Design Lead

Schylling Inc.; Pawtucket (RI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental with 80% company%20

Vision insurance

Company-paid life and disability

PTO and 10 paid holidays

Product discount

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Schylling Inc. invites an experienced Design Lead to steer creative initiatives, oversee branding and storytelling for our toy products, and drive launches across departments. You are a strategic, hands-on designer who thrives in a brand-driven environment and can lead notable product introductions.

You will guide design from concept through production, collaborating with manufacturing partners and internal teams to ensure quality and market relevance while pushing creative boundaries.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Toy Design or Industrial Design required.
• 8+ years design experience in toy or children’s products.
• Proven ability to lead product development from concept through production.
• Strong drawing/visual communication using digital tools.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial mindset with passion for toys.

Responsibilities

• Drive revenue through innovative, commercially viable toy concepts.
• Lead design, branding, and storytelling across projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align with brand and market trends.
• Research industry trends and consumer insights to generate concepts.
• Manage project timelines and ensure on-time delivery of designs.

Skills

Toy design experience

Drawing & rendering

Brand storytelling

Cross-functional leadership

Manufacturing liaison

Market/trend knowledge

Education

BA/BS in Toy Design or Industrial Design

Tools

Cintiq tablet

Sketchbook Pro

Photoshop

3D modeling software

Job description

At Schylling, we create timeless moments of joy, laughter, and imagination for kids of all ages. Since 1975, we’ve been designing toys that spark creativity, inspire play, and bring smiles, whether through cherished classics or fresh innovations with a nostalgic twist. The Schylling portfolio includes iconic brands like NeeDoh®, LAVA® Lamp, Big Wheel®, Sea-Monkeys®, and many beloved classic toys, each crafted to encourage curiosity, discovery, and a sense of wonder. Join us in bringing play to the world!

About the Job:

The Design Lead role leads major creative initiatives, oversees the design, branding, and storytelling of our products, and collaborates across departments to bring iconic, must-have toys to life. They are a highly strategic, visionary, and hands-on designer who thrives in a brand-driven environment and has a proven track record of leading successful product launches.

Responsibilities:

• Drive revenue generating product innovation by identifying market gaps and developing commercially viable product that excites consumers.
• Be a driving force in developing new toy concepts and brand ideas that push creative boundaries.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate fresh, innovative product ideas that align with our brand vision and market trends.
• Research industry trends, pop culture, and consumer insights to drive new product concept generation.

Design & Product Development:

• Lead all aspects of design for a dedicated project load, from initial strategy, ideation, and prototyping to final production.
• Develop concept sketches, 3D models, 3D-printed prototypes, drawings, and specifications to provide clear, precise direction for manufacturing.
• Carry a dedicated project load, leading the planning and problem-solving necessary to turn concepts into reality.
• Ensure final deliverables meet quality, production, and brand standards.

Manufacturing & Engineering Collaboration:

• Coordinate and communicate all specifications and design files to effectively lead engineering initiatives with overseas manufacturing partners.
• Ensure development goals are clearly understood and achieved by working closely with factories on materials, production feasibility, and cost considerations.
• Work through design challenges, problem-solve technical constraints, and adapt designs as needed to maintain creative integrity while ensuring manufacturability.

Project & Timeline Management:

• Work with team leads to manage schedules, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring on-time completion of all product development stages.
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, balancing creative execution with deadlines and business objectives.
• Provide clear communication and updates to internal teams regarding project status, design iterations, and production progress.

Brand & Storytelling Development:

• Develop cohesive brand identities, ensuring packaging, storytelling, and product design work together seamlessly.
• Create compelling presentations and product pitches for internal stakeholders and retail partners.
• Ensure every product aligns with our company's creative direction and brand strategy.

Qualifications:

• BA or BS in Toy Design, Industrial Design.
• +8 years of professional design experience with a toy or children’s products company.
• Demonstrated design experience in the development of products in the toy or children’s product category.
• Solid drawing and rendering skills using sketchbook pro and photoshop. Strong 2D visual communication skills required – should be comfortable drawing on a Cintiq tablet with Sketchbook Pro, Photoshop, or similar.
• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit with a business-oriented mindset.
• Passion for toys and children’s products is essential to be effective in the role.
• Strong knowledge and interest of toy industry trends, leading brands, products, and what’s emerging.
• Experience with daily manufacturing partner communication.
• Proficient in all phases of design process – preliminary, development and production.
• A desire to collaborate with a team and appreciate the benefits of that experience.
• Has the passion to keep up with new creative trends.

Schylling offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical and dental with an 80% company contribution, vision insurance, company-paid life and disability insurance, PTO and 10 paid holidays, product discount, and a 401(k) with company match.

The base salary range for this position is $85,000 to $120,000. Offered base compensation within this range will be determined based on a candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographic location and other factors relevant to the scope and responsibilities of this role.