Sr Development Program Management Associate - Hot Wheels

Maryland Management; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Mattel is seeking a Sr Development Program Management Associate for the Hot Wheels product development team at our El Segundo campus in California. You will help manage projects from ideation through production in collaboration with a worldwide cross-functional team.

You will partner with Design, Development, Marketing and Manufacturing to ensure on-time delivery, quality, and consumer satisfaction, while coordinating with overseas suppliers and maintaining data integrity across Mattel systems.

Qualifications

• BA/ BS Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial) or related discipline or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of relevant project management experience.
• Understanding of electromechanical systems is a plus.
• Strong multitasking and quick decision-making with problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Excellent organizational skills and data entry familiarity.
• Customer-facing and relationship-building skills.
• Growth mindset and continuous learning.

Responsibilities

• Managing multiple projects of varying product types and complexities while maintaining cost and schedule targets.
• Working closely with overseas development, tooling, and manufacturing to ensure successful project completion.
• Troubleshooting pre-production models and pilot production samples and making suggestions to improve performance, fix defects and improve mechanisms to guarantee end-consumer satisfaction.
• Acting as liaison between US and overseas teams throughout the product life cycle.
• Reviewing concept sketches and providing support for products in the preliminary design phase.
• Working in a team environment with Design, Packaging, Quality, Marketing, Planning, Engineering, Sculpting, manufacturing plants, and offshore development sources.
• Analyzing product design for maximum utilization of materials, methods and processes in order to meet marketing strategies, cost objectives and quality specifications while working within the constraints of selling price and business margins.
• Examining product components to develop cost estimates and value by utilizing knowledge of product design and budgetary considerations.
• Managing and maintaining product data integrity within Mattel systems.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Fast-paced environment

Education

BA/ BS in Engineering

Job description

Sr Development Program Management Associate - Hot Wheels

• Full-time

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER.It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Opportunity:

The Hot Wheels team is seeking a Sr Development Program Management Associate to join our product development team at our campus in El Segundo, CA. You will help manage projects from ideation through production in collaboration with a worldwide cross‑functional team consisting of representatives from Design, Development, Marketing, Manufacturing and others throughout the product design and development process.

What Your Impact Will Be:

• Managing multiple projects of varying product types and complexities while maintaining cost and schedule targets.
• Working closely with overseas development, tooling, and manufacturing to ensure successful project completion.
• Troubleshooting pre‑production models and pilot production samples and making suggestions to improve performance, fix defects and improve mechanisms to guarantee end‑consumer satisfaction.
• Acting as liaison between US and overseas teams throughout the product life cycle.
• Reviewing concept sketches and providing support for products in the preliminary design phase.
• Working in a team environment with Design, Packaging, Quality, Marketing, Planning, Engineering, Sculpting, manufacturing plants, and offshore development sources.
• Analyzing product design for maximum utilization of materials, methods and processes in order to meet marketing strategies, cost objectives and quality specifications while working within the constraints of selling price and business margins.
• Examining product components to develop cost estimates and value by utilizing knowledge of product design and budgetary considerations.
• Managing and maintaining product data integrity within Mattel systems.

What We’re Looking For:

• BA/ BS Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial) or related discipline or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of relevant project management experience.
• Understanding of electromechanical systems is a plus.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple projects, make quick decisions, and possess excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Self‑starter with a solution‑oriented mindset.
• Successful in a fast‑paced environment.
• Possess excellent communication skills.
• Comfortable leading cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Must be comfortable with systems and data entry.
• Relationship building and customer‑facing skills.
• Demonstrated agrowth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate:Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate:At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute:We are a performance‑driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best‑in‑class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher‑Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences.Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award‑winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers .

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

The pay range for this position is between $100,000 and $126,000 annual. The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience.Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.