Job Description
Job Description
At Build-A-Bear we believe in the power of imagination, creativity, and memorable experiences. Our mission is to add a little more heart to life by creating unique experiences, lasting connections, and beloved memories that create lasting emotional connections. We are a multi-channel, site-based experience and entertainment company, with diversified categories and consumer segments. We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Product Designer - Wholesale to join our dynamic team.
The Wholesale Product Designer plays a pivotal role in shaping and expanding our brand presence through wholesale channels. This highly creative role is responsible for developing innovative, commercially viable products that align with our brand's aesthetic, storytelling themes, and market positioning. With a strong eye for design, elevated taste level, and deep knowledge of the toy & complimentary categories, the designer not only keeps a pulse on what's trending now-but also helps set the direction for what's coming next. Their ability to anticipate and influence emerging trends ensures our assortments remain fresh, relevant, and exciting. Working across multiple product lines simultaneously, this role translates ideas into consumer-centric designs that resonate with wholesale partners and support broader business goals.
Responsibilities :
- Develop and present innovative product concepts that reflect brand storytelling, commercial relevance, and appropriateness for wholesale partners.
- Creatively translate brand assets and style guides into product designs tailored to wholesale and commercial needs across plush, toy, and other product extensions to create clear cohesive statements at retail.
- Partner with cross-functional teams including wholesale, merchandising, sourcing, and licensing to ensure product feasibility and alignment with business objectives.
- Research and analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive offerings to inform design direction while anticipating and influencing emerging trends.
- Create detailed sketches, mood boards, and technical drawings to communicate design intent and specifications, inclusive of brand-right mock-ups to inspire partners.
- Develop product style guides that inspire product development and align with business needs, acting as a creative and strategic resource for internal & external partners.
- Participate in product reviews and feedback sessions to refine designs and ensure alignment with brand and partner expectations.
- Support market success by joining commercial teams in partner visits to pitch product lines, gather insights, and deepen understanding of evolving partner needs.
Required Qualifications :
3-5 years experience in Toy Design, Product / Industrial DesignKnowledge of consumer products industry (branding, packaging, design, marketing)Experience designing for wholesale or other consumer products categoriesExpert in Adobe Illustrator & PhotoshopExpert ability in rendering design concepts into art formConfident presenting creative concepts to internal stakeholders and external partnersProficiency with PLM systems & Microsoft OfficeBachelor's Degree in Toy Design, Product / Industrial Design, Fashion Design or Graphic DesignP referred Qualifications :
6+ years of experience in related fieldSkilled in working with licensed product and translating brand assets into commercially appropriate designsExpert in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop & proficient in other areas of Adobe Creative SuiteMaster's Degree in Toy Design, Product / Industrial Design, Fashion Design or Graphic DesignBehavioral Traits for Success :
Drive, determined, and self-disciplined approach to consistently achieve resultsPossess a high level of specialized expertiseValues new ideas and concepts, carefully analyzing and testing them before communication and adoptionEnsures quality is never compromisedThrives in a collaborative working environment with clear expectationsPrefers a fast-paced, ever-changing environmentProactive and organized with strong time management skills and ability to self-prioritizeTechnical problem-solving and ingenuity while working within approved organizational systems and technologyWorking Environment :
Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk / chairsCorporate Office located St. Louis, MOHybrid work scheduleDomestic travel 15-20%Your Performance Will Be Measured On :
Your ability to achieve annual department objectives and corporate goals which include but are not limited to the following :
Consistently aligned designs with brand aesthetic, storytelling, and commercial strategyLeadership approval on presented conceptsStrong wholesale adoption, reflected by line buys and assortment placementsEffective communication & collaboration with internal cross-functional teams and external partnersAbility to successfully translate design concepts into market-ready products for wholesale partnersCreation of on-trend, consumer-centric, and innovative design conceptsClarity and accuracy in sketches, mood boards, and technical drawingsMonitoring of industry and wholesale market trends to ensure product relevance and competitive positioningAlign with partner expectations to drive market recognition and strengthen assortment strategyWholesale product sales aligned to revenue goalsAbility to receive and apply feedbackStakeholder Feedback