Associate Designer, Fashion / Apparel Licensing

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.

Softlines Design – Where Fashion Meets Storytelling

Do you dream in color palettes, live for trend forecasts, and see every hoodie, tote, or tee as a canvas for creativity? We’re looking for a Softlines Designer who’s ready to bring bold ideas and character-driven designs to life across apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products. In this role, you'll be assisting, supporting and working closely with the Softlines Design team. You will Design ideas from basic concepts to fully worked-out design solutions, hands-on from concept to final sample—collaborating with cross-functional teams, Licensees, and creative partners to ensure our products are not only on-trend and high quality—but irresistibly cute. If you have an eye for detail, a pulse on what’s next, and a passion for expressive design, this is your chance to turn everyday pieces into statement-makers.

What will you do here? The Details.....

Assist and support Softlines in the development and design of products that are current and on trend for each season.

Communicate day-to-day design direction and brand guidelines to both internal departments and external Licensees / partners and develop innovative and creative concepts.

Responsible for Softlines product approvals (approval system, T1 / T2 samples, other), 3D review / analysis, creating overlays, etc.

Provide overlays, learn a variety of product development executions in : Apparel, accessories, healthy and beauty, soft carry goods, and home goods.

Track and administer Licensing product approval process for assigned licensees and / or collaboration partners.

Collaborate specifically with Softlines team member, other members of the Creative team, as well as other departments as needed.

Take ownership in building relationships with Licensee partners, and provide feedback on creative research for Softlines categories around trends, product, materials, and colors.

Prioritize Sanrio brand standards, when implementing design comments across all categories and feedback for Licensees.

Work with Licensees to ensure character / brand integrity, design excellence, legal compliance, and quality of licensed products.

Perform other duties as assigned.

What do you bring to the table?

AA in Fashion Design, or Product Development, or closely related area (BA / BFA preferred).

2+ years of experience within the consumer product industry or equivalent design expertise.

Must have working knowledge of various raw materials (e.g., textiles, ceramics, etc.) and how they relate to Softline products.

Excellent drawing / illustration skills with key knowledge in Softlines product development; able to translate objectives into a visual format, and must be able to use a computer and artist tools to execute creative deliverables.

Computer proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office applications.

Experience with Basecamp and My Mediabox is a plus.

Good organization / prioritization skills necessary to work under tight deadlines, excellent understanding of time management.

Ability to prioritize, balance and manage workload with multiple deadlines.

Must be nimble, ability to pivot based on changes and can work in a fast-paced environment.

Must be resourceful and possess logic and critical thinking.

Excellent written / verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.

A team player with the ability to take direction and work professionally with others.

Must maintain company / licensee proprietary and confidential design concepts & information.

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

401(k)

401(k) matching

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Vision insurance

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.

Employment Type : Full-time

Seniority level : Entry level

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