Manager, Concept Design

Funko; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Funko in Everett, WA is seeking a Concept Manager to lead the concept team from ideation to production, translating pop culture trends into brand-aligned, commercially viable vinyl and plush concepts.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in a creative role, 2+ years of people leadership, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite; experience with licensed brands and approvals is a plus. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in a creative role within consumer products, collectibles, toys, plush, or related field.
• 2+ years of management and team leadership experience.
• Experience working with licensed brands and navigating approval processes.
• Strong creative vision, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage a large and diverse creative team and guide the creative process within the department.
• Leadership qualities with the ability to partner with Creatives and Executives, collaborate with peers, and mentor artists.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptable and comfortable navigating ambiguity.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with 3D is a plus.
• Passion for pop culture, storytelling, and fan-driven products.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative team from initial concept through final production, ensuring brand integrity and commercially viable designs across vinyl and plush lines.
• Manage workload planning and prioritize projects to meet deadlines and launch schedules.
• Collaborate with Product, Merchandising, and Sourcing to ensure concepts are brand aligned and feasible.
• Establish and uphold creative standards consistent with Funko’s brand and partner expectations.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, provide coaching and feedback, and support career growth for team members.
• Write and deliver performance reviews, set goals, and manage performance in line with company expectations.
• Foster a collaborative, idea-driven environment that encourages experimentation while maintaining high execution standards.

Skills

Creative leadership

Communication & relationship mgmt

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s or Applied Arts Degree

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

3D design software

Job description

Funko Overview

Welcome to the Funko-verse, a world built on pure imagination, a land governed by the philosophy that stories matter, a universe comprised of characters from countless fandoms, a galaxy of once upon a times and happily ever afters.

But what does Funko do?

Funko is a purveyor of pop culture and licensed-focused collectibles company. Funko currently holds thousands of licenses and the rights to create tens of thousands of characters – one of the largest portfolios in the pop culture and collectibles industry. Funko’s Pop! Vinyl is the number one stylized vinyl collectible on the market, selling millions of figures to fans around the world.

The Concept Manager will lead the concept team in supporting and evolving Funko’s existing product lines while driving innovation for future product opportunities across the portfolio. This role sits at the intersection of creativity and team management, translating pop culture trends and brand partnerships into compelling, production-ready concepts.

The ideal candidate brings a strong creative background, a deep understanding of product development, and a proven track record of leading high-performing teams from ideation through production.

What You’ll Do

• In partnership with the Sr. Creative Director, lead the creative team from initial concept through final production, ensuring brand integrity, commercially viable designs, and innovation across vinyl and plush collectible lines.
• Manage workload planning and prioritize projects to ensure deadlines and launch schedules are met.
• Collaborate closely with Product, Merchandising, and Sourcing teams to ensure concepts are brand aligned, feasible, and on schedule
• Establish and uphold creative standards, ensuring consistency with Funko’s brand and partner expectations.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, providing support for career growth and development for team members.
• Write and deliver performance reviews, set goals, and manage performance in alignment with company expectations.
• Foster a collaborative, idea-driven environment that encourages experimentation while maintaining high standards of execution.

What You’ll Bring

• 7+ years of experience in a creative role within consumer products, collectibles, toys, plush, or related field
• 2+ years of management and team leadership experienceExperience working with licensed brands and navigating approval processes
• Strong creative vision, communication, and relationship management skills
• Ability to manage a large and diverse creative team and the experience to critique and guide the creative process within the department
• Leadership qualities with the ability to partner with Creatives and Executives, collaborate with peers, and manage and mentor artists
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Adaptable and comfortable navigating ambiguity
• High standards for quality and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with 3D is a plus
• Passion for pop culture, storytelling, and fan-driven products
• Bachelor’s or Applied Arts Degree or related experience in the field

Salary Information

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $105k - $130k annually. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and restricted stock units.

What Funko Offers

Funko offers a competitive compensation package with full benefits and a 401(K) plan with matching contributions from the company. We offer a creative work environment with people who love pop culture.

Funko is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

This onsite position is based in Everett, WA. Local candidates will be considered first.