Full job description Company Description NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit www.nbcuniversal.com for more information. Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world. Universal Products & Experiences Overview: At Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E), we don’t just create products—we create a universe that fans can hold in their hands, wear, play, read, and experience every day. From Jurassic World’s roaring adventures to the playful charm of Minions and the timeless wonder of Back to the Future, we transform stories into unforgettable moments that spark joy across the globe. UP&E has grown rapidly while keeping the energy, agility, and inventive spirit of a start‑up. Our mission is bold: to take imagination beyond the screen and into the real world through innovative products, immersive retail moments, and extraordinary theme park destinations. We bring both Universal-owned and third‑party worlds to life across expansive theme park destinations, e‑commerce platforms, live entertainment venues, and global retail partnerships—fueling fandom everywhere it lives. Whether it's iconic toys, fashion collaborations, books, collectibles, lifestyle products, or cutting‑edge video games, we work with world‑class licensees and creators to make our universe tangible. Here, creativity meets technology, and strategy meets storytelling. We connect design, commercial excellence, and fan passion to deliver experiences that millions cherish—inside the parks and far beyond them. As part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, you’ll join a global team that thrives on collaboration, imagination, and the power of culture‑shaping ideas. Your work will inspire fans, uplift communities, and leave a lasting mark on entertainment history. We believe in a workplace where every voice matters, every perspective is valued, and every colleague can shine. That’s how we strive to be an employer of choice for talent and a partner of choice for retailers, licensees, and creators who share our passion for world‑class storytelling. If you’re ready to bring imagination to life and create moments that resonate worldwide—your next adventure starts here. Join us and help create moments that matter. 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 ABOUT THE ROLE Universal Products & Experiences is seeking a Sr. Designer to support the design, development and approval of products across the Toys & Hardlines categories. This role reports to the Senior Manager, Product Design Studio, and plays a key part in delivering creative, high-quality and brand-aligned products. The successful candidate will play a critical role in upholding brand integrity while driving design excellence, creativity, and innovation. This role ensures efficiency and effectiveness across the product approvals process, ultimately supporting sustainable growth across the broader business. You will help shape the future of our products by setting a high bar for design quality, guiding product development, and collaborating closely with best-in-class partners across the industry. 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 - $105,000 Qualifications Design & Development Oversee all stages of product development lifecycle from concept though final production for assigned product categories - providing timely, actionable feedback to licensees and partners. Review and guide toy functionality, safety considerations, materials, tooling constraints, and manufacturing feasibility. Deliver accurate design direction/overlays aligned with property guidelines and priorities to external partners, including licensees, retailers and agents. Serve as the design expert for assigned categories, materials, technology, 2D/3D execution, product construction and manufacturing capabilities. Create mood boards and concept sketches for pitches and presentations. Research trends, innovations, and consumer insights to inspire new ideas. Participate in all key design and development meetings. Develop new product ideas and turn them into marketable lines. Understand basic packaging structure, branding elements, and toy functionality. Share detailed meeting recaps and action steps with management. Ensure brand consistency while driving creative innovation in product development. Perform other related duties as assigned to support the needs of the team. Design Strategy Work with team to identify growth opportunities in market. Conceptualize designs to support business strategies. Spot emerging trends and innovations across product categories. Balance design vision with cost targets, MOQ requirements, retail price points, and production timelines. Understand competitive market and consumer target. Build clear, polished design strategy presentations for internal mtgs. Licensing Expertise Understand the licensed entertainment and consumer products landscape. Ensure brand consistency across licensed characters, storytelling, and asset/toolkit delivery. Design and deliver show-to-shelf results. Collaboration & Communication Be the front-facing daily product design contact in assigned categories for external partners including licensees and retailers Strong skills in daily & strategic communication to the team, internal and external partners, including licensees, retailers, and 3rd party approvers. Proven ability to lead projects and facilitate discussions with all internal and external partners. Build strong relationships with all internal and external partners. Consistent communication and collaboration with internal and external partners (specifically licensees) Lead cross-functional development discussions and drive alignment across Franchise, Legal, Category, Retail, and Licensees. Qualifications 4+ years of experience in licensing, manufacturing, or consumer product design. Strong understanding of design, product development and manufacturing processes for Toys and Hardlines categories. Experience with licensed entertainment products. Strong traditional and digital hand-drawing skills. Excellent design & illustration skills. Strong grasp of 2D composition and 3D form factors. Proactive mindset to drive results. Strong communication and presentation skills. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and working knowledge of InDesign, Keynote, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment. Confident in advocating for design decisions and collaborating toward shared goals. Education Bachelor’s degree in Toy Design, Industrial design, Illustration, or a related field required. Additional Requirements: Travel may be required Perform other related duties as assigned to support the needs of the team Hybrid: This position currently has a hybrid schedule, which requires contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time. Additional Information As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. 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. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.
