Funko Overview
Welcome to the Funko-verse, a world built on pure imagination, a land governed by the philosophy that stories matter, a universe comprised of characters from countless fandoms, a galaxy of once upon a times and happily ever afters.
But what does Funko do?
Funko is a purveyor of pop culture and licensed-focused collectibles company. Funko currently holds thousands of lenses and the rights to create tens of thousands of characters – one of the largest portfolios in the pop culture and collectibles industry. Funko’s Pop! Vinyl is the number one stylized vinyl collectible on the market, selling millions of figures to fans around the world.
As SVP of Creative you will be responsible for leading all aspects of creative execution and innovation from ideation on new product programs, creative direction on art stylization for key program-based activations in seasonal and events, to day-to-day art direction by working closely with the internal Creative Directors and the product teams and external content managers. You will lead product design, 3D designs, packaging design, and all aspects of aesthetic look and review on 2D art & graphics across product and other public facing platforms for a cohesive brand look and lead the formation of a creative roadmap for all products within Funko & Loungefly.
You will partner and collaborate with key functional and cross functional teams including senior leadership to identify and implement organizational initiatives to ensure the company meets its strategic goals and continues growth.
Ideal candidates will have a role-up-sleeves attitude with extensive experience in collectibles/toys/accessories/apparel product categories in a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) environment; has a solid understanding of creative, product design, packaging, and product development processes including innovation, construction, operations, and merchandising. A strong leader who can prioritize well, communicate clearly and compellingly and who understands how to drive a high level of focus and excellence.
What You’ll Do
- Sets overall Creative direction for product within collectibles, materials, and treatment all while striving for newness and innovation within Funko & Loungefly product lines.
- Drives the future and pushes the boundaries on innovation within all product categories.
- Leads strategic development of all product design including creative concept and 2D/3D design to ensure unique brand identity.
- Sets product direction and tone for key company and licensor tent poll initiatives.
- Builds and maintains relationships with our licensors to exchange creative strategies and ideation as well as a smooth development process.
- Leads all packaging design, creation, and quality. Responsible for ensuring all products designs meet global children standard labeling.
- Sets product standards including product Branding; Ensures these standards are met during design and development and align to the overall Funko’s brand aesthetic.
- Leads, creates, and identifies needs for overall department processes and pivots them as business needs arise.
- Identifies and solves complex business and process problems as they arise. Collaborates with Senior Leaders if needed to help solve these problems cross functionally.
- Provide direction and inspire the team to ensure the design and development of product creation process is synergized with focused results.
- Lead in the execution of key product including owning short to mid-term (1-3 years) strategy execution and operation direction.
- Participate in the annual budget process and manage needs according to the approved budget.
- Oversees work and strategy of department teams and ensures alignment with cross functional business teams and overall business goals and strategies.
- Lead and direct multiple teams lead by Directors, Senior Managers, and/or Managers along with coaching and mentoring team members to ensure consistent team development and growth.
- Actively generate and develop innovative ideas and concepts based on the needs of the licenses and the retailers and lead creative showcase meetings for the business.
- Providing strategic insight into product development opportunities and plans for current and future product development.
- Actively partner with art director including maintaining design integrity with internal teams, and external content providers.
- Assisting in, and leading, special projects, as necessary.
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Product Design and development and/or Fashion Design (in lieu of a degree additional yrs. direct experience may be considered).
- Has 15+ years of experience within product design and development for a fast-paced consumer goods retailer including at least 5 years of senior leadership. Experience in collectibles is required.
- Adobe Creative Suite knowledge and use is required.
- Experience working with licensed and non-licensed products.
- In depth knowledge of all facets of product creation including initial concept, design, product development, technical design, production, and packaging design and development for Hardlines categories.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding and knowledge of the pop culture consumer and what they want.
- Ability to think outside the box and set new direction in product including patentable product or technique ideas.
- Financial acumen and the ability to forecast, plan, budget, and meet department/company financial expectations.
- Critical thinking and ability to anticipate product/process issues before they arise.
- Has a strong leadership understanding, strategic aptitude and ensure teams hits key milestones in Go to Market calendar dates.
- Ability to demonstrate quality leadership, talent development, and relationship building with internal and external teams including our retail and license partners.
- Knowledge of product creation systems and tools including PLM. File Maker Pro experience is a plus.
- Experience in developing strong relationships with top senior executives to gain their sponsorship and partnership.
- Effective analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, lead and partner across functions and teams.
- Ability to manage and prioritize competing priorities and projects.
- Can set vision and goals at a department and individual level and motivate the team to achieve strong and tangible results.
- Ability to motivate and influence others to achieve success and provide career mentorship and growth development opportunities for direct reports.
Salary Information
The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $300,000 – 350,000 annually.Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and restricted stock units.
What Funko Offers
Funko offers a competitive compensation package with full benefits and a 401(K) plan with matching contributions from the company. Most importantly, we offer a creative work environment with people who love pop culture just as much as you do. Can’t wait to gush about your latest binge? Neither can we! Looking for a place where your favorite pop culture t-shirt will receive the compliments it deserves? We know how you feel!
Funko is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
This position is based in Burbank, CA