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Product Design & Development Associate - Toys

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The Walt Disney Company

18d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid & Senior Level
  • Design
    Product
  • London

AI generated summary

  • You need a related degree or experience in product design, proven development in toys, packaging knowledge, CAD skills, design proficiency, and fluency in English; other languages are a plus.
  • You will manage product approvals, provide design feedback, support licensees, develop product visuals, maintain brand knowledge, collaborate with teams, ensure compliance, and stay updated on trends.

Requirements

  • Hold a degree in a related field (such as product design) and/or possess equivalent experience in a lifestyle product company.
  • Demonstrate proven commercial product development experience in relevant categories, particularly Hardlines and Toys, or have experience in a product design role at a licensee, retail head office, or supplier.
  • Have some packaging experience and an understanding of style guides for the Online Product Approval (OPA) system, which is desirable.
  • Show demonstrated experience in creating prototypes or models.
  • Possess knowledge of trends within the Hardlines and Toys industry and the broader world of design, with a working knowledge of common manufacturing techniques and their application in production.
  • Communicate a clear product design brief and basic design ideas using CAD drawing, computer techniques, and/or third-party design resources.
  • Deliver against set deadlines and budgets as directed.
  • Exhibit strong design and conceptual skills.
  • Understand fabric, color, and product design.
  • Present design ideas effectively to internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
  • Understand production techniques and graphic applications with an eye for color and shape, preferred.
  • Have in-depth knowledge of fabrics and stitching techniques, preferred.
  • Influence and support change amongst stakeholders.
  • Be proficient in written and spoken English for business use; other European languages are beneficial.
  • Be computer literate, including Mac OSX, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and MS Office.
  • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and an understanding of local markets across EMEA.

Responsibilities

  • Facilitate the approval process from initiation to production in a timely manner, ensuring all product submissions are routed through Disney’s Online Product Approval (OPA) system in accordance with global product integrity guidelines, with a particular focus on Hardlines and Toys.
  • Offer product design and trend direction, inspiration, and feedback to licensees on both 2D application and 3D product submissions to enhance product quality, especially within the Hardlines and Toys category.
  • Educate and support all new and existing licensees on the Disney brand, property portfolio, creative assets, and approval systems.
  • Ensure licensees have access to the appropriate creative assets for product development.
  • Foster and maintain successful working relationships with licensees and other internal and external stakeholders.
  • Develop product pitches, new product design visuals, and dedicated core design mock-ups under the guidance of the Senior Product Design and Development Manager/Product Design and Development Manager.
  • Maintain a thorough knowledge of Disney’s characters, films, properties, heritage, and creative assets to assist in their application on consumer products.
  • Collaborate with the wider team at regional, local, and global levels as required, including participation in design projects as directed.
  • Ensure products adhere to corporate policies and legislation.
  • Stay updated on contemporary product design and graphic trends (in the relevant category), leading brands, and relevant pop culture.
  • Participate in ‘inspiration’ trips as needed to broaden understanding of the EMEA marketplace, seeking out ideas and new creative solutions to better understand the industry and drive innovation and creativity.

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the Product Design & Development Associate role?

The main purpose of the role is to develop trend and brand-right products for licensees and Direct-to-Retail (DTR) partners, ensuring that all products meet high standards of quality and creativity.

Where is the job located?

The job is based in Hammersmith, London, with a requirement to work in-office for 4 days a week.

What are the primary responsibilities of the role?

Responsibilities include facilitating the product approval process, offering design direction, educating licensees, developing product pitches, collaborating with the team, and staying updated on design trends.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A degree in a related field or equivalent experience in a lifestyle product company is required, along with proven commercial product development experience in Hardlines and Toys.

Is packaging experience required?

While packaging experience is desirable, it is not explicitly required.

What software skills are necessary for this position?

Proficiency in Mac OSX, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and MS Office is required.

What types of benefits are offered with this position?

Benefits include 25 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, free park entry, Disney discounts, and excellent parental leave.

Are there opportunities for professional development in this role?

Yes, there are opportunities for professional development, including participation in 'inspiration' trips to broaden industry understanding and drive creativity.

Does the company promote diversity and inclusion?

Yes, the Walt Disney Company is committed to forming a diverse workforce and includes various Employee Resource Groups to support different communities and perspectives.

Is proficiency in languages other than English beneficial for this job?

Yes, proficiency in other European languages is considered beneficial for this role.

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The Walt Disney Company

Entertainment & Media
Industry
10,001+
Employees

Mission & Purpose

From classic animated features and exhilarating theme park attractions to cutting edge sports coverage, and the hottest shows on television, The Walt Disney Company has been making magic since 1923, creating unforgettable stories that connect with audiences around the world. And we’re just getting started! The key to our success…. The Cast, Crew, Imagineers and Employees who honor Disney’s rich legacy by stretching the bounds of imagination to create the never-before-seen, bringing unparalleled entertainment experiences to people of all ages. Begin a career that delivers unparalleled creative content and experiences to audiences around the world and just imagine the stories you could be part of… What is #LifeAtDisney like? It’s a series of magical moments with cast members and employees developing and telling our stories in the most innovative ways. Whether it’s a day spent as a Disney VoluntEAR, or celebrating the release of a new interactive experience, retail product or movie, our days are filled with the knowledge that we are creating entertainment experiences the whole family can enjoy. Follow @DisneyCareers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a peek behind-the-curtain, and discover how you could connect to a world of stories with Disney!

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