MoreAbout the job Join the 4th Fastest-Growing Founder-Led Business in the UK We’re Lucky Egg, the fast-growing creators shaking up the party games world with viral hits like Grab the Mic, Misheard Music and Sorry What?!. Our games are played by millions worldwide. At Lucky Egg, we move fast, think big, and back bold ideas with commercial discipline. As we scale our UK retail presence, we’re hiring a Sales Associate- UK to own and accelerate our retail growth. We sell two ranges of games: Essentials range — our value-tier games, supplied direct to retailers such as The Works and The Range. This is the first focus of this role. Core range — our premium games, distributed through our UK partner to retailers such as John Lewis and Waterstones. 🎯 The Role: Sales Associate - UK This is a hands-on role for someone hungry to grow fast and take on real responsibility from day one. You’ll lead Lucky Egg’s Essentials growth across UK & Ireland retail, while supporting Core account management alongside our distributor. You’ll own the Essentials range end-to-end — account management, new business development, commercial planning, and retail activation. On Core, you’ll manage our distributor relationship and work closely with our distributor ensuring strong retail sell through. This is a high-trust, high-scope role. We’re not looking for someone to maintain the status quo — we want someone who will push it forward. 🧠 What You’ll Do Essentials Range Ownership Own all account management for Essentials range retailers, including The Works, The Range, and equivalent value retail. Drive new business into national and discount retail — ALDI, Lidl, Morrisons, and beyond. These are major commercial opportunities and you’ll own them. Expand range depth, distribution, and sell-through performance across existing Essentials accounts. Build and grow our independent retailer base via Faire, increasing breadth of distribution across the UK. Own the commercial performance of your accounts — P&L monitoring, ranging decisions, promotional planning, and sell-through reporting. Work with the wider team to refine the Essentials proposition — this isn’t just selling what exists, it’s helping shape what we build next. Core Range — Account Management & 2027 Transition Manage the Core range relationship with our UK distributor, ensuring strong sell-through and account health across key UK & Ireland retailers. Support commercial modeling, margin planning, and forecasting processes. Commercial Ownership & Retail Execution Build and deliver retail activations across both ranges, from concept through to execution and ROI reporting. Ensure gold-standard merchandising of Lucky Egg products in-store and online. Plan and execute trade shows, buyer pitches, and sales events. Track orders, invoices, deliveries, and stock levels to protect sales momentum. Use AI and automation tools to work faster, surface insights, scale bigger, and reduce manual reporting overhead. 🛠️ Who You Are High Agency – You operate independently and create momentum without waiting for direction. Commercial Hunter – You enjoy opening doors, pitching products, and closing opportunities. AI & Automation Minded - We are an AI native company. You naturally reach for tools and automations to work faster and smarter. Move Fast – You act with urgency and turn conversations into commercial outcomes. Think Big – You see scalable retail opportunities and push to expand distribution. Retail Aware – You understand how UK retail buyers think and how products succeed on shelf. Hungry to Learn - You don’t need to have done this before - you need to want to figure it out faster and better than anyone else. 🏢 Location, Benefits & Perks Location: Central Soho office, close to major transport links, with regular in-person collaboration. Hybrid Working: 1 day per week WFH. Holidays: 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays. Perks: Fully-stocked kitchens & fridges A free selection of Lucky Egg games each year — play is part of the job Regular social events, including team lunches Access to local discounts (cafés, fitness, beauty, and more) Pension scheme 🌟 Our Culture & Values Speed as Default: We move in minutes and hours, not days and weeks. Bold Thinking: We aim for 10x solutions, not incremental improvements. Ownership: If you see a problem, fix it — and own the outcome. Honesty Over Ego: Ask questions, challenge thinking, and learn fast. Urgent curiosity: Always looking for the next opportunity as soon as possible. Exceptional People: Smart, kind, resourceful, and coachable. 🎨 How to Apply Hiring Manager: Claudia Bettson-Burdett (Global Sales Manager) We want to see your energy, not just your CV. Please submit both of the following through the application form below: You CV A 2-minute video on why we should hire you Application Form: https://wkf.ms/3NaPGGZ
MoreAbout the job 🚀 Join the 4th Fastest-Growing Founder-Led Business in the UK We’re Lucky Egg, the fast-growing creators shaking up the party games world with viral hits like Grab the Mic, Misheard Music and Sorry What?!. Our games are played by millions worldwide — sparking joy, laughter, and real human connection. At Lucky Egg, we move fast, think big, and back bold ideas with commercial discipline. We sell two ranges of games: Essentials range — our value-tier games. Core range — our premium games. 🎯 The Role This is Lucky Egg’s first on-the-ground hire in the United States — a genuinely rare opportunity to build something from scratch for a globally recognised brand with serious commercial momentum. You’ll work closely with the Global Sales Manager based in London and own Lucky Egg’s retail growth across the US. This is a high-trust, high-scope role for someone hungry to build. You’ll identify opportunities, open doors with buyers, and turn them into scalable retail partnerships. We’re not looking for someone to maintain the status quo — we want someone who will push it forward. Note: Target and Walmart are managed separately — this role focuses on all other national and regional retail channels. 🧠 What You’ll Do Strategic Account Development Build relationships with buyers at US retail accounts including H-E-B, Meijer, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Dollar General, Five Below and similar national and regional retailers. Expand Lucky Egg’s distribution across mid-tier and strategic retail partners, growing shelf presence, store count, and range depth. Position Lucky Egg as a trusted, long-term partner — not just a one-off supplier. New Business Growth Build and convert a structured pipeline of new retail accounts across the United States. Lead outreach, buyer meetings, and product pitches with energy and commercial clarity. Negotiate commercial terms and secure retail listings. Retail Execution & Activation Work with retail partners to maximise in-store performance and sell-through rates. Support retail activations, promotions, and new product launches. Ensure Lucky Egg products are positioned for success across all retail channels. Pipeline, Forecasting & Reporting Maintain a structured pipeline with clear next actions, timelines, and conversion tracking. Support forecasting of retail orders and account opportunities. Track account performance and flag risks and growth opportunities proactively. Use AI and automation tools to accelerate outreach, reporting, and market research — work smarter, and quicker, not just harder. Market Insight & Industry Presence Monitor US retail trends, competitor activity, and category opportunities, feeding insights back to Product, Marketing, and Sales. Represent Lucky Egg at trade shows, buyer meetings, and industry events across the US. Build Lucky Egg’s reputation and relationships across the US toy and games retail ecosystem. 🛠️ Who You Are High Agency – You operate independently and create momentum without waiting for direction. Commercial Hunter – You enjoy opening doors, pitching products, and closing retail opportunities. Move Fast – You act with urgency and turn conversations into commercial outcomes. Think Big – You see scalable retail opportunities and push to expand distribution. AI & Automation Minded - We are an AI native company. You naturally reach for tools and automations to work faster and smarter. Retail Aware – You understand how US retail buyers think and how products succeed on shelf. Hungry to Build - You want to be the person who built Lucky Egg’s US business — and you’re willing to do the work it takes to get there. 📍 Location Dallas / Austin, Texas This role will be based in Texas with regular travel across the US to meet retail partners and attend industry events. 💼 Benefits & Perks Competitive salary + performance bonus Additional benefits package Work with a fast-growing international team and London HQ Travel to key retail meetings and industry events A free selection of Lucky Egg games each year — play is part of the job 🌟 Our Culture & Values Speed as Default: We move in minutes and hours, not days and weeks. Bold Thinking: We aim for 10× solutions, not incremental improvements. Ownership: If you see a problem, fix it. Honesty Over Ego: Ask questions, challenge ideas, and learn fast. Curiosity: Always looking for the next opportunity. Exceptional People: Smart, kind, resourceful, and coachable. 🎨 How to Apply Hiring Manager: Claudia Bettson-Burdett (Global Sales Manager) We want to see your energy, not just your CV. Please submit both of the following through the application form below: Your CV A 2-minute video on why we should hire you Application Form: https://wkf.ms/3NaPGGZ
MoreAlthough parents should be celebrated year-round, those special days in May and June are there to remind us to always cherish Mom and Dad. And even though we love them, it’s tough to get a word in edgewise sometimes with their wisdom and robust vocabulary. Why not turn that toil of unsolicited advice into a fun foil, all with the help of Cross Spin, from JoPat Games! Cross Spin (2-6 players | 30 minutes+ | Ages 8+) takes crossword puzzles (a favorite pastime of parents everywhere) and engineers a competitive twist!
More
  (Dennis and his wife Crystal)   I recently read Today Is All You’re Guaranteed by Dennis Callaghan, who many of you know. It is a short, thoughtful, and impactful book that stayed with me.   Rooted in his experience surviving a horrific plane crash, Dennis shares reflections on courage, relationships, and the tendency we all have to wait for the “right time.” His message is simple and powerful: don’t wait - it doesn’t overwhelm, it invites reflection and action.   It’s a meaningful reminder — personally and professionally — that the conversations we’re putting off, the ideas we’re sitting on, and the risks we’re hesitating to take… those are the moments that shape our lives.   I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Dennis, and this book reflects the same authenticity and perspective he brings to life. Glad to see his message being shared widely. It is available on Amazon in paperback or kindle. I highly recommend!    Excerpt: Today is all we’re guaranteed. Most people live as if life is long.They postpone decisions.They avoid difficult conversations.They wait for the right time.But life rarely works that way.After surviving a plane crash in 1989, Dennis Callaghan began seeing life differently.This short reflective book shares the lessons that followed — about courage, independence, relationships, and the quiet decisions that shape a life.You don’t get unlimited rehearsal time.Today is all you’re guaranteed.Use it.    
Click to article
Say Goodbye to Boredom, Hello to 15 Minute Fun & Done
Jonathan Cathey of The Loyal Subjects Talks Goals, Early Creations and the value of patience
Today Is All You’re Guaranteed by Dennis Callaghan
Game Review: Happy Little Dinosaurs
Nancy Zwiers: Happy Birthday, Barbie!
Game Review: Happy Little Dinosaurs
Nancy Zwiers: Happy Birthday, Barbie!
Donna Moore on Toys of Our Lives, Her Experience Working at The Hollywood Reporter and Sunset Hill Vineyards
CBS Affiliates Premiere New Season of “Toys of Our Lives,”
Spin Master and Hidden Pigeon Company Extend #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and Illustrator Mo Willems' Classic Book Characters from the Page to Play
Randy Klimpert Shares his Ukulele Collection
Steve Casino Peanut Art
Everyone's Talking about POP!
Princess Etch - a Multi-Talented Etch A Sketch Artist
Joseph Herscher of Joseph' s Machines.
Brent Bushnell talks Two Bit Circus, VR, & STEAM (Part 1)
Tim Walsh Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Blurt!
Connie Vogelmann designed Apiary & Wyrmspan!
Bob Fuhrer... Is THE Crocodile Dentist!
Tom Dusenberry... Bought Atari, Wizards of the Coast, and Avalon Hill!
POPDuo: Richard Dickson, Mattel’s President & COO, and Kedar Narayan, Young Inventor Challenge AMB
POPDuo: Will Shortz and Josh Wardle
POP Duo: Elan Lee, Co-Founder, Exploding Kittens.and Jeff Probst, Host and Exec Producer, Survivor
POP Duo: David Fuhrer, MNG Director, Blue Sq Innovations & Shawn Green, past Dodgers & Mets MLB Star
POP Duo: Bob Fuhrer, Founder, Nextoy and Tom Fazio, Golf Course Designer
Christmas is the reason we have fourth quarter sales! Also the birthdate for Tim Walsh (https://peopleofplay.com/people/tim-walsh), one of the biggest POP champions!
Submitted by People Of Play