Join the World of Friendship, Fun, and Creativity!
Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty. We’re also home to an endearing cast of characters, including the #1 fan favorite (2 years running!) Pompompurin, alongside Cinnamoroll, Pochacco, Kuromi, and many more. Since 1960, our “small gift, big smile” philosophy has inspired a World of delight, where even the tiniest token can spark happiness and an enduring connection. We're looking for an imaginative, trend-savvy Associate Designer in our Hardlines group to help bring our characters to life through products that delight fans of all ages.
If you're equal parts artist, trend hunter, collaborator, and product enthusiast, and the idea of helping shape everything from collectibles and home goods to lifestyle accessories sounds exciting, we'd love to meet you!
What You'll Do 🌈
As an Associate Designer on our Hardlines team, you'll help transform creative concepts into magical products that stay true to Sanrio's iconic brands and storytelling.
In this role, you will:
- Support the Creative Manager and Hardlines Designers across product development initiatives and licensing approvals.
- Assist in creating seasonal product concepts and designs that are current, innovative, and trend-forward.
- Partner with internal teams and external licensees to communicate design direction, brand standards, and creative vision.
- Manage and track the licensing product approval process for assigned licensees and collaboration partners.
- Develop style guides, inspiration decks, retail presentations, and product concept materials.
- Conduct trend research across categories, materials, colors, consumer products, and emerging design movements.
- Utilize trend forecasting services, retail research, and trend shopping to identify new opportunities.
- Collaborate with Creative, Sales, Marketing, and cross-functional teams to bring ideas to life.
- Help create style files and visual resources that enable licensees to execute products aligned with Sanrio's vision.
- Ensure all licensed products maintain character integrity, brand consistency, design excellence, quality standards, and legal compliance.
- Balance multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Support the team with additional creative projects and responsibilities as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What Makes You a Great Fit 🎨Required Qualifications
- Associate's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field (BA/BFA preferred).
- 2+ years of experience in consumer products, product design, licensing, or a related creative field.
- Knowledge of Hardlines product development, materials, and manufacturing processes, including plastics, textiles, and other consumer product materials.
- Strong illustration, sketching, and visual communication skills.
- Ability to translate creative objectives into compelling product concepts and presentations.
Must demonstrate proficiency in:
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
- Adaptable, resourceful, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Bonus Points If You Have ⭐
- A passion for character brands, pop culture, collectibles, and consumer products.
- Experience working with licensed brands and external partners.
- A keen eye for trends across kids', teen, and adult markets.
- A portfolio that showcases both creativity and commercial product thinking.
- A personality that lends itself toward working collaboratively with external partners.
Why You'll Love Working at Sanrio 💖
Every day, you'll help create products that spark happiness around the globe. You'll collaborate with a talented team of creatives, contribute to a beloved global brand, and bring imaginative ideas to life through products that connect generations of fans.
If you're ready to blend creativity, trend forecasting, product design, and a little Sanrio magic, we'd love to hear from you.
*Please note that this is a hybrid position - not remote. You MUST have your own transportation and be able to come into our Torrance office at least twice per week to collaborate with the team and manage samples.
Salary: $65k-$70k per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Company-paid Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance