Sr Program Manager - Future Lab Design

The Opportunity:

As a Sr. Program Manager on the Future Lab Design team, you will coordinate and operationalize tech-forward strategies and initiatives that help pioneer the future of play.

This role requires a proven track record in developing and coordinating complex, tech-focused program plans involving multiple stakeholders. You must balance multiple high-complexity projects simultaneously and collaborate effectively to build consensus. You will work closely with designers, product managers, software producers, tech/dev teams, marketing managers, executive stakeholders across the company, and Mattel’s external network of strategic third-party partners.

The ideal candidate has a passion for human-centered thinking, cultural trends, and new technology..

This role is a great fit for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, and who is sensitive to the diverse perspectives of stakeholders and works with them to resolve differences. We’re looking for experienced customer-experience-obsessed entrepreneurs who are passionate about innovating on behalf of customers, demonstrate a high degree of ownership, and want to have fun while inventing the future.

Do you or someone you know have a passion to create products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play?

Join us to create the future of play.

What Your Impact Will Be:

• Develop program plans, set timelines, and coordinate activities across multiple programs, including Strategic Roadmaps, Design Sprints, and Process-Oriented Improvements.
• Track program progress, ensuring program goals are met, and successfully communicate program updates to cross-functional teams and executive management.
• Drive continuous improvement by analyzing program outcomes, learning from successes and failures, and implementing enhancements to processes and practices.
• Advocate for the needs of the consumer, ensuring the final product delivers on key objectives.
• Identify risks, develop mitigation scenarios, and resolve issues as they arise.
• Support leadership in strategic planning, priority setting, and project resourcing.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For:

• 8+ years of program management experience.
• Expertise in Design Thinking and Safe Agile frameworks.
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
• Ideal candidates will exhibit interest and knowledge of current trends. Understanding of features and play patterns in the toy industry is a plus.
• Portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Requirements:

• MBA or Master’s degree in a CS-related field
• Familiarity with production process (Agile, Kanban, Scrum, etc.) and tools (Jira, Confluence, etc.)
• Understanding of product finances, P&L management, and business modeling

Key Characteristics:

• Must be a strong leader, able to lead cross-functional teams and meetings with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Problem solver and intellectually curious.
• Self-starter/able to get things done in an entrepreneurial fashion.
• Ability to turn analysis into actionable objectives and act with passion and perseverance to achieve desired outcomes.

The annual base salary range for this position is between $140,000 and $175,000
**This range is indicative of projected hiring range, however annual base salary will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience.