Associate Product Design Manager

This role supports the Hardlines categories across multiple iconic franchises, including Disney Classic Characters, Marvel, Pixar, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and more.

As an Associate Designer, you should be highly creative, organized, strategic, and forward-thinking. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in product design and development, with demonstrated expertise in concept creation, product development cycles, and manufacturing techniques. A solid understanding of category and consumer trends is essential, particularly within key Hardlines categories such as toys, collectibles, and plush.

You will report to Sr Mgr-Product Design

A portfolio submission is required with your application.

You will:

• Conceptualize, design, sketch, and prototype trend-forward, consumer-centric product lines with strong value across all tiers
• Manage art-to-product processes including sample creation and 3D modeling where applicable.
• Conduct global market research to identify emerging trends, technologies, play patterns, and category innovations.
• Prepare concept sketches, design inputs, and compile relevant 2D/3D reference materials.
• Create color sheets for paint-masters and develop product mock-ups for line reviews.
• Design and layout compelling presentation decks and line sheets for internal and external stakeholders.
• Manipulate graphic assets to create fresh designs and compositions.
• Collaborate regularly with Product Development Leads and cross-functional teams to execute projects.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across Creative Design, Brand Merchandising, Sourcing, Tech Design, Legal, Product Integrity, and Cultural Consulting to ensure product alignment and approval.
• Monitor competitor activity, product innovation, and market dynamics to inform design strategy.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and responsive to art direction with high execution standards.
• Exhibit key competencies: resourcefulness, collaboration, strong communication, adaptability, and creative risk-taking.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and timelines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

You Have

• Minimum of 2 years in a related industry, demonstrating hands-on design and development expertise.
• Strong understanding of hardlines product categories, including plastics, resins, textiles, printing techniques, patterns, graphic composition, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven ability to negotiate effectively across teams and vendors.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Industrial Design, Toy Design, or Fashion Design - or equivalent professional experience.

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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The Walt Disney Company is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. The Parks, Experiences and Products segment includes Disney's iconic travel and leisure businesses, which include six resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia, a top-rated cruise line, a popular vacation ownership program, and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney's global consumer products operations include the world's leading licensing business across multiple product categories; the world's largest children's publisher; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business segment we call Parks, Experiences and Products.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.