Welcome to Sanrio! Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty. We’re also home to an endearing cast of characters, including the newly crowned #1 favorite Pompompurin, alongside Cinnamoroll, Pochacco, Kuromi, and many more. Since 1960, our “small gift, big smile” philosophy has inspired a world of delight—where even the tiniest token can spark happiness and connection.

About the Role Are you a creative innovator with a flair for storytelling through design and a deep love for all things kawaii ? Sanrio is seeking an Associate Designer to help bring our characters to life across a wide range of product categories, including toys, collectibles, home décor, and lifestyle goods.

As part of the Creative Services team, you’ll play a key role in developing Style guide graphics and supporting product design along with our Hardlines division. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams, licensees, and creative partners to ensure our products are not only on-trend and high quality—but irresistibly cute.

This role is tailor-made for a designer with strong technical skills, a keen eye for trends, and a passion for creating joyful designs that will help shape the next generation of Sanrio products. If this sounds like you, and you're ready to jump in and make an impact, read on to learn more—we can’t wait to meet you!

Principal Responsibilities: The primary function of this position is the development of Style Guide graphics for the entire line of Sanrio products, but you will also be cross-trained to support the Hardlines Design team. You will delight in creating designs from basic concepts to fully developed projects under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Creative Services. You must have the ability to work under tight deadlines and demonstrate a high degree of flexibility. This role is hands-on and will handle projects from all stages, starting from conceptualization to completion.

The Details (AKA: Job Duties) Development of Style Guide graphics and assets for all Sanrio Brands. Create art graphics based on existing brand strategies and companywide internal creative requests. Help identify and establish fashion and graphical trends by researching through multiple resources and social media. Work collaboratively with the creative team and other members of Sanrio Inc. to satisfy and support all of Sanrio's creative needs. Prioritize, balance and manage workload with multiple deadlines. Organizational skills necessary to work under light deadlines. Must maintain company proprietary and confidential design concepts and information. Must be able to take direction as necessary. Must be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment, managing several projects at once. Ability to excel in a team environment with minimal supervision, and a self-starter.

What do YOU bring to the table (AKA: Experience, Skillset & Personal Attributes): AA in Graphic Design or closely related area (BA/BFA preferred). 2+ years’ experience within the consumer product industry or equivalent design expertise. Excellent drawing/illustration skills & a sense of color a must. Knowledge in hardlines/ plush and toy product development a plus; able to translate objectives into visual format also a plus. Knowledge of 3D modeling/CAD is a plus. Computer proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of printing processes. Knowledge of various raw materials (e.g., textiles, plastics, etc.) a plus. Must understand conceptualization of art development for consumer products (art is developed to use on the product). Professional-level organization/ prioritization skills are necessary to work under tight deadlines. Must be able to handle a number of projects simultaneously, must be a team player and able to work collaboratively and professionally with others. Good written/verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail. Must maintain company/licensee proprietary & confidential design concepts & information. Able to take direction as necessary.

Salary: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

*Even though this is a hybrid position, candidates must live in Southern California and be able to travel to our offices one or two days per week.