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Toy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prior toy industry experience is not required . Account Management * Build and maintain strong relationships with wholesale and retail customers. * Serve as the primary point of contact for customer ...

Associate Manager, Toy Marketing, Barbie

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$35.25 - $48.25/hr

Develop toy strategy by segment (core, premium, collector, preschool, etc.). * Manage toy pricing architecture and competitive positioning. * Partner with leadership to build 3-5 year toy product ...

Senior Toy Designer - Dolls

Culver City, CA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

As the Senior Toy Designer in our Dolls division, you will successfully lead the design and development of innovative doll lines for high-profile licensed brands. This role requires an expert balance ...

Senior Toy Designer - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

As the Senior Toy Designer, Trends, you will successfully lead the design and development of innovative toy lines for market-leading brands. This role requires an expert balance of creative vision ...

Associate Manager, Toy Marketing, Barbie

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$35.25 - $48.25/hr

Develop toy strategy by segment (core, premium, collector, preschool, etc.). * Manage toy pricing architecture and competitive positioning. * Partner with leadership to build 3-5 year toy product ...

Associate Manager, Toy Marketing, Barbie

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$35.25 - $48.25/hr

Develop toy strategy by segment (core, premium, collector, preschool, etc.). * Manage toy pricing architecture and competitive positioning. * Partner with leadership to build 3-5 year toy product ...

Senior Toy Designer - Dolls

Culver City, CA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

As the Senior Toy Designer in our Dolls division, you will successfully lead the design and development of innovative doll lines for high-profile licensed brands. This role requires an expert balance ...

Senior Toy Designer - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

As the Senior Toy Designer, Trends, you will successfully lead the design and development of innovative toy lines for market-leading brands. This role requires an expert balance of creative vision ...

Toy Designer - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Instrumental in generating new toy concepts and designing new play experiences for new and/or existing brands and product lines * Deliver end to end product design including research, concepts ...

Toy Marketing Manager

Pico Rivera, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The ideal candidate has experience in marketing, product marketing, or the toy industry , with a strong understanding of consumer trends, product lifecycle management, and cross-functional ...

Toy Designer - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

Instrumental in generating new toy concepts and designing new play experiences for new and/or existing brands and product lines * Deliver end to end product design including research, concepts ...

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Toy information

See California salary details

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How much do toy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for toy in California is $15.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a toy designer?

To thrive as a Toy Designer, you need strong skills in industrial design, creativity, and a background in art or product design, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and knowledge of safety standards are typically required. Imagination, collaboration, and an understanding of child development make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure that toys are innovative, safe, and engaging for children, leading to successful products in the marketplace.

What are some common challenges faced by toy designers when developing new products?

Toy designers often face the challenge of balancing creativity with strict safety and regulatory requirements. They must ensure that their designs are both engaging and age-appropriate, while also adhering to international safety standards. Additionally, they frequently collaborate with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to bring a concept to market, which requires strong communication and adaptability. Staying current with trends and understanding children's evolving interests are also key aspects of the role.

What is a toy designer?

Toy designers are professionals who create and develop new toys for children and adults. They combine creativity, knowledge of child development, and an understanding of safety regulations to design toys that are fun, educational, and safe. Toy designers often work with materials like plastic, fabric, and electronic components, and collaborate with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to bring their ideas to life. Their work can range from conceptual sketches to creating prototypes and overseeing production.

What is the difference between Toy vs Model Maker?

AspectToyModel Maker
Required CredentialsBasic education, sometimes specialized training in toy designTechnical or artistic training, often with a focus on model construction
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, toy design studiosWorkshops, studios, or design labs
Industry UsagePrimarily in toy manufacturing and designIn model creation for various industries like film, architecture, or collectibles

While both Toy and Model Maker roles involve design and craftsmanship, Toy designers focus on creating toys for children, emphasizing safety and playability. Model Makers create detailed models for various purposes, often requiring precision and technical skills. The roles overlap in design skills but differ in end-use and industry focus.

What cities in California are hiring for Toy jobs? Cities in California with the most Toy job openings:
Infographic showing various Toy job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,235 per year, or $15 per hour.

Associate Manager, Toy Marketing, Barbie

Mattel, Inc.

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$35.25 - $48.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Mattel rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Summary:
Mattel, Inc. is a leading global toy and family entertainment company known for its iconic brands. The Associate Manager of Toy Marketing will collaborate with the Toy Marketing Manager to manage the toy portfolio strategy, pricing, and product development pipeline.
Responsibilities:
• Develop toy strategy by segment (core, premium, collector, preschool, etc.).
• Manage toy pricing architecture and competitive positioning.
• Partner with leadership to build 3–5 year toy product roadmaps, balancing innovation and refresh cycles.
• Own consumer/play insights specific to toy usage and play patterns.
• Collaborate with Design/R&D to bring toys from concept to shelf.
• Assist in coordinating with regional commercial teams in gaining buy-in to global product strategies at all levels
• Own toy business performance (revenue, margin, SKU productivity).
• Provide input to Brand Marketing on packaging, messaging, and feature storytelling.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 5+ years (3 years with MBA) experience in brand marketing (on brand or agency side), franchise management/marketing, content marketing, or purpose-driven strategy/marketing.
• Project management Managing complex product development timelines.
• Roles in category management, product marketing, or product development.
• Experience partnering with design and manufacturing.
• Background in CPG or toy companies, ideally with exposure to retail buyer dynamics.
• Strong quantitative/financial skills (forecasting, pricing, SKU productivity analysis).
• Product strategy & roadmap Ability to define toy segments, pricing ladders, and innovation cycles.
• Collaboration with design/R&D Comfort working with creative, engineering, and manufacturing teams.
• Retail/channel knowledge Ability to leverage insights to build mass, specialty, and e-commerce distribution strategies.
• Business & financial management Strong grasp of SKU productivity, margin targets, and overall toy category P&L.
• Financial acumen Experience with P&L at the brand or category level.
• Communication skills Excellent at storytelling, presentations, and influencing senior leadership.
• Strong PowerPoint creation and presentation skills, proficiency in Outlook, Word and Excel.
Company:
We empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Founded in 1945, the company is headquartered in El Segundo, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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