Manager of Product Design

For more than 60 years, hand2mind has inspired learning through play by creating hands-on, classroom-tested materials that help children learn by doing. We’re a growing, family-owned company recognized as a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and trusted by teachers and families alike. Our products range from classroom tools like Hands-on Standards® and consumer products for NumberBlocks® to innovative items like BubblePlush™ Yoga Balls.

About the role

As Manager of Product Design on hand2mind’s Design team, you will bring products to life by managing a team of industrial designers and overseeing the entire product design process. This includes setting high standards for industrial design and safety, tracking budgets, planning resources, and collaborating cross-functionally with Product Development and Marketing teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coach a team of Industrial Designers to foster creativity and ensure new products are developed within budget.
• Oversee the industrial design process, encouraging innovative brainstorming, sketches, mockups, 3D CAD, and renderings.
• Balance workload among the team and freelancers, adapting to the business’s evolving needs throughout the year.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Marketing, and Sales to shape go-to-market strategies.
• Manage or support product revamps as needed throughout the year.
• Participate as an integral part of the Product Development Leadership Team, demonstrating flexibility to take on projects as needed.

Key Performance Objectives

• Develop fluency in project management workflow in Monday.com within 3 months.
• Within the first 90 days, assess current design projects and establish prioritization based on company goals and key deliverables.
• Oversee and contribute to the industrial design of 25-40 new products within the first 12 months.
• Within the first 6 months, audit the design process and propose initiatives to integrate more continuous improvement and testing.
• Act as a primary liaison with other departments (such as Product Development, Marketing, and Sales), setting up check-ins and collaborative sessions as needed.
• Continually develop management skills, attending 3-5 training sessions per year.

Requirements

• BS/BA in Industrial Design, Toy Design, or equivalent.
• 8-10 years of consumer product development experience in the toy and game industry.
• Excellent sketching, rendering, and graphic design skills.
• Able to meet multiple, challenging deadlines and work within budgets.
• Excellent at solving problems creatively and/or knowing when to seek help.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Proficient in 3D CAD (Rhinoceros preferred), KeyShot, and 3D printing.
• Intimately familiar with plastic materials and general manufacturing processes.
• Able to effectively communicate with key stakeholders including colleagues, executive team, vendors, and customers.
• Portfolio demonstrating innovative thinking with on-trend designs in consumer products, preferably with some toy design.
• Travel to tradeshows 1-2 times per year.
• Travel to China up to 1 time per year.

Pay

Compensation range: $125,000 – $132,000 annual salary. Actual compensation may vary due to factors such as years of experience, skill set, and location. Total compensation includes profit-sharing bonus potential, 401k matching, and a variety of other benefits.