Lead Development Program Management

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Opportunity: 

We are seeking a Lead Development Program Manager to join our Hot Wheels product development team. You will help manage projects from concept through production, in collaboration with a worldwide, cross-functional team consisting of representatives from Design, Development, Marketing, Manufacturing and others throughout the product design and development process.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Managing multiple projects of varying product types and toy development.  Managing varying complexities while maintaining cost and schedule targets
• Working closely with overseas development, tooling, and manufacturing to ensure successful project completion
• Facilitating during highly technical meetings using analysis techniques such as root cause analysis, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis and monitoring resolution outcomes
• Troubleshoot preproduction models and pilot production samples and make suggestions to improve performance, fix defects and improve mechanisms to guarantee end-consumer satisfaction
• Develop, maintain and drive schedule execution of worldwide products
• Act as liaison between our US teams and overseas locations throughout the product life cycle
• Reviewing concept sketches and providing support for products in the preliminary design phase
• Working with external development sources to grade and adjust product look at fit
• Managing project schedules, product costs, and system data maintenance
• Working in a team environment with Design, Packaging, Product Integrity, Marketing, Planning, Soft-goods Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Lab, manufacturing plants, and offshore development sources
• Develop cost estimates and provide cost /financial analyses for different types of products
• Analyze product design to affect maximum utilization of materials, methods and processes in order to meet cost objectives and quality specifications
• Examine product components to ascertain purpose, cost and value by utilizing knowledge of product design and budgetary considerations
• Guide cross-functional teams into optimizing the content and features of products given the constraints of selling price and margins 

What We’re Looking For:

• BA/ BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar technical field
• 7+ years of relevant project management experience
• Proven ability to juggle multiple projects, make quick decisions, and possess excellent problem- solving skills
• Comfortable leading cross-functional teams
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, making data backed decisions, cost analysis and possessing excellent problem- solving skills
• Excellent organizational skills are must
• Must be comfortable with systems and data entry
• Relationship building and customer- facing skills
• Executive presence when presenting milestones, progress and options to leadership
• Advanced knowledge of plastics & decoration production processes and assembly techniques a plus
• Potential travel required
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy