As The Product Designer, you will successfully design and develop product for internal IP brands and/or licensed products. Demonstrates creative thinking and execute on a wide variety of projects to support and align with brand strategies and objectives. A product designer must be able to demonstrate creative thinking and has the ability to execute on a strategic vision, must have strong problem solving abilities, be able to collaborate well with other teams, and create designs with a user centric point of view. What You Will Do: Instrumental in generating new toy concepts and designing new play experiences for new and/or existing brands and product lines Deliver end to end product design including research, concepts, prototypes, and user testing Champion great design in our high-quality products and help assure they are within target cost and QA/QC requirements Create systems of play centered around compatibility, usability, and superior play experiences Builds consensus between members throughout the design process Work collaboratively with your branding, product management, engineering, packaging, licensor, and other internal team partners to create product that is the best fit for the brand and meets licensor requirements Attend Brand and licensing meeting and brainstorming to obtain enough information for product design Successfully present and communicate concepts to the brand, development, management, and licensor teams Ensure delivery of precise, clear, and complete product turnover specifications and ensure they fully understood by the international team/factory Work with outside vendors Support the overall strategic goals of product, provide direction and feedback during the development process that is attentive to licensor and for brand assurance Responsible for completing, reviewing, documenting specification changes, submitting for licensor approval, and providing comments for illustrative turns, sculpts, paint masters, and sample reviews Work closely with brand/management teams to resolve development issues, while assuring designs meet the target cost, schedule, and brand standards Participate in the entire life cycle of project development from a concept through initial ideation, refinement, prototype execution, and turn over packages to development teams Champion high quality designs and products that are within target cost and QA/QC requirements Collaborate with packaging design team to assure product and packaging are aligned Perform other duties as assigned Manages People: No What We Are Looking For: Bachelor’s Degree in toy design, industrial design, industrial engineering, or industry relevant field preferred 3+ years of relevant experience, ideally experience designing for kids 1+ years of experience working with global manufacturing factories (Asia preferred) Exhibit interest and knowledge of the current trends/innovations as well as an understanding the competitive marketplace in the toy industry Proactively observes and gain understanding of the competitive marketplace including current trends and innovation Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office & G-Suite Strong proficiency in adobe creative suite (illustrator, photoshop, and InDesign) or other similar tools Strong project management skills Able to work cross functionally and reciprocally with multiple departments Able to work independently or collaboratively Knowledge of materials and multiple manufacturing processes Knowledge of working with licensed brands Exceptional visual, verbal, and written communication skills Able to multitask, organize, prioritize, and manage time efficiently Demonstrates a strong design sense, including a well-developed sense of aesthetics Can easily adapt to shifting priorities, and can manage multiple priorities at one time, while also demonstrating vigilance in keeping projects moving forward and hitting deadlines Excellent attention to detail Lifelong Learner Adaptable Effective problem solver and critical thinker; proactive in resolving issues Expertise in control drawings and rendered illustration concepts Ability to deal effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels in a professional manner What we offer: The salary range for this position is $70,000.00 - $91,740.00 / Yr. The base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for the annual performance incentive may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, so the salary range may not apply to other states. Our benefits package includes basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children, employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement. Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects. Working at Jazwares At Jazwares, we believe an innovative idea can come from anywhere and anyone. Through our three pillars, we foster innovation and encourage creativity in every area of our business. Passion: Our conviction and enthusiasm show in our products, relationships, and commitment to our community. Collaboration: We share one vision worldwide, constantly striving to improve and innovate together. Humility: We recognize the value in others and treat everyone with respect. Our strength lies in our people and talent. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to be part of the fastest-growing toy company in the industry. Connect with us today, and let's shape the future of play together! JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Jazwares is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.
MoreIn the world of toy design, few names carry as much weight as Design Edge. For over 30 years, the firm has been the secret engine behind the world’s most iconic playthings, partnering with giants like Mattel, Hasbro, and Spin Master. Leading the charge is Matt Nuccio, a man who literally grew up in the industry.    “My parents started Design Edge when I was 14, in our family garage on Long Island,” Matt recalls. “I’ve been there pretty much since.” While the company has long since moved out of the garage, Matt has preserved that foundational ‘maker’ spirit, evolving Design Edge into a global leader in product innovation.    From household names like Tickle Me Elmo, Pound Puppies, and Monopoly to working with brands like Barbie, Marvel, and Disney, the footprint of Design Edge is found in toy boxes and stores across the globe.    JUST PLAYING: Make48 Challenge with Design Edge  The relationship between Matt Nuccio and Make48 is rooted in years of shared history. From his seat on the Advisory Board to mentoring teams at Nationals in Season 5, Matt has been a good comrade in the Make48 ecosystem.    Now, he is stepping into a new role as the challenger and mentor for the Classroom Experience, tasking students with navigating one of the industry’s most complex categories: MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social, and Health) toys.    The MESH category is booming, driven by a growing need for toys that support emotional resilience and cognitive health. However, Matt notes that many products in this space fall into a ‘predictable’ trap, relying on obvious emotional labels like a happy or sad face.    The challenge for the students will be to design a toy that moves beyond surface-level ideas. Matt is looking for interaction over explanation. A physical product that customers choose to return to because it remains interesting over time.    What Matt sees in these teams – and in programs like the CHITAG Young Inventor Challenge – was something familiar. “They remind me a lot of how we started,” he says. “You’ve got ideas, you’ve got some materials, and you just figure it out.   Under Matt’s mentorship, students aren’t just building a toy; they are learning the business of invention. “How am I going to judge? At the end of the day, it’s got to meet the criteria of what MESH is,” Matt explains. “I have to feel; does it have a place in the market? Is there truly a benefit beyond just play value? Does it help a child express their emotions clearly?”      The Real Lesson: Thinking Like an Inventor  What makes the Design Edge x Make48 Challenge different is that it mirrors the real world.    Each team is responsible for:    ● A working prototype  ● A sell sheet  ● A 60-second marketing pitch    “They’re not just making something, they’re learning how to sell an idea,” Matt says. “Why it exists, who it’s for, and why anyone would actually buy it.” It’s a lesson he’s seen resonate not just here, but with younger inventors coming through programs like ChiTAG.    “A lot of people think this industry is just about creativity,” he says. “It’s not. It’s about solving problems in a way that works – on shelf, for consumers, and for the business.”    Frankensteining and Figuring It Out  Ask Matt what skill matters most, and he doesn’t hesitate.    “Make stuff.”    Matt’s approach is called ‘Frankensteining’, the art of getting a whole bunch of existing products to create something entirely new. His advice is grounded in the reality of the workshop: “I think if you want to get into toy design, the best ability is the sketch, and the very close second is tinkering.” He also noted that becoming a student of the market and knowing what's out there and what's been done before is tremendous help.    While aesthetics are important, Matt emphasized that the ‘soul’ of a MESH toy lies in its tactile nature. “It’s always good to have something that’s tactile and has a visual twist. In a lot of MESH toys, texture does make a difference. It doesn’t have to look beautiful, but it should feel and react very well.”    Legacy of Excellence: From TOTYs to TAGIEs  The timing of this challenge is particularly poignant. Design Edge, alongside the team at Exploding Kittens, Inc., recently took home the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award for Game of the Year. Often called the "Academy Award" of the industry, the TOTY represents the pinnacle of toy design.    "We've been nominated a few times in my career, but that was the first time we'd ever won. I was shocked," Matt admits.    Matt’s streak of accolades serves as a roadmap for what "making it" in this industry looks like.    In 2023, Design Edge was honored with a TAGIE Award, a prestigious recognition from his peers at People of Play, for Best Design Visuals. Surprisingly, they beat out the iconic Furby, marking a significant milestone for the company.    These wins are a testament to the vision and trust required to bring a game from concept to shelf, a process Matt is now sharing with the next generation. Having seen the best in the world honored on the TAGIE stage, Matt understands the level of excellence required to truly stand out.    Fresh offthese milestones – one Matt still calls "a little surreal" – he is focused on sharing what that journey really looks like. "It’s not a straight line," he says. "It’s messy, it’s iterative, and most of the time you’re just figuring things out as you go."    That honesty is what makes his mentorship stand out. For the students, this isn’t just a challenge, it’s a real-world crash course. For Matt, it’s personal. "I started in a garage when I was 14. So getting to help the next group come up, it’s pretty cool."    The Future Looks Good  If there’s one thing Matt is sure of after working with Make48 and seeing young inventors through programs like People of Play, it’s this: the next generation is ready.    "They’re not waiting around. They’re already building," Matt says. "They’re more aware, more thoughtful, and once they start making things, they move fast. The future of this industry is in good hands, as long as they keep making things."    As a mentor, Matt isn't just looking for a "nice job." He is providing the same high-level critiques he gives to the world’s largest toy companies. For these students, it isn't just a competition; it’s an apprenticeship with a master of the craft.    To learn more about the work being done at Design Edge, visit DesignEdge.net or follow Matt’s journey on LinkedIn.   
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About the job Role Overview Carve Communications is seeking a full-time, remote Senior Account Executive (SAE) to manage and execute comprehensive PR and communications strategies for diverse B2B and B2C clients worldwide. The SAE will be central to building awareness, fostering engagement, driving activation, and establishing client authority through various channels. The SAE will report directly to Senior Leadership (VP and above) at the agency. Key Responsibilities Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement strategic communications campaigns aligned to clients’ business goals and desired outcomes. Media Relations: Securing coverage is key to this role. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media and influencers. Strive to achieve or exceed annual and campaign-based KPIs. Consider traditional and new media (podcasts, Substacks, etc) opportunities and stay plugged into how our clients’ industries are being covered and respective trends. Client Management: Be the day-to-day contact for clients across a diverse list of industries. Be proactive with ideas and insights that can help them move their business forward. Innovation: Experiment with and use AI and other tools to improve outcomes for Carve and our clients. Share as you learn. Specialized Areas: Drive strategic planning and advocacy across marketing, experiential strategy, and cross-channel communication. Team & Business Growth: Contribute to the growth and development of the account team. Reporting & Analysis: Monitor campaign performance, create and/or review detailed reports, and provide actionable insights. Required Qualifications A minimum of 3 years of experience working in an agency environment. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business, or a related field. Proven expertise in media relations, account management, and thought leadership opportunities. Strong original writing capabilities, including press releases, pitches, bylines, and social media content. Note that every piece of client and media facing work is reviewed, refined, and approved by team members. Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to thrive in a remote work setting and collaborate effectively with a distributed team. Experience in both B2B and B2C communications is a strong advantage. About Carve Communications Founded nearly a decade ago, Carve Communications began as a hub for the Miami Tech community and has evolved into a fully remote Public Relations agency with team members across major US cities, including Miami, New York, and Chicago. We specialize in comprehensive PR, communications, and marketing services, utilizing expertise in media relations, thought leadership, advocate marketing, and experiential strategy to deliver meaningful outcomes for our clients.
MoreAficionados of the soft and sublime, your search is over; Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company is the destination for plushy and squishy play of all kinds! With legacy brands like World’s Softest Plush and MushMeez under their umbrella, the company has developed even more options based on feedback and a very close eye on what’s popular in play. Pushing the envelope in trendy movements like slime, tactile plush play, collectibles, squishy toys and more, connoisseurs of cute will have just as much to enjoy this year from Beverly Hills Teddy Bear as will scholars of squish!
