Senior Creative Design Manager (Team Lead)

Senior Creative Design Manager (Team Lead)

Location: Glendale, CA (On-site)

New Office Location: Culver City, CA (December 2025)

POP MART (09992.HK), founded in 2010, is a leading global company in the trend culture and entertainment industry. Centered around IP, POP MART has built a comprehensive platform for creative incubation and IP operation, empowering global creators while delivering exciting products, services, and immersive entertainment experiences to consumers. POP MART identifies and nurtures emerging artists and designers worldwide, creating popular character IPs through a well-established IP development and operation system. Its portfolio includes iconic IPs such as MOLLY, SKULLPANDA, DIMOO, THE MONSTERS, and Hirono. By launching art toys and derivative products based on these IPs, POP MART continues to lead trends in consumer culture. As of the end of 2024, POP MART operates over 500 physical stores and more than 2,300 Robo Shops across 30 countries and regions. Through multiple cross-border e-commerce platforms, the company has reached audiences in over 90 countries and regions, bringing joy to young consumers around the world.

Job Overview

We are seeking a creative and strategic Senior Creative Design Manager to shape the physical presence of our brand. In this role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end creation and execution of store designs in a fast-paced environment. You will translate the brand's vision into compelling, innovative, and operational creative environments that meet budget, capacity, and brand standards.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you will not only drive the creative process but also build and mentor a small, high-performing design team. You will collaborate closely with executive management and cross-functional partners, leveraging outstanding project management and communication skills to bring our stores to life.

What You Will Achieve

• Design & Concept Development: Lead the development of new and revised store concepts, from initial sketches to comprehensive design development packages, including schematic designs, 3D visualizations, and construction drawings.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Build, lead, and inspire a team of 3 designers, fostering a collaborative, creative, and high-performance work environment. Manage workloads, provide constructive feedback, and support professional development.
• Project Management: Manage multiple store projects (new stores, remodels, pop-ups) simultaneously from concept to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with internal teams including Construction, Purchasing, Operations, and Marketing to ensure designs meet corporate objectives, operational needs, and merchandising strategies.
• Vendor & Prototype Management: Work with external architects, engineers, and fabricators. Lead the review and approval of fixture prototypes, ensuring design integrity and quality.
• Site Supervision: Visit job sites to ensure design standards are maintained, resolve field issues, and approve final installations alongside Construction team.
• Innovation & Trends: Continually research and present new creative trends, materials, and construction methods to senior leadership for consideration and implementation.

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field.
• 10 years of experience in creative design and architecture, with a strong portfolio showcasing innovative store concepts.
• Proven experience successfully managing multiple design projects from concept to launch.
• 8 years demonstrated leadership ability or direct experience managing and mentoring a team is requied.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D rendering tools).
• Excellent project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly to senior leadership.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset with the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.

What We Offer

• Market-competitive packages: 401(k), health insurance, dental, vision, PTO, paid sick leave, and family leave.
• Opportunities to learn and lead: On-the-job training and exposure to international HR compliance frameworks.
• Career development: Access to mentorship, cross-functional projects, and ongoing professional growth opportunities.

*POP MART is committed to equal pay initiatives and will not ask candidates for their current or past salary.

**As an Equal Opportunity Employer, POP MART does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, citizenship, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or because of any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local law.