Sr. Designer (Toys & Hardlines)

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 [email protected].