Senior Design Manager, Toys & Hardlines, Japan

Job Description

Summary:

Universal Products & Experiences is seeking a Senior Design Manager with experience in product design and licensing for the Toys and Hardlines team. The role will be based in Tokyo office and is responsible for product approvals, product development and product strategies for mainly Japan with the possibility of additional markets might be added in the future. Universal Products & Experiences team is looking for candidates that are pro-active, forward thinkers and have strong communication skills. The role requires a manager that has experience building strong relationships with internal cross-functional teams and external partners. This position will report directly to Director, Lifestyle/Toys & Hardlines Product & Design.

Responsibilities

Licensing & Product Development

• Serve as a subject matter expert in the entertainment and consumer products licensing business.
• Manage licensed product development and approval processes, ensuring brand integrity, storytelling alignment, and high-quality execution.
• Lead product approval meetings and oversee approval workflows, schedules, and system management.
• Provide strategic guidance on licensor selection and product execution to business and category partners.

Design Leadership & Innovation

• Lead design direction throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept creation through final production.
• Serve as the design expert for assigned product categories, including materials, construction, technical design, packaging, and branding.
• Develop compelling presentations and product reviews that effectively communicate design concepts, product features, and development plans.
• Provide design feedback and approvals aligned with brand guidelines, property priorities, and consumer expectations.
• Drive product innovation by translating brand vision and consumer insights into differentiated, market-relevant product concepts.
• Leverage knowledge of licensee design and manufacturing capabilities to optimize product development and execution.

Strategy & Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop team members while fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous growth.
• Develop and execute category design strategies that support business objectives and long-term growth.
• Identify emerging trends, consumer insights, innovation opportunities, and whitespace opportunities across brands and categories.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to develop new product initiatives and expand existing product lines.
• Contribute to broader business and organizational strategy discussions.

Communication & Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, licensees, vendors, and senior leadership.
• Lead complex discussions, secure cross-functional alignment, and remove barriers to successful execution.
• Facilitate high-impact meetings, establish accountability, and ensure timely follow-through on action items.
• Communicate regularly with global leadership and provide updates on project status, product development, and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Experience in licensing, consumer products, or manufacturing industries is preferred.
• 3–5+ years of people management experience.
• Experience of leading licensed consumer product design and development in the entertainment industry, from concept through production, including approvals, manufacturing, and commercialization.
• Native-level proficiency in Japanese; English proficiency preferred.
• Strong understanding of product category dynamics, consumer trends, and business strategy.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and business productivity tools, including Keynote, PowerPoint, Microsoft Office, Adobe Firefly, and Copilot, is a plus.
• Willing to attend business travels 

Desired Characteristics:

• Strong understanding of product category dynamics, consumer trends, and business strategy.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment
• Strategic thinker who can balance creative excellence with business objectives
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to mentor, motivate, and develop teams
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to effectively prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative, adaptable, and proactive problem-solver with a strong sense of ownership and accountability

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].