Design Manager

Moose Toys; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Breakfast bar & fresh fruit

Onsite gym & wellness activities

Wellbeing days

Bring Your Pet to Work

EV charging

Job summary

Moose Toys Ltd in Melbourne is seeking a Design Manager to lead product development from concept to production, ensuring on-time delivery, budget alignment, and brand compliance. You will guide a creative team and vendors across 3–6 brands, integrating manufacturing, sustainability, and safety considerations, while shaping presentations for Toy Fairs and key customers.

The role requires 6+ years in toy design or 10+ years in related fields, a tertiary qualification in Industrial/Product Design,

Qualifications

• 6+ years' experience in Toy Design or 10+ years' experience in a related product design field.
• Tertiary qualification in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience leading product development from concept through to production.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, product safety, quality standards, and cost management.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage AI and emerging design technologies to accelerate visualisation, product development, product detailing and creative execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of products across an allocated portfolio (3–6 brands).
• Drive products from approved concept through to production in collaboration with the Design Director.
• Apply commercial, manufacturing, trend, quality, safety, and sustainability considerations throughout the design process.
• Prepare detailed product specifications for prototypes, samples, and production.
• Resolve design and technical challenges to achieve functional and aesthetically appealing products.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality product presentations for Toy Fairs and key customer meetings.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team by providing clear direction, coaching, performance management, and professional development, while overseeing workload planning, supporting recruitment activities, and fostering a safe, healthy, and compliant workplace culture.

Skills

Toy design experience

Leadership

AI/design technologies

Communication

Education

Industrial Design qualification

Job description

At Moose Toys we exist to make kids superhappy. Recognised as one of the most innovative companies in the industry, we work seriously hard but fun remains at the heart of everything we do. Playful with a Purpose, we live by our values which is why our team members consistently vote us a Great Place To Work. We’ve won awards for our Diversity and Inclusion, and we host inspiring Health & Wellbeing thought leader events live in our magical Moose Melbourne office. We invest heavily in all our learning and development and have a passionate and genuine commitment to our Net Zero sustainability targets.

Please visit our website and LinkedIn Life Page for more information on our amazing people and brands.

View our awesome video on our LinkedIn Life Page https://www.linkedin.com/company/moose-toys/life/6c69e3e6-a410-4d96-82e8-829e6caf38d6/?viewAsMember=true

OUR CULTURE & THE MOOSE MAGIC

At Moose we are Playful with a Purpose. We work hard at Moose but Fun is at the heart of everything we do. Along with a competitive salary and generous performance-based bonuses, some of our other benefits include:

• We're a certified Great Place to Work
• Flexible hybrid working, Monday & Wednesday WFH and flexi time policy
• Daily breakfast bar, fresh fruit and our own veggie garden
• Regular social events and celebrations
• Onsite fully serviced gym, circuit training & 1:1 PT
• Yoga classes, Massages, Skin Checks and Flu Vax throughout the year
• Bring Your Pet to Work program.
• 2 x Wellbeing Days per year
• School Holiday programs to support our working parents.
• Amazing guest speakers and thought leaders that present live in our amazing offices.
• On-site EV charging stations
• Discounted private health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Design Manager leads products from concept to production, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to cost objectives, while managing the day-to-day performance, development, and output of the creative team and vendors to ensure all work meets the creative brief and brand standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of products across an allocated portfolio (3–6 brands).
• Drive products from approved concept through to production in collaboration with the Design Director.
• Apply commercial, manufacturing, trend, quality, safety, and sustainability considerations throughout the design process.
• Prepare detailed product specifications for prototypes, samples, and production.
• Resolve design and technical challenges to achieve functional and aesthetically appealing products.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality product presentations for Toy Fairs and key customer meetings.

Lead and develop a high-performing team by providing clear direction, coaching, performance management, and professional development,

while overseeing workload planning, supporting recruitment activities, and fostering a safe, healthy, and compliant workplace culture.

ABOUT YOU

• 6+ years' experience in Toy Design or 10+ years' experience in a related product design field.
• Tertiary qualification in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience leading product development from concept through to production.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, product safety, quality standards, and cost management.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage AI and emerging design technologies to accelerate visualisation, product development, product detailing and creative execution
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing creative teams.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance innovation, customer needs, and business objectives.
• Resilient and adaptable leader with experience driving change and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to build strong relationships across teams and external partners.
• Results-driven mindset with a proven ability to deliver projects on time and achieve business outcomes.

ALL WELCOME

Just like our wide range and variety of brands, Moose embraces diversity and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin or on the basis of disability or any other legally protected status. If you require any assistance to be included in our process, please contact ***********@Moosetoys.com, quoting the job title.

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:AU-VIC-Melbourne