Adobe Illustrator
Senior Design Manager
Spin Master
2021 - 2023 (2 education.years_Label)
Hi, I’m
Kara Heermann
Sr Design Manager
Irvine,CA
Summary
Senior Design Manager skilled in building relationships and communicating complex concepts. Leads design team strategy to develop and accomplish team goals. Drives initiative and demonstrates excellent organization and communication in fast-paced, dynamic environment. Collaborates with cross-functional stakeholders for greatest potential impact.
Work History
Spin MasterLos Angeles, CA
Senior Design Manager
2021 - 2023 (2 education.years_Label)
Job overview
- Led team of 5-8 designers in 2 countries to successfully execute on-brand, profitable deliverables in small doll and collectible toy category
- Directed design and development of numerous inventive products for multiple existing brands including Hatchimals and Zombaes
- Invented and strategized several not-yet-released IP brand launches with core cross-functional and international partners
Mattel IncEl Segundo, CA
Senior Design Manager
2016 - 2019 (3 education.years_Label)
Job overview
- Managed, mentored and led diverse design team with variety of disciplines through complex toy design process while inspiring ingenuity, guiding and supporting creativity, strategically aligning with cross-functional teams, meeting deadlines and budgets, and interfacing with international partners
- Spearheaded invention of new fashion doll IP brands including story and character ideation, doll styling, brand development, and aesthetic continuity across all media formats. Resulted in 2 new brands going to market and one nomination for 2021 Doll of the Year
- Oversaw conception, design and development of over 200 Monster High toys annually with peak sales of $800M including hardlines and soft goods for entertainment, core lines, customized programs, new form factors, TOTY nominations, and PR drivers
Mattel IncEl Segundo, CA
Design Manager
2006 - 2016 (10 education.years_Label)
Job overview
- Supervised 5 designers, supporting multiple high profile brands (Barbie, Monster High, Polly Pocket) with design development tasks including spec sheets, design improvements for consumer satisfaction, model creation, cost refinements, inventor partnerships, cross-functional team partnerships, quality assurance, and overseas manufacturing
- Developed new doll/toy lines for S.I.S and Mia & Me and successfully partnered with popular licenses for: apparel (Rocawear, Baby Phat), vehicles (Fiat 500), and international entertainment (Mia & Me)
- Expanded and grew retail presence for all brands by designing specialty customized products that offered variety from mainline and optimized existing tooling for maximum efficiency
Mattel IncEl Segundo, CA, CA
Product Designer
2002 - 2006 (4 education.years_Label)
Job overview
- Designed and developed numerous mass retail toys for Polly Pocket brand including large playsets with complex features, specialty doll and pet packs, vehicles, storage and customized retail products
- Infused freshness into existing toys by introducing premium finishes or treatments, new materials, soft goods, and solutions for improved consumer experience
Skills
Vision & Strategy
Ingenuity & Invention
Design, Develop & Manufacture
Brand Definition
Consumer Insights
Team Development
Cross-functional Partnerships
International Partnerships
Software
Adobe Photoshop
Keynote
Microsoft PowerPoint
Accomplishments
Drove success within 3 iconic doll brands : Barbie | Monster High | Polly Pocket spanning everything from customized retailer programs to high complexity, high profile toys, three of which were nominated for TOTY awards in 2013 and 2014
Launched 3 IP doll brands for Mattel (SIS, Wild Hearts Crew, Cave Club) - the latter of which was a TOTY nominee for Doll of the Year in 2021
Awarded Creative Excellence Award at Mattel in 2011
Education
UC Santa BarbaraCalifornia
Bachelor of Arts
1991 - 1995 (4 education.years_Label)
Timeline
Senior Design Manager
Mattel Inc
2016 - 2019 (3 education.years_Label)
Design Manager
Mattel Inc
2006 - 2016 (10 education.years_Label)
Product Designer
Mattel Inc
2002 - 2006 (4 education.years_Label)
UC Santa Barbara
Bachelor of Arts
1991 - 1995 (4 education.years_Label)
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