Sr Director, Product Design - Hot Wheels

Company Description

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.

Job Description

The Opportunity: 

As Mattel continues to evolve as an IP-driven company, the Product Design organization plays a critical role in transforming brand strategy, consumer insights, and emerging trends into innovative products and play experiences that inspire consumers around the world.

We are seeking a Senior Director, Product Design to lead a high-performing team of designers responsible for the creation and execution of breakthrough product lines across a portfolio of brands. This leader will establish the creative vision for the business, drive innovation, and partner closely with Marketing, Product Development, Consumer Insights, Engineering, Packaging, and Commercial teams to deliver compelling products that strengthen brand equity and achieve business objectives.

The ideal candidate combines exceptional product design expertise with strong people leadership and strategic thinking. They have a proven track record of developing successful product lines, building and coaching high-performing teams, identifying future consumer opportunities, and translating insights into meaningful product innovation.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

Product Design Leadership – 40%

• Establish and drive the creative vision and design strategy across a portfolio of brands, product lines, or categories.
• Lead development of innovative product concepts and consumer experiences that differentiate Mattel brands in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
• Champion consumer-centered design by translating trends, insights, and cultural movements into compelling product opportunities.
• Drive excellence throughout the design process, from concept development through commercialization.
• Partner with global development teams to ensure design intent is maintained through manufacturing and production.
• Present product strategies, concepts, and line plans to executive leadership and key stakeholders.

Team Leadership & Talent Development – 25%

• Lead, develop, and inspire a team of product designers while fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and career development opportunities to strengthen organizational capability and talent pipelines.
• Establish clear expectations and create an environment that encourages experimentation, continuous learning, and creative excellence.
• Drive effective workload planning and resource allocation across a diverse portfolio of initiatives.

• Innovation & Consumer Insights – 20%
• Partner closely with Consumer Insights and Marketing teams to identify emerging consumer needs, white-space opportunities, and future growth platforms.
• Maintain a deep understanding of trends, competitors, technologies, materials, and evolving play patterns.
• Lead innovation initiatives that expand Mattel's product offerings and unlock new opportunities for growth.
• Encourage a culture of curiosity and continuous exploration to ensure Mattel remains at the forefront of play innovation.

Cross-Functional Leadership – 15%

• Collaborate with Marketing, Product Development, Engineering, Packaging, Licensing, Finance, and Commercial teams to ensure successful product execution.
• Influence business decisions through effective communication, storytelling, and strategic thinking.
• Build strong partnerships with global teams and Asia-based development partners to deliver products on time, on cost, and at the highest quality standards.
• Balance consumer needs, business objectives, manufacturing considerations, and brand strategies to achieve successful business outcomes.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• 12+ years of progressive product design experience with a demonstrated history of bringing successful consumer products to market.
• Significant experience leading teams through the full product development lifecycle, from concept generation through commercialization.
• Proven people leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring, talent development, and succession planning