Graphic/Visual Designer - tonies Accessories (all genders)

tonies is the world’s leading interactive audio platform for children, with over 12 million Tonieboxes and 165 million Tonies sold globally. Our intuitive, screen-free system empowers children to learn and play independently in a safe and engaging way.

With a presence in over 100 countries and a diverse portfolio of ~1,500 Tonies across multiple languages, we continue to redefine how children experience storytelling and learning. Since our IPO in 2021, our global team of 630+ colleagues is united by a shared mission: shaping the future of play, learning, and imagination.

We're looking for an experienced Graphic/Visual Designer to own the design output of the tonies Accessories portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Accessories, you'll be responsible for CMF direction across all categories, 2D asset creation, product renders, licensor approval submissions, and Style Guide stewardship. You'll work within a structured product development process (PDP), holding the Responsible role across various design tasks — from initial ideation through to golden sample approval.

This is a role for someone who thinks in finished products that excite our target audiences, not just finished files. You understand that what you're designing will be held by a child, sitting on a shelf in a retailer in Germany, the US, or the UK, next to one of the most loved children's brands in the world. That context matters to you.

• Direct CMF (Color, Material, Finish) for all accessories categories — Headphones, Nightlights, Bags, Shelves, Decoration, and more.
• Build design briefs for ODM/OEM manufacturing partners and own the construction sample process
• Lead first sample and golden sample approvals against brand and CMF standards
• Manage Top of Production (TOP) sample reviews and sign-off
• Commission 3D packaging renders from supply partners and review against brand

• Own the end-to-end licensor design submission process for all IP partnerships
• Maintain the licensor submission tracker and ensure approvals stay on schedule
• Build fluency with individual licensor style guides and maintain their application across the range

• Own and maintain the Accessories Style Guides — the definitive brand reference for all categories
• Ensure visual coherence across all accessories SKUs (across our entry, mid and premium tiers) in the annual pipeline with a distinctive connection with the broader tonies product ecosystem
• Maintain and organise shared drive documentation (samples, approvals, asset files, product catalogue)
• Work closely with external agencies and the brand creative teams to ensure alignment and brand integrity 

• Present design routes and options to Senior Product Managers who set commercial direction
• Work in lockstep with the Senior Operations Lead on sample logistics, scheduling, and PDP coordination
• Translate commercial briefs into executable design direction for manufacturing partners including our preferred outsourced operations partner. 

• Think from a user/audience point of view and understand the products, not just graphics. You understand print processes, material specifications, and what a brief needs to include for a factory to actually execute it
• Take ownership instinctively. If the Style Guide is out of date, you update it. If a licensor tracker isn't being maintained, you build one
• Can hold a creative line under commercial pressure. PMs will push for timelines; you keep quality and brand integrity intact
• Are genuinely curious about how things are made — CMF direction requires real interest in materials, construction, and manufacturing, not just aesthetics
• Thrive in a lean, fast-moving environment — you are joining a team building a new operating model, not maintaining a legacy one
• Balance creative flair with operational rigour: you're as comfortable managing a sample approval timeline as you are originating a new design route
• Actively use AI tools in your design process — for ideation, direction exploration, and accelerating output

• 5–7 years of product design, graphic/visual design or packaging design experience in consumer goods, accessories, lifestyle, or licensed products
• Proven CMF direction experience across multiple product categories
• Hands-on experience managing licensor approval loops with brand partners (entertainment, character, lifestyle IP)
• Experience working with ODM/OEM supply chains — you know what a design brief needs to include for a manufacturer to execute it
• Familiarity with a structured product development process (stage-gate, RACI-based, or similar)
• Advanced Adobe Creative Suite proficiency (Illustrator, Photoshop) including production-ready artwork
• Strong understanding of material and print processes — what a spec sheet needs to say, and why
• English at a professional level; German is a strong plus

• 3D rendering capability (Keyshot, Rhino, or similar)
• Experience designing within licensed brand style guides (entertainment IP, or similar)
• Background in apparel, fashion & home accessories, or soft goods design (toys & consumer electronics is a plus)
• Understanding of sustainable packaging and materials principles
• Portfolio that demonstrates physical product development, not just graphic design