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Location: Lino Lakes, MN, US, 55014 Position Location type: Hybrid Contract Type: Permanent asmodee is a global leader in tabletop games, committed to bringing people together through great games and amazing stories. Listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm, we are headquartered in France, and our team of more than 2,200 people work across the globe throughout our wholly owned creative studios, distribution businesses, and the functions that support them. We offer one of the world’s largest catalogs of tabletop games, featuring iconic titles like CATAN®, Ticket to Ride®, Dobble/Spot it!®, and Exploding Kittens®. With a blend of in-house creations and games from our partners, our portfolio spans hundreds of games across digital and physical platforms. As an employer of choice, we champion inclusivity, growth, and recognition, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued. Joining us means shaping unforgettable gaming experiences while contributing to a more sustainable, connected world. Discover how our people, games, and sustainability initiatives are making an impact and shaping the future of tabletop gaming. Join us in finding your seat at our game table! Job Summary The Marketing Specialist is an individual contributor within the asmodee Social Playtype Vertical. They work closely with studio leadership to craft and execute strategies that will grow the Social brands and products into household names. This role will shape and manage comprehensive product marketing plans, drive cross-functional collaboration between studio and distribution teams, and ensure the delivery of effective and brand-aligned marketing initiatives This position requires strong project ownership, team leadership, and a demonstrated ability to manage marketing across multiple brands in a fast-paced, creative environment. What will your role involve Drive and maintain brand consistency across all marketing channels, analyzing engagement metrics and adjusting creative strategy as needed. Define and implement high-level marketing objectives and KPIs. Develop marketing briefs for product launches, brand campaigns, and activations. Craft, execute, and report on engaging social campaigns, including creation of short-form video, graphics, GIFs, images/carousels, etc. Develop and maintain relationships with content creators and influencers for product marketing campaigns and reviews. Stay up to date with trends and customer movement to advise on brand and product positioning Create impactful digital advertising campaigns according to studio goals. Support marketing graphic design needs, including managing external graphic design vendors to complete brand-centered projects. Facilitate internal communication of marketing initiatives across global distribution teams. Ensure product and marketing alignment in tone, aesthetic, and storytelling Maintain the functionality and visuals of the studio website. Advise on and develop marketing systems and processes using AI optimization Collaborate with developers and advise on product graphic design and print branding. Manage multiple, often competing, projects simultaneously and complete them within their scheduled timelines. Champion licensor and franchise brand requirements for licensed products and ensure compliance across all company teams. Support the general marketing needs, as assigned by management Support game development through product playtesting and feedback. Work with sister studios in France and Denmark to provide ad hoc input and support for their marketing efforts in the US. Some domestic and international travel may be required for conventions or trade shows. What do you bring Comfort creating, editing, and featuring in short-form social media video and content Strong understanding of graphic design principles for both digital and print Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft apps, and WordPress required Demonstrated experience in artificial intelligence use for optimizing marketing processes and analysis Exceptional verbal and written communication skills Ability to take direction and collaborate effectively with teams and individuals Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines while working independently Detail oriented with strong organizational skills Strong understanding of consumer behavior and multi-segment marketing. Ability to think both strategically and tactically, balancing long-term planning with short-term execution. Experience developing tailored marketing approaches for diverse audiences. Sharp attention to detail; solution-oriented approach to challenges. Proven ability to collaborate across teams, including creative, product, and leadership stakeholders. Strong prioritization skills and ability to work independently while managing multiple ongoing projects. Experience managing eCommerce advertising, including Amazon, TikTok Shop and other emerging platforms. Maintain a valid passport for international travel. Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, communications, graphic design, or related field; equivalent experience accepted 5+ years professional marketing and content creation experience and track record of building brands and growing sales. Experience in consumer product marketing and demonstrated history of driving brand awareness and product sales. Experience in owned social media content creation and promotion Why join us 22 Days of PTO Annually 12 Paid Holidays Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance Competitive 401K Match Paid Parental Leave Fertility & Family Building Benefits Legal & Identity Theft Support 2 Paid Volunteer Days Off Flexible & Hybrid Schedules Extensive Game Discounts $250 Annually in Game Bucks Career Growth & Development Mental Health Programs Virtual Healthcare Options Employee Assistance Program Employee Referral Program At asmodee, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare and 401(k) retirement plans, as well as generous paid time off and hybrid schedules to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide a competitive total rewards and compensation package, with several benefits listed below. Actual compensation for this role is based on several factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, qualifications, experience, market conditions and specific work location. Base Salary Range: $60,000 -$75,000. Our Commitment: asmodee’s purpose is Bringing People Together. To us that means all kinds of people, no matter their perceived differences. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to show up as their full and authentic selves. We seek to support our diverse community of players by creating representative gaming experiences that celebrate a variety of backgrounds, skills, and views. Diversity and Inclusion fuels our creativity and promotes internal and external equity which allows us to continue in our efforts to bring people together around the game table. Games are for everyone.
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POPDuo: Richard Dickson, Mattel’s President & COO, and Kedar Narayan, Young Inventor Challenge AMB
POPDuo: Will Shortz and Josh Wardle
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FOB is an abbreviation for Free On Board, a shipping term that indicates that the price for goods includes delivery at the seller`s expense to a specified point and no further.
Submitted by People Of Play