Project Management Associate - Events at Mattel in El Segundo, CA

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Opportunity: 

The Project Management Associate supports the planning, coordination, and execution of experiential events and projects from concept through completion. This role partners closely with internal creative, production, and leadership teams to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with client objectives. The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Support department leadership in identifying and implementing process improvements and operational best practices.
• Manage assigned projects from initiation through completion, ensuring all deliverables, timelines, and budgets are successfully maintained.
• Partner with Creative, CAD, Graphics, Fabrication, and other internal service groups to facilitate project development and execution.
• Serve as a liaison between Senior/Executive Management, cross-functional teams, vendors, and external partners.
• Assist in the coordination and management of Toy Fair initiatives, campus activities, and other special event projects.
• Oversee project schedules, budgets, client communications, and event logistics for assigned programs and events.
• Ensure successful execution of projects by:
  • Defining project scope and objectives with client groups and stakeholders.
  • Coordinating with internal departments, external creative partners, and vendors to execute project requirements.
  • Developing and communicating project timelines, milestones, and task assignments.
  • Managing project budgets, gathering estimates, tracking expenditures, and reconciling costs upon project completion.
• Respond to client inquiries and provide regular project status updates to stakeholders.
• Support onsite event execution as needed.
• Travel may be required for this position.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• 1–3 years of professional experience in experiential marketing, events, themed entertainment, trade shows, or related industries.
• Demonstrated project management experience in a production, design, or event-focused environment.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Self-motivated and proactive with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a customer-service-oriented mindset and the ability to build effective working relationships.
• High attention to detail with strong problem-solving and follow-through capabilities.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, Teams, and Word.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Familiarity with CAD software preferred (Vectorworks preferred; AutoCAD acceptable).
• Experience with digital event platforms, DAMs, PIMs, or web-based project systems is a plus (e.g., 6Connex, Centric).

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay 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. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

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.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy