Toy Designer

Job Summary:We are seeking a creative and innovative Toy Designer to join our design team.

The Toy Designer will be responsible for creating fun, safe, and engaging toys that appeal to children while adhering to industry standards and safety regulations.

This role requires a strong blend of artistic creativity, understanding of child development, and technical design skills to bring ideas to life.

The ideal candidate will have experience in product design, a passion for toys, and an understanding of manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities: Conceptual Design & Ideation: Develop creative toy concepts that align with the brand and target audience's preferences, age group, and developmental stages. Collaborate with the product development team to brainstorm and generate ideas for new toys or toy lines.

Translate research and market trends into innovative toy designs that are fun, educational, and visually appealing.

Design Development & Prototyping: Create detailed design specifications, including sketches, CAD models, and prototypes to demonstrate the toy concept.

Work with engineers and product manufacturers to refine designs and ensure they can be mass-produced cost-effectively while maintaining quality.

Develop toy prototypes using appropriate materials and manufacturing methods, ensuring functionality, safety, and durability.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all toy designs meet industry safety standards and comply with international regulations (e.g., ASTM, EN71, CPSIA) for childrens products. Work with compliance teams to conduct safety testing and address any design issues related to material safety, choking hazards, or sharp edges.

Stay updated on safety guidelines and design trends to continuously improve product offerings.

Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with other designers, engineers, marketing teams, and product managers to ensure toys meet both functional and aesthetic goals.

Present design ideas and prototypes to internal stakeholders, including senior management and marketing teams, for feedback and approval.

Provide input during manufacturing, ensuring the final product meets the design vision, quality standards, and budget constraints.

Market Research & Trends: Conduct market research to stay informed about the latest trends, competitor products, and emerging toy technologies.

Analyze consumer preferences, feedback, and trends in child development to guide toy design decisions. Attend industry trade shows, toy fairs, and exhibitions to stay up to date with design innovations and new materials.

Product Lifecycle & Innovation: Participate in the full product lifecycle, from concept development and design to post-launch review and product improvements.

Innovate with new materials, features, and functionalities to create unique, trendsetting toys.

Continuously look for ways to improve existing products and identify opportunities for new product lines or designs.

Key Qualifications: Education & Experience: Bachelors degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field. 3+ years of experience in toy design, product design, or related fields.

Experience working with childrens products or consumer goods is highly preferred. Technical Skills: Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, CAD software (SolidWorks, Rhino, AutoCAD), and 3D modeling tools. Understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and product engineering principles for toy design.

Strong sketching and prototyping skills to effectively communicate design ideas. Additional Skills: Strong understanding of child development principles and how they relate to product design (e.g., educational, sensory, and motor skill development).

Ability to balance creativity with functionality, safety, and manufacturing feasibility. Attention to detail, excellent problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.

Strong communication and presentation skills to convey ideas clearly to cross-functional teams.Certifications (Optional but Preferred): Certification in product safety or toy design-related training is a plus.

Personal Attributes: Creative, innovative, and passionate about designing toys that inspire imagination and learning.

Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Open-minded and flexible, able to adapt to evolving trends and customer feedback. Strong time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Enthusiasm for childrens products and understanding of the needs and preferences of different age groups.