Product Designer I, Junior - Plush & Toys
FOCO, Piscataway, NJ, United States
About FOCO
Team Beans/Forever Collectibles (FOCO) is a global leader in officially licensed sports and entertainment merchandise. FOCO proudly holds licenses across all major professional sports leagues, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, and NCAA, along with a growing portfolio of entertainment and character-based brands such as Hello Kitty (Sanrio), Peanuts, and other.
Our product portfolio spans apparel, accessories, headwear, collectibles, novelty items, and plush toys—bringing fan-favorite characters and teams to life through innovative, high-quality products.
The Opportunity FOCO is seeking a Product Designer I – Plush & Toys to support the design and development of licensed plush and toy products.
This is an entry-level role ideal for someone early in their career who is passionate about toys, plush, collectibles, and character brands. You will assist in bringing products to life from concept through production, working closely with cross-functional teams and global manufacturing partners.
What You’ll Do Design & Concept Support Assist in the design and development of plush toys (teddy bears, mascots, character plush, novelty items) Support translating 2D concepts into 3D plush products Create sketches, concept boards, and product ideas
Product Development Support Assist in creating tech packs (materials, dimensions, construction details) Support sample reviews and track revisions Help ensure designs meet production requirements and timelines
Licensing & Brand Compliance Execute designs within licensor guidelines (sports teams, character brands like Hello Kitty, Peanuts, etc.) Assist with submission and tracking of approvals Maintain consistency across licensed products
Vendor & Factory Coordination Support communication with overseas vendors and internal teams Assist with sample tracking, feedback, and updates Learn and contribute to product development processes
Trend & Market Research Research trends in toys, plush, collectibles, and character merchandise Identify inspiration across sports, entertainment, and retail Contribute ideas for new products and seasonal launches
Cross-Functional Collaboration Work with Design, Product Development, Licensing, and Sales teams Support presentations, product reviews, and internal meetings
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What You’ll Bring Required Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Toy Design, Industrial Design, or related field 0–2 years of experience (internship or entry-level role) Strong interest in plush, toys, collectibles, or character-based products Basic understanding of materials, construction, and product development Strong organizational and communication skills Willingness and ability to travel internationally (Asia, Latin America, etc.) up to 10% as part of the role
REQUIRED:
Must provide a professional portfolio (URL or PDF) showcasing relevant design work (plush, toys, product design, or concept development).
Applications without a portfolio will NOT be considered.
Preferred Internship or academic experience in toy or plush design Exposure to licensed products (sports or character brands) Ability to sketch or create design concepts (hand or digital) Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite Interest in brands like Hello Kitty, Peanuts, and similar IP
Key Competencies Creative thinking and concept development Attention to detail Eagerness to learn product development Organization and time management Collaboration and communication Passion for toys, plush, and fan products
Why FOCO? Work on globally recognized sports leagues and character brands Build real, market-facing products early in your career Gain exposure to global sourcing and manufacturing Join a fast-paced, creative product team Competitive benefits and employee merchandise discounts
Tryouts are open at FOCO! If you’re passionate about plush, toys, and licensed products, we’d love to see your work.
Apply now.
⚠️
Application Requirement (Read Before Applying) A portfolio is required for this role. Please include a link (URL) or PDF showcasing your design work. Applications submitted without a portfolio will not be reviewed.
Our product portfolio spans apparel, accessories, headwear, collectibles, novelty items, and plush toys—bringing fan-favorite characters and teams to life through innovative, high-quality products.
The Opportunity FOCO is seeking a Product Designer I – Plush & Toys to support the design and development of licensed plush and toy products.
This is an entry-level role ideal for someone early in their career who is passionate about toys, plush, collectibles, and character brands. You will assist in bringing products to life from concept through production, working closely with cross-functional teams and global manufacturing partners.
What You’ll Do Design & Concept Support Assist in the design and development of plush toys (teddy bears, mascots, character plush, novelty items) Support translating 2D concepts into 3D plush products Create sketches, concept boards, and product ideas
Product Development Support Assist in creating tech packs (materials, dimensions, construction details) Support sample reviews and track revisions Help ensure designs meet production requirements and timelines
Licensing & Brand Compliance Execute designs within licensor guidelines (sports teams, character brands like Hello Kitty, Peanuts, etc.) Assist with submission and tracking of approvals Maintain consistency across licensed products
Vendor & Factory Coordination Support communication with overseas vendors and internal teams Assist with sample tracking, feedback, and updates Learn and contribute to product development processes
Trend & Market Research Research trends in toys, plush, collectibles, and character merchandise Identify inspiration across sports, entertainment, and retail Contribute ideas for new products and seasonal launches
Cross-Functional Collaboration Work with Design, Product Development, Licensing, and Sales teams Support presentations, product reviews, and internal meetings
✅
What You’ll Bring Required Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Toy Design, Industrial Design, or related field 0–2 years of experience (internship or entry-level role) Strong interest in plush, toys, collectibles, or character-based products Basic understanding of materials, construction, and product development Strong organizational and communication skills Willingness and ability to travel internationally (Asia, Latin America, etc.) up to 10% as part of the role
REQUIRED:
Must provide a professional portfolio (URL or PDF) showcasing relevant design work (plush, toys, product design, or concept development).
Applications without a portfolio will NOT be considered.
Preferred Internship or academic experience in toy or plush design Exposure to licensed products (sports or character brands) Ability to sketch or create design concepts (hand or digital) Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite Interest in brands like Hello Kitty, Peanuts, and similar IP
Key Competencies Creative thinking and concept development Attention to detail Eagerness to learn product development Organization and time management Collaboration and communication Passion for toys, plush, and fan products
Why FOCO? Work on globally recognized sports leagues and character brands Build real, market-facing products early in your career Gain exposure to global sourcing and manufacturing Join a fast-paced, creative product team Competitive benefits and employee merchandise discounts
Tryouts are open at FOCO! If you’re passionate about plush, toys, and licensed products, we’d love to see your work.
Apply now.
⚠️
Application Requirement (Read Before Applying) A portfolio is required for this role. Please include a link (URL) or PDF showcasing your design work. Applications submitted without a portfolio will not be reviewed.