Director of Product Development – Vehicles Category

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced, innovative, and dynamic Director of Product Development for our Vehicles category which includes iconic brands such as Hot Wheels and Matchbox.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead product development activities, including program management and product engineering, while interacting with various departments such as marketing, design, manufacturing, and supply chain.

This position will play a crucial role in leading the development of our iconic die-cast cars, tracks, playsets, RC vehicles, and more, from concept through production.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Lead and manage the product development team based at the Mattel Design Center reporting into the VP of Global Product Development - Vehicles.


• Oversee program management and product engineering activities to ensure successful product launches.


• Collaborate closely with marketing, design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to align product development with business objectives.


• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in product development processes.


• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality products that meet market demands and customer expectations.


• Manage the product lifecycle from initial concept through production, ensuring function, aesthetics, quality and timeliness at every stage.


• Engage with external partners and vendors to enhance product development capabilities.


• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence.


• Travel as required to support product development activities and team collaboration.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Product Design, Program Management, or related field


• 10+ years of experience in product development, with a focus on toys or consumer products.


• Proven track record of leading and delivering successful products to market


• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team


• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams


• Creative thinker with a passion for innovation and problem-solving.


• Demonstrated initiative and follow-through in managing complex projects


• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.


• Technical acumen and a deep understanding of product development processes


• Proficiency in project management tools and techniques.


• Excellent communication and collaboration skills


• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

About You: The ideal candidate will be a good collaborator, capable of working seamlessly with various departments to drive product development success. You should possess strong leadership qualities, technical expertise, and excellent communication skills. Your initiative and ability to follow through on projects will be key to your success in this role.

Join us at Mattel and be part of a team that brings joy and excitement to children and collectors around the world through innovative and high-quality products.

Apply Now: If you are passionate about product development and have the skills and experience to lead our Vehicles category, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity at Mattel.

The annual base salary range for this position is between $181,500 and $227,000.
**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. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.


• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.


• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.