58 jobs in Critical Playground LLC

Critical Playground LLC seeks a Senior Creative Product Lead to join Apple Corps Ltd. in London. You will drive the creative vision, product direction, and overall development of Beatles products. This role requires strong product storytelling, design leadership, and commercial awareness to create exceptional products and customer experiences.

Key responsibilities include leading creative direction, developing product strategies, and overseeing the product development process. Significant experience in consumer or retail design is essential.

Music is Universal

It’s the passionate and dedicated team at Universal Music who help make us the world’s leading music company. From A&R to finance, legal to digital, sales to marketing, Universal Music is the place to grow and develop your career within a truly commercial and innovative business that leads in everything it does.

Everyone is welcome to apply for our roles, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, age, marital status, background, pregnancy, or caring responsibilities. We also recognise the importance of diversity of thought within our teams and are fully committed to embracing the talents of people with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other forms of neurocognitive variation.

We will always seek to make appropriate adjustments to recruitment, workplaces, and work processes to be fully inclusive to people with different needs and working styles. If you need us to make any reasonable adjustments for you from application onwards, including alternatives to the online form or to disclose a neurocognitive condition, please email

Location: Apple Corps Head Office, Ovington Square, London

Working pattern: 4 to 5 days per week expected in the office

Apple Corps Ltd. was founded in 1968 to oversee The Beatles’ creative and business interests. It initially served as the new outlet for The Beatles’ own recordings as well as the music of a wide-ranging roster of artists, all brought to the label personally by the band (individually and/or collectively). Apple Corps’ mission celebrates artistry in an inclusive, creative environment. Since its inception, the company has encompassed music, publishing, merchandise, electronic and film enterprises.

For almost six decades, Apple Corps Ltd. has helped to bring The Beatles music to billions of fans in pioneering, creative manners, decade after decade.

Apple Corps and Universal Music Group UK are coming together to build a dedicated creative team focused on shaping the next chapter of Beatles product, ecommerce, retail and customer experience.

This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of music, culture, creativity, commerce and fan experience. The Beatles remain one of the most important and influential creative forces in the world, with a legacy that continues to inspire fans across generations.

This team will create exceptional products, experiences and customer journeys for Beatles fans globally. From product design and packaging to retail, ecommerce, trading and fan engagement, every touchpoint must reflect the creativity, quality and cultural significance associated with The Beatles.

These roles are employed by Apple Corps Ltd. The Universal Music Group UK Talent Acquisition team will manage the recruitment process in collaboration with Apple Corps and the wider UMG team. When you apply, you will be redirected to the Universal Music Group careers portal, where you will be required to submit your application through Workday.

The Senior Creative Product Lead will be responsible for shaping and driving the creative vision, product direction and overall aesthetic development of Beatles product ranges.

This role will ensure that all creative output aligns with the Apple Corps brand identity, commercial strategy, customer expectations and the enduring legacy of The Beatles.

This is a senior creative leadership role, combining product strategy, design leadership, brand guardianship and commercial awareness. The role will lead the development of compelling, high‑quality product ranges that honour The Beatles’ legacy while finding new and innovative ways to connect with fans around the world.

• Define and lead the overall creative vision for product ranges.
• Ensure strong brand storytelling and visual consistency across all products and creative outputs.
• Create product concepts that reflect the quality, creativity and cultural significance associated with The Beatles.

• Develop product strategies aligned with brand positioning, customer demand and commercial objectives.
• Identify opportunities to build compelling product ranges around key Beatles moments, releases, campaigns and fan experiences.
• Balance creative ambition with customer insight, operational feasibility and commercial priorities.

• Oversee the structure of product ranges across hero products, core lines, limited editions and seasonal collections.
• Ensure ranges feel cohesive, relevant and commercially considered.
• Build long‑term product thinking that supports brand growth and fan engagement.

• Generate new product concepts, collaborations and creative ideas.
• Expand the Beatles product universe in a thoughtful, authentic and commercially compelling way.
• Bring fresh creative thinking to product, packaging, ecommerce and retail moments.

• Lead and mentor designers, guiding creative development from concept through to final production.
• Set clear creative standards and support high‑quality execution across the team.
• Run effective creative reviews and provide constructive direction and feedback.

• Ensure all products and creative outputs follow brand guidelines, tone of voice and visual identity.
• Protect the legacy, quality and integrity of The Beatles across all product touchpoints.
• Maintain high standards of care, approval management and creative control.

• Work closely with merchandising, production, marketing, retail, ecommerce, licensing and commercial teams.
• Align creative direction with trading plans, campaign activity and customer experience goals.
• Build strong working relationships across Apple Corps, UMG and external partners.

• Oversee the full product development process, including:

• Briefing
• Sampling
• Prototyping
• Materials selection
• Manufacturing feasibility
• Quality review
• Production sign‑off

• Monitor fashion, retail, music, design and cultural trends.
• Translate relevant insight into product opportunities that feel fresh while remaining authentic to The Beatles.
• Use cultural awareness to keep product ranges relevant, desirable and distinctive.

• Translate licensed intellectual property into compelling product collections.
• Ensure all products respect brand, licensing and approval requirements.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to manage approvals effectively.

• Analyse product sales, customer feedback and market performance.
• Use insight to guide future range planning and product decisions.
• Support post‑launch reviews and continuous improvement.

• Align product launches with:

• Marketing campaigns
• Retail activations
• Ecommerce plans
• Release moments
• Fan engagement activity

• Maintain high standards across:

• Product quality
• Materials
• Packaging
• Finish
• Sustainability considerations
• Overall presentation

• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure designs are delivered on time, within budget and to specification.
• Challenge constructively where needed to protect quality, timelines and creative intent.

• Proven ability to set and articulate a compelling creative vision.
• Ability to translate creative direction into cohesive product ranges.
• Strong product storytelling skills across product, packaging, print and digital assets.
• Excellent eye for brand identity, detail and visual consistency.
• End‑to‑end product development expertise, from briefing through to production sign‑off.
• Strong understanding of materials, sampling, prototyping and production feasibility.
• Ability to connect fashion, retail, music and cultural trends to product opportunities.

• Comfortable using performance data and customer insight to guide product decisions.
• Able to use sales, customer feedback and market data to inform range architecture and product optimisation.
• Confident working with KPIs, performance readouts and measure‑and‑learn approaches.
• Able to communicate commercial impact and next steps clearly to stakeholders.

• Experience inspiring and developing designers.
• Ability to set clear creative standards and coach others effectively.
• Strong stakeholder management across merchandising, marketing, retail, ecommerce, licensing and production.
• Able to align creative ambition with commercial and operational reality.
• Confident working with suppliers and manufacturers to protect quality, budget and timelines.

• Confident using modern design tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma.
• Comfortable working with digital asset management systems, creative automation workflows and content management platforms.
• Highly organised, structured and comfortable managing multiple workstreams.

• Significant experience in product, brand or design within consumer, retail, lifestyle, fashion, entertainment or licensed product environments.
• Experience leading a design function, category or creative product area.
• Demonstrable track record of building and launching integrated product ranges.
• Hands‑on experience taking products from concept through to production at scale.
• Experience across packaging, product quality, materials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience translating licensed intellectual property into commercially successful collections.
• Strong approval management experience.
• Cross‑functional leadership experience across merchandising, ecommerce, retail, marketing and production.
• Data‑informed approach to creative decision making.
• Experience using performance insights and post‑launch reviews to improve future ranges.

• Experience designing for multi‑brand portfolios, global fan communities or retail networks.
• Knowledge of sustainability standards across materials, packaging and supplier choices.
• Degree or equivalent experience in product design, industrial design, graphic design, fashion design or a related discipline.
• Strong portfolio showcasing end‑to‑end range leadership, product storytelling, brand guardianship and commercial delivery.

Just So You Know…

The company presents this job description as a guide to the major areas and duties for which the jobholder is accountable. However, the business operates in an environment that demands change and the jobholder's specific responsibilities and activities will vary and develop. Therefore, the job description should be seen as indicative and not as a permanent, definitive, and exhaustive statement.

There is a vacancy for a project design and production coordinator at izé in London.

Architecturally-led, luxury custom hardware manufacturer is seeking a proactive and organised individual to join our team in our busy, Tooting-based office.

The role involves a combination of project management support, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, and coordinating manufacturing processes alongside final market deliverables. You will contribute directly to realising our beautiful range of ironmongery and new bespoke products, adding value across all areas of the business, remaining adaptable to various tasks as needed to support across our team.

Technical knowledge and a genuine interest in learning product functionality will be highly appreciated. Enthusiasm, empathy, a willingness to learn, and the right attitude are all more important than prior experience, however any background in project management, architectural, or design fields would be beneficial.

Office based only, no WFH.

Critical Playground LLC is seeking a Project Design and Production Coordinator to join our team in London. The role focuses on project management support, coordinating with stakeholders and manufacturing processes for our luxury custom hardware.

We seek an enthusiastic individual who is adaptable and eager to learn about product functionality. This position is office-based only in Tooting, requiring no remote work options.

Music is Universal

It’s the passionate and dedicated team at Universal Music who help make us the world’s leading music company. From A&R to finance, legal to digital, sales to marketing, Universal Music is the place to grow and develop your career within a truly commercial and innovative business that leads in everything it does.

Everyone is welcome to apply for our roles, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, age, marital status, background, pregnancy, or caring responsibilities. We also recognise the importance of diversity of thought within our teams and are fully committed to embracing the talents of people with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other forms of neurocognitive variation.

We will always seek to make appropriate adjustments to recruitment, workplaces, and work processes to be fully inclusive to people with different needs and working styles. If you need us to make any reasonable adjustments for you from application onwards, including alternatives to the online form or to disclose a neurocognitive condition, please email

Apple Corps Ltd

Location: Apple Corps Head Office, Ovington Square, London

Working pattern: 4 to 5 days per week expected in the office

Apple Corps Ltd. was founded in 1968 to oversee The Beatles’ creative and business interests. It initially served as the new outlet for The Beatles’ own recordings as well as the music of a wide-ranging roster of artists, all brought to the label personally by the band (individually and/or collectively). Apple Corps’ mission celebrates artistry in an inclusive, creative environment. Since its inception, the company has encompassed music, publishing, merchandise, electronic and film enterprises.

For almost six decades, Apple Corps Ltd. has helped to bring The Beatles music to billions of fans in pioneering, creative manners, decade after decade.

Apple Corps and Universal Music Group UK are coming together to build a dedicated team focused on shaping the next chapter of Beatles product, ecommerce, retail and customer experience.

This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of music, culture, creativity, commerce and fan experience. The Beatles remain one of the most important and influential creative forces in the world, with a legacy that continues to inspire fans across generations.

This team will create exceptional products, experiences and customer journeys for Beatles fans globally. From product design and packaging to retail, ecommerce, trading and fan engagement, every touchpoint must reflect the creativity, quality and cultural significance associated with The Beatles.

These roles are employed by Apple Corps Ltd. The Universal Music Group UK Talent Acquisition team will manage the recruitment process in collaboration with Apple Corps and the wider UMG team. When you apply, you will be redirected to the Universal Music Group careers portal, where you will be required to submit your application through Workday.

The Senior Designer will be responsible for leading the design vision, development and execution of fashion, accessories and retail product ranges connected to The Beatles.

This role blends creative direction with hands‑on design craft, ensuring products are distinctive, commercially aligned, production‑ready and consistently reflective of the quality and cultural importance of the brand.

The role will work closely with creative, merchandising, production, marketing, ecommerce and supplier partners to bring concepts from initial idea through to market‑ready product.

• Lead product design direction
  • Define the overall design vision, aesthetic and product language for fashion, accessories and retail product ranges.
  • Ensure designs align with Apple Corps’ brand identity, product strategy and commercial objectives.
  • Bring a high level of creativity, craft and cultural sensitivity to all product work.
• Concept and range development
  • Develop original product concepts, seasonal collections and design narratives.
  • Take ideas from initial ideation through to final specifications.
  • Create cohesive range stories across
    • Hero items
    • Core products
    • Trend‑led pieces
    • Limited editions
    • Special fan moments
• Material and manufacturing specification
  • Select appropriate fabrics, materials, trims, finishes and product details.
  • Ensure selections align with product goals, customer expectations and price architecture.
  • Produce detailed technical documentation for production partners.
• Technical packs and specifications
  • Create accurate tech packs, CADs, specification sheets and production‑ready documentation.
  • Ensure suppliers and manufacturers have clear, detailed and commercially practical design information.
  • Maintain strong documentation standards from initial development through to final production.
• Trend and market research
  • Analyse fashion, culture, retail, music, entertainment and consumer trends.
  • Translate relevant insight into design directions and product opportunities.
  • Ensure product ranges remain relevant, desirable and commercially viable.
• Prototype and sample development
  • Work closely with suppliers to review prototypes and samples.
  • Refine design details, fit, quality, finish and overall aesthetic.
  • Provide clear feedback and solve manufacturing challenges to achieve production‑ready outcomes.
• Cross‑functional collaboration
  • Partner with merchandising, production, marketing, retail and ecommerce teams.
  • Ensure products meet creative vision, commercial objectives and customer needs.
  • Support product positioning, forecasting conversations, campaign planning and go‑to‑market activity.
• Design quality and brand consistency
  • Oversee final execution of designs across relevant product categories.
  • Ensure consistency with brand guidelines, quality benchmarks and customer expectations.
  • Make sure every product reflects the care, creativity and cultural significance associated with The Beatