Universal City, CALIFORNIA, USA
4 days ago
Design Manager, Multi-category (Toys and Hardlines)

Company Description

We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Here you can be your authentic self. As a company uniquely positioned to educate, entertain and empower through our platforms, Comcast NBCUniversal stands for including everyone. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, coupled with our Corporate Social Responsibility work, is informed by our employees, audiences, park guests and the communities in which we live. We strive to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where our employees feel supported, embraced and heard. Together, we’ll continue to create and deliver content that reflects the current and ever-changing face of the world.

Universal Products & Experiences Overview:

Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal’s iconic collection of brands, intellectual properties, characters, and stories based on the company’s extensive portfolio of properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this through innovative physical and digital products, engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and 3rd party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative, UP&E’s three lines of business include Consumer Products, Games and Digital Platforms, as well as Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP&E is a division of Universal Destinations & Experiences, part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. https://www.universalproductsexperiences.com/

Universal Products & Experiences is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce of the highest caliber. We are committed to fostering equitable and inclusive environments that honor the experiences, perspectives, and uniqueness of each colleague.

It is the policy of NBCUniversal and NBCUniversal's affiliated businesses to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy) sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Job Description

Summary:

Universal Product and Development is seeking a Design Manager (Multi-Category) with experience in product design and licensing for the Toys and Hardlines team. The role will be based in the US office and is responsible for product approvals, product development, and product strategies for Games, Puzzles, Activities, Novelty, Outdoor, Sports, Costumes, Pets, Consumer Electronics, and Publishing categories. The UP&E team is looking for a candidate who is proactive, a forward thinker, and has strong communication skills. The role requires a manager who has experience building strong relationships with internal cross-functional teams and external partners.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website.

Salary range: $90,000-$115,000 (bonus eligible)

Qualifications

Responsibilities:

Licensing Expertise:Possesses a solid understanding of the entertainment industry and Consumer Products businessManage and ensure brand excellence by making any necessary character revisions, infusing storytelling, and providing property assets and toolkitsManage process flow and prioritize schedulesManage product approval meetingsManage approval functionalities on product approval system (Mediabox)Lead kick-off meetings/calls with licenseesPrepare detailed recap notes from key meetings and share them with the Global teamProvides input to Category/business counterparts on licensor selection to ensure excellent product execution and deliveryDesign Expertise and Innovation:Be the Design expert in assigned categories – execution, fabrications/materials, tech designs, 2D designUnderstand licensee design & manufacturing capabilities to guide effective design and developmentDesign product solutions across the entire Franchise and property roadmap for both 2D and 3DPrepare all necessary components for design presentations & product review meeting preparationsProvide accurate design input and modifications(overlays) based on strong understanding of IP priorities, guidelines & assets through all stages of the product approval processDrive innovation by maintaining strong knowledge of the Multi-Category retail landscapeDesign Strategy:Engages in wider UP&E discussions on the company’s vision and strategyPartners with Category to identify white space opportunities for growthUnderstands regional retail pricing structure for product and line architectureIdentifies new trends and innovation across multiple categories and propertiesCreate and build new ideas into marketable product lines for existing properties and new initiativesCommunication and CollaborationUnderstands and communicates strategically to team and partnersExcellent ability to communicate and collaborate with partnersRequired to communicate weekly with counterpartsDevelops effective presentationsCoordinates with cross-functional partners on new projects and design development progressBuild successful working relationships with key partners including (but not limited to):Licensees & manufacturersCategory, Retail, and FranchiseStudios & filmmakers

Qualifications:

Minimum 5+ years’ experience within the licensing and manufacturing industryRequires strong communication skillsEntertainment industry experience with license-based consumer product approvalsKnowledge of product manufacturing and processAbility to design from concept through final samples/productionPolished ability to verbally deliver presentations with full command of the material, full command of the stage, and ability to steer the discussion toward actionable conclusionsAbility to work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; comfortable with change; able to troubleshoot problems and act decisivelyAble to advocate for Design recommendations with partnersAbility to prioritize work for self and associatesHigh level of accuracy, attention to detail, and organization skillsFully proficient with Photoshop & Illustrator. Ability to use InDesign, Keynote, PowerPoint, Word, and ExcelMust be able to articulate clearly, and drive toward shared solutions with various internal partners and external licensee teamsKnowledge and understanding of product category dynamics and strategies

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Toy Design, Illustration, or comparable field of study

Additional Information

NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants
and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation,
marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services,
genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories,
or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal
requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring
Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

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right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your
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