Designer, Home (UP&E)

Universal Products and Experiences Overview:

We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Here you can be your authentic self. As a company uniquely positioned to educate, entertain and empower through our platforms, Comcast NBCUniversal stands for including everyone. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, coupled with our Corporate Social Responsibility work, is informed by our employees, audiences, park guests and the communities in which we live. We strive to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where our employees feel supported, embraced and heard. Together, we’ll continue to create and deliver content that reflects the current and ever-changing face of the world.

Universal Products & Experiences Overview:

Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal’s iconic collection of brands, intellectual properties, characters, and stories based on the company’s extensive portfolio of properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this through innovative physical and digital products, engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and 3rd party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative, UP&E’s three lines of business include Consumer Products, Games and Digital Platforms, as well as Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP&E is a division of Universal Destinations & Experiences, part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. https://www.universalproductsexperiences.com/

Universal Products & Experiences is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce of the highest caliber. We are committed to fostering equitable and inclusive environments that honor the experiences, perspectives, and uniqueness of each colleague.

It is the policy of NBCUniversal and NBCUniversal's affiliated businesses to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy) sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Summary:

The Director is responsible for managing the Action Figures, Vehicles, Construction and Kidult Toys business, providing input in the overall category strategies, and managing key licensee relationships in support of NBCUniversal’s brands, across our Film, TV, and other IP.

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of experience with Category/Brand Management, knowledge of the licensing and retail landscape in the Toys & Hardlines categories. The candidate should have solid relationships with major brand partners, a proven successful track record, an entrepreneurial spirit and the breadth of skills required to help execute key initiatives & overall growth of the Universal Consumer Products Business.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website.

Salary range: $75,000 - $85,000

Responsibilities include:

• Ability to design from concept through final samples/productions for Home and Seasonal product categories including 3D product types

• Proficient in drawing/illustration (including character poses, expressions, turnarounds), design, perspective, and composition; proficient in character draw-overs to bring consumer product designs on model

• A solid understanding of translating 2D character art into 3D product design/development

• Develop design/mood boards, illustrations, and product POVs based on seasonal trends, themes, color, raw materials, styling, and storytelling

• Prepare all necessary components for design presentations and product review meeting preparations

• Be the design/PD expert in assigned category/categories. Understands execution, fabrications/materials and substrates, color palettes and able to create technical designs to fit various price points

• Understand licensee’s and factory design & manufacturing capabilities to guide efficient product development and develop appropriate solutions to execution challenges of our franchises

• Be the expert in all 2D & 3D creative assets, and film reference to provide accurate PD feedback

• Build and maintain strong, highly collaborative relationships with internal partners and

   Licensees/vendors/manufacturers to build effective partnerships

• Support product approval meetings to ensure submissions are reviewed by all necessary parties, appropriate feedback / approvals are gathered, and turnaround times are met within the appropriate time frame

• Prepare detailed recap notes from key meetings and share with the team

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in product design, illustration, or related field; Skilled in 3D product design/development 
• 3+ years Product Development experience required
• Experience with development and manufacturing of Hardlines and Softline’s specific to home and seasonal category and product types
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and able to provide clear direction
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task in a dynamic, deadline driven environment that revolves around multiple product development calendars
• Highly organized, proactive – a self-starter
  • Solution oriented
• Resourceful in troubleshooting issues 
• Fully proficient with Photoshop, Illustrator, and working with 3D file formats (.obj). Ability to use keynote, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Online product approval system
• Be vocal at creative meetings when it’s crucial to give PD’s point of views especially on asset developments
• Excellent communication, organization skills and strong attention to detail
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Multitasker
• A team player

Additional Requirements:

• Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week.

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].