Director, Product Design

Los Angeles, CA, United States

WHY Brands Inc., a parent company of Munchkin andCurio Home Goods , focuses on creating, incubating, and growing the next generation of consumer lifestyle brands. Founded in 1990, Munchkin is the leading consumer product company and most loved baby lifestyle brand behind the innovative gear and products for children, mothers and caregivers. Munchkin has sold billions of dollars of products through our key retail partners: Target, Walmart, and Amazon and has global distribution in over 50 countries. Curio, a premium brand of curated collections of home goods, launched in 2023. WHY’s vision is to establish an expanding portfolio of innovative businesses that align with its commitment to inventive product design. With over 320+ patents under our belt, we continue to create solutions that leave our customers asking, "how did I ever live without this?" Recognized as #8 on America’s Most Innovative Companies list by Fortune Magazine, innovation is the core of our company DNA and has been driving our designs for 30 years!

We lead with our core values and believe that investing in the community is our responsibility. We create opportunities for every child’s potential and well-being through the Radiant Colors program, work to create a sustainable future, and in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare have committed to animal conservation. Not only were we honored by LA Business Journal as The Most Sustainable Company of 2022, we were also humbled to be honored on the 2023 Fast Company’s annual “Brands That Matter” list.

There is no better time than now to join WHY Brands as we embark on our next and biggest growth journey and you could be the next influential leader to play a key role in driving enormous customer-centered value and rapid growth.

What You’ll Do:

The Director of Product Design leads new product strategy and enhancements for a new line of modern consumer products. Reporting to the VP of Product Development and Design, you’ll lead a team of designers to identify new opportunities, translate those opportunities into product requirements and partner with a top-notch team of designers, engineers, developers, and operation teams to create new products & features.

Drive the product strategy and roadmap, leading a team of designers to ensure we achieve our short-term and long-term goals

Responsible for ensuring product design is consistent with market trends, business strategy and ensures product quality and efficacy

Develop and bring to market new and innovative products

Evaluate, analyze, and make recommendations on products, designs, and cost improvements to improve the competitive position of the product and relays this information internally and to overseas operations

Assist in creating detailed project plans and assures that the group and each individual has a clear set of goals and objectives

Assure that the established goals for Product Development team are accomplished on time and within budget. Any unavoidable exceptions are communicated effectively and timely

Reports progress against goals and schedules

Assist in formulating budgets. Monitor, control, correct and report expenditures versus approved budget

Meets managerial requirements related to Quality Systems and Design Control as well as any other requirement specifically designated by corporate or site policies or procedures. Assures that appropriate steps are taken to identify, prioritize and address quality problems

Provides technical leadership and acts as a consultant to Product Development group members

Assures that every group member establishes and maintains the technical skill level required to execute the Product Development programs

Build a strong relationship with Asia team to ensure smooth transfer of information and proper execution of product design

Have a strong sense of manufacturability to streamline the design process

Other duties may be assigned

Bring It!

Bachelor’s Degree in Design Engineering or related field (Electrical, Mechanical, etc.)

10+ years of CPG product design experience with 3+ years of management experience. Experience with electronics and tech devices / components highly preferred

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple cross-functional projects

Knowledge across the whole process of developing products from the concept phase through to development, regulatory approval, production and launch

Business understanding and knowledge within the entire product lifecycle

In depth knowledge within the industry including quality requirements and regulatory requirements

Direct management experience with proven ability to train, teach and lead others

Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skill. Experienced presenter in corporate context

Ability to improve situations with proactive problem solving skills and solution oriented negotiation skills

As a Great Place to Work Certified company, we are committed to offering the best to our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, AD&D, wellness benefits, generous employer-matched 401(k) plan, Paid Childcare Leave, among other benefit plans. Our total rewards are top of market and includes competitive salary, bonus and opportunities to earn equity. We invest and focus on supporting employee development and growth.

To give our people flexibility, we offer half-day Friday’s all year around and provide annual weeklong global holiday closures, giving our people a chance to rest, recharge and spend time enjoying their passions outside of work.

We regularly hold social functions to foster a genuine camaraderie that enhances teamwork. At company-wide events, we take time to recognize the talent and dedication of our people.

Salary range: $165,000 - $185,000 (DOE)

To learn more, visit us at www.munchkin.com , www.curiohomegoods.com, and www.WHYBrands.com.

WHY Brands welcomes and values what makes everyone unique. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit and business needs. We recruit, employ, train and promote regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic or any other protected status.

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