypes, providing thoughtful feedback to ensure the highest quality. 
• Research trends in toys, baby products, gifts, fashion, illustration, and children's design to inspire new ideas. 
• Contribute to seasonal collections while helping evolve and strengthen the Mary Meyer aesthetic. 
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute creative ideas that delight both retailers and consumers. 

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is curious, collaborative, and passionate about creating products that make children smile.

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Illustration, or a related creative field (or equivalent experience). 
• A strong portfolio showcasing creativity, design thinking, and product development. 
• Experience using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; familiarity with Procreate or Sketchbook Pro is a plus. 
• Strong illustration, color, composition, and storytelling skills. 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. 
• Knowledge of plush manufacturing, materials, and product development is preferred for the Senior Designer role and welcomed for Junior Designers who are eager to learn. 

Travel

• Occasional domestic travel to industry trade shows. 
• Opportunity for international travel to our overseas offices and manufacturing partners as responsibilities grow. 

Compensation

Mary Meyer offers a competitive compensation package based on experience, skills, and the position level. We are currently hiring for both Junior and Senior Plush Toy Designer roles, and compensation will be commensurate with qualifications.

What Makes You Successful at Mary Meyer

• You love collaborating and sharing ideas. 
• You enjoy giving and receiving constructive feedback. 
• You're inspired by children's products, illustration, fashion, gift, and lifestyle trends. 
• You're excited to balance creativity with thoughtful product development. 
• You appreciate the details that transform a plush toy into a beloved keepsake.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At Mary Meyer, creativity is at the center of everything we do. We're a collaborative team that values curiosity, craftsmanship, kindness, and continuous learning. Every product we create has the opportunity to become a child's favorite companion—and that's something we never take for granted.

If you're excited about designing products that bring comfort, joy, and lasting memories to families around the world, we'd love to meet you.

We're looking for talented people who are curious, collaborative, and excited to grow. If you're passionate about designing products that bring comfort and joy to children, we'd love to hear from you!