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Toy Buyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Toy Designer

Lakewood, NJ · On-site +1

$70K - $90K/yr

Toy Designer Location: Lakewood, NJ Hire Type: Direct Hire Pay Range: $70,000 - $90,000 Work Type ... Maintain a consistent design calendar aligned with seasonal launches, trade show timing, and buying ...

Prior toy industry experience is not required . Account Management * Build and maintain strong ... Represent the company at trade shows, buyer meetings, and industry events to promote products and ...

Prior toy industry experience is not required . Account Management * Build and maintain strong ... Represent the company at trade shows, buyer meetings, and industry events to promote products and ...

Position Requirements Education/Experience: * 3-5 years or more of sales management/sales experience within the toy industry. * Superior relationships with retailer management, buyers, marketing ...

Plush Designer

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Position Summary The Plush Designer leads the concept-to-shelf development of BMI's plush toy line ... Partner with the buying and marketing teams to align new plush launches with trade show timelines ...

Plush Designer

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Position Summary The Plush Designer leads the concept-to-shelf development of BMI's plush toy line ... Partner with the buying and marketing teams to align new plush launches with trade show timelines ...

Plush Designer

Lakewood, NJ · On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

... toy line, translating market trends, sales opportunities, and operator feedback into huggable ... Partner with the buying and marketing teams to align new plush launches with trade show timelines ...

Headquartered in North Andover, Massachusetts, RMS International (USA) is a leading toy ... Buyer, Factory & Content Coordination * Work directly withbuyers and factoriesto gather required ...

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Toy Buyer information

See salary details

$34.5K

$68.4K

$102.5K

How much do toy buyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for toy buyer in the United States is $68,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a toy buyer?

A Toy Buyer is responsible for selecting, purchasing, and managing toy inventory for a retailer, wholesaler, or distributor. They analyze market trends, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure products align with customer demand and company goals. Toy Buyers also monitor sales performance and make adjustments to maximize profitability. Strong negotiation, budgeting, and industry knowledge are key skills for this role.

What does a toy buyer do?

A typical day for a Toy Buyer involves reviewing sales reports to track product performance, researching new trends and potential products, and meeting with suppliers or attending trade shows to evaluate new toys. You’ll collaborate closely with the merchandising, marketing, and inventory teams to coordinate product launches and promotional activities. Negotiating with vendors, placing purchase orders, and monitoring inventory levels are also regular responsibilities. This dynamic mix of tasks ensures that your selections remain current and appeal to customers while keeping the retailer competitive in the market.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a toy buyer?

To thrive as a Toy Buyer, you need strong analytical skills, merchandising knowledge, and a background in retail purchasing or supply chain management, often supported by a degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with inventory management systems, sales forecasting tools, and POS analytics software is important for making data-driven decisions. Strong negotiation skills, creativity, and the ability to build relationships with vendors are invaluable in this role. These skills help ensure that the toy selection meets customer demand, achieves profitability goals, and keeps a retailer's assortment fresh and competitive.

More about Toy Buyer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Toy Buyer jobs?

The most popular types of Toy Buyer jobs are:

What states have the most Toy Buyer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Toy Buyer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Toy Buyer jobs?

For Toy Buyer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Toy Buyer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,384 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Toy Designer

Lakewood, NJ • On-site, Remote

Imagine Staffing Technology
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design original toy and prize concepts across multiple redemption categories from initial sketch through final approved artwork.

  • Partner directly with overseas factories to translate concepts into prototypes, tooling, and samples, and review factory samples for quality and fidelity.

  • Create detailed design packages, spec sheets, CAD drawings, and technical documentation to ensure accurate factory execution.


Job description

Job Title: Toy Designer
Location: Lakewood, NJ  
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Pay Range: $70,000 - $90,000
Work Type: Full-Time 
Work Model: Remote
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am – 5pm 
Recruiter Contact: Karissa Lubberts | 716.256.1254| klubberts@imaginegroup.com
 
Nature & Scope:
Positional Overview
 
The Imagine Group is recruiting for a Toy Designer on behalf of our client, a leader in redemption merchandise and technology, supplying plush items, toys, prizes, and novelties to family entertainment centers across the amusement industry. If you’re looking to shape what comes out of the claw machine next, this is the role for you!
 
In this role, you will be responsible for conceiving, developing, and bringing to market new toys and prizes across BMI's redemption product line, including plush, capsule toys, crane kits, novelties, and general hardgoods. This role owns the design process end-to-end — from initial concept sketches and trend research through technical specifications, factory sampling, and final production approval — ensuring every item is on-trend, cost-effective, safety-compliant, and ready to perform on a redemption counter.
 
Role & Responsibility:
Tasks That Will Lead to Your Success
 
  • Design original toy and prize concepts across multiple redemption categories — plush, capsule toys, crane kits, novelties, and hardgoods — from initial sketch through final approved artwork.
  • Develop color palettes, structural details, and material choices (molded plastic, die-cast, plush, electronics) that balance visual appeal with manufacturability and cost.
  • Create detailed design packages, spec sheets, CAD drawings, and technical documentation that factories can execute accurately.
  • Maintain a consistent design calendar aligned with seasonal launches, trade show timing, and buying team needs across all product categories.
  • Partner directly with overseas factories to translate concepts into first-round prototypes, tooling, and samples.
  • Review and redline factory samples for color accuracy, structural integrity, safety, and fidelity to the original design intent.
  • Coordinate material, trim, and component selections that meet BMI's cost targets and durability standards.
  • Support occasional factory visits to review production quality, tooling progress, and troubleshoot sampling issues on-site.
  • Track toy, novelty, and character trends across pop culture, licensing, and the broader toy industry to keep BMI's line ahead of the curve.
  • Attend industry and toy trade shows to scout emerging styles, competitor lines, and new manufacturing capabilities.
  • Recommend new product concepts, categories, sizes, and price points based on redemption operator feedback and sell-through data.
  • Work closely with the buying team to align new product designs with catalog strategy, pricing tiers, and seasonal assortments.
  • Partner with marketing to supply artwork and product imagery for catalogs, email blasts, and trade show materials.
  • Collaborate with quality assurance and sourcing on compliance testing (CPSIA, ASTM F963) prior to production release.
 
Skills & Experience
Qualifications That Will Help You Thrive
 
  • 3+ years of experience designing toys, novelties, or consumer products, ideally spanning multiple categories (plush, hardgoods, capsule/vending items).
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating original product design, illustration, and manufacturing knowledge across varied materials.
  • Proficiency with design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or equivalent) and familiarity with CAD tools for structural design.
  • Understanding of toy manufacturing processes, materials, and factory sampling workflows.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple design projects across product categories against overlapping deadlines.
Preferred
  • Experience designing for redemption, amusement, or arcade prize industry specifically.
  • Familiarity with licensed character guidelines and working within brand style guides.
  • Experience communicating directly with overseas factories on sampling, tooling, and revisions.
  • Bachelor's degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, Illustration, or a related field.