Director- Product Design - Hardlines

Director, Product Design - Hardlines

The global licensed product design and development team is responsible for partnering with licensees to design and deliver Disney consumer products, extending the brand into the daily lives of families and fans around the world.  We create toys, plush, collectibles, and a wide range of merchandise that inspire children, adults and fans through Disney storytelling, innovation, and exceptional product design. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team leading the design, development, and execution of Disney Consumer Products.

The Director, Product Design - Hardlines will play a critical role in shaping the creative vision and design direction for our internal teams and licensees, globally. In this role, you will be responsible for toys, such as dolls, playsets, roleplay, plush, and collectibles based on Princess, Frozen, Moana, Walt Disney Animation Studios Properties, Disney Jr., Disney Baby and a range of other properties—aligning with Disney’s renowned design standards as the number one licensor in the world.

This position reports to the Vice President, Product Design, Hardlines for Disney and Pixar Brands.

Responsibilities

Creative Leadership & Design Direction

• Exemplify highly creative, strategic, and forward thinking.

• Collaborate with the executives and leadership across DCP to align on business priorities and areas of focus.

• Provide comprehensive direction to the design team, ensuring all projects align with the overall strategy, creative vision, and business goals.

• Ensure product design excellence by maintaining character and story integrity, driving innovation, and championing new ideas to advance the business. 

• Seek out and apply knowledge of new trends and innovation in marketplace.

Design Oversight

• Direct the design development of multiple lines of business and categories.

• Lead design reviews and approvals for products and packaging at key development stages with the licensees.

• Work closely with leadership to align on specific design strategies, development schedules, and detailed budgets.

Third-Party & Licensee Oversight:

• Establish and maintain relationships with licensees and vendors.

• Work with licensees in all creative aspects of product and packaging development.

• Partner with Studios and third-party content creators, translating characters and stories into marketable and innovative product lines.

• Establish processes and design direction to help licensees and 3rd party reviewers understand how to meet product requirements and schedule deliverables.

Leadership & Collaboration: 

• Lead a collaborative, optimistic design team while mentoring talent and strengthening future leaders.

• Foster a high-performance culture within the Global Product Design team.

• Identify synergy opportunities within TWDC, promote collaboration within the organization, and leverage shared resources.

Qualifications & Skills

Experience & Expertise

• 10+ years of experience working in the design industry with a focus on toy design. 

• Minimum 7 years of demonstrated design leadership across interdisciplinary teams.

• Experience leading managers with direct reports and teams of 5 or more employees.

• Strong conceptual design skills, with a track record of delivering successful consumer products in the retail market.

• Deep knowledge of toy categories, particularly dolls, playsets, roleplay, and plush including manufacturing practices and material specifications.

• Excellent presentation and pitching skills with the ability to clearly communicate and sell creative ideas in formal and informal settings.

• Expert artistic and professional judgment in solving complex design challenges.

• Strong interpersonal and people management skills.

• A deep appreciation for Disney’s storytelling and characters.

• Passion for continuous learning through Disney educational opportunities and self-directed study.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other design software.

• Ability to convey design ideas effectively through drawing, rendering, and presentations.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with internal teams and external partners.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial design, toy design or related field.

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $182,700.00 to $245,000.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.