Director of Product Studio - Future Lab

The Opportunity: 

As the Director of Future Labs Product Studio you will play a pivotal role in redefining the future of play. Your leadership will drive innovative product solutions that inspire joy and creativity in millions of fans worldwide. By leading a multidisciplinary team you will bridge cutting-edge technology with Mattels iconic brands to deliver transformative digital products experiences and services.

You will be responsible for leading and managing the execution arm of Mattels Future Lab taking validated concepts from the Future Lab Discovery Team transforming them into successful market-ready products and growing them into commercially successful products (as well as continuing to operate existing products in market). You will oversee a multidisciplinary team of Product Managers Digital Producers UI/UX Designers and Marketers and coordinate efforts across internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely high-quality and cost-effective product launches and growing product performance.

This role requires expertise in Product Management team leadership and strategic execution within a fast-paced innovation-driven environment. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of navigating complex corporate structures managing diverse stakeholder groups and delivering best-in-class transformative consumer products.

Do you or someone you know have a passion to create products that inspire entertain and delight fans of all ages worldwide

Join us to create the future of play.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Define and drive the strategic direction of the Future Lab Product Studio ensuring alignment with Future Labs mission to pioneer play innovation and Mattels overarching digital transformation and business goals.
  • Develop and maintain processes to efficiently transition concepts from validation to execution.
  • Identify and implement innovative go-to-market strategies.
• Execution and Delivery:
  • Foster seamless collaboration with the Future Lab Discovery Team to ensure validated concepts are transitioned effectively into scalable market-ready products.
  • Oversee the end-to-end product lifecycle from post-Discovery development to market launch and post-launch operation ensuring high-quality timely and within-budget delivery.
  • Build consensus and maintain alignment with cross-functional teams including the Discovery Team Mattels Global Brand Teams the Mattel Digital Studios leadership Executive Stakeholders and external partners.
  • Direct and manage a high-performing team to ensure reliable product operations iterating based on consumer insights product metrics and market trends.
• Team Management:
  • Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of Product Managers Digital Producers UI/UX Designers and Marketers.
  • Foster a culture of innovation collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • Cultivate an inclusive innovative team environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters creative problem-solving.
• Stakeholder Management:
  • Act as a primary liaison between Future Lab and Mattels Global Brand Teams and Executive leadership ensuring clear communication and alignment on priorities.
  • Collaborate with both internal and external technical teams to support seamless execution.
• Innovation and Industry Trends:
  • Stay abreast of industry trends emerging technologies and competitor products to inform product development strategies.
  • Develop scalable products that meet global consumer needs leveraging data-driven insights and technology frameworks.
  • Ensure the studio adopts Agile methodologies and leverages modern project management tools.
• Risk and Financial Management:
  • Identify and mitigate potential risks throughout the production process.
  • Manage production budgets resource allocation and project costs ensuring financial targets are met.

Qualifications :

What Were Looking For:

• Education:
  • Bachelors degree in business Computer Science Software Engineering Information Systems Design or a related field.
  • Advanced degrees (MBA or MS) are strongly preferred.
• Experience:
  • 6 years post-graduate experience or 8 years post-undergrad in Product Management or related roles.
  • Proven track record of successfully managing digital product development teams in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrable experience leading cross-functional teams in the development and delivery of digital or tech products.
  • Proven success in navigating complex corporate environments and managing diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Preferred experience with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) and User-Generated Content (UGC) platforms to inform and enhance product development strategies.
• Skills:
  • Strategic planning: Ability to articulate a clear product vision and translate it into actionable production plans. Experience creating and executing a clear production roadmap aligned with business goals and user needs.
  • Decision-making and Risk Management: Demonstrated ability to make timely informed decisions under pressure while proactively identifying and mitigating risks throughout the production process balancing technical feasibility budget constraints and market demands.
  • Execution expertise: Comprehensive understanding of the entire digital / tech product development lifecycle including design development testing deployment and maintenance across various platforms (web mobile apps etc.). Experience with physical/hardware products preferred.
  • Financial Planning and Budget Management: Experience forecasting and planning long-term product business plans as well as managing multiple P&L statements. Experience in managing production budgets allocating resources efficiently and tracking project costs to meet project/product goals
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to present complex concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders as well as executive leadership.
  • Agile Methodology: Demonstrated leadership in implementing and scaling Agile transformations including PI Planning and cross-functional collaboration within Agile frameworks. Expertise in Agile methodologies and tools such as Jira and Confluence with the ability to foster a culture of adaptability to evolving priorities and market demands.
  • Data Analysis: Proficiency in using data analytics tools to monitor metrics identify bottlenecks and make data-driven decisions. Proven ability to derive insights from data and move insights into action.
  • Leadership and Team Building: Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a focus on employee growth and development. Ability to build inspire and lead a high-performing production team with diverse skill sets.
  • Market Awareness: Staying updated on industry trends emerging technologies and competitor landscape to inform product development decisions.

The annual base salary range for this position is between $182000 and $223000.
**This range is indicative of projected hiring range however annual base salary will be determined based on a candidates 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.

Additional Information :

Dont meet every single requirement At Mattel we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt 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.

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 worlds 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.

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

Visit us at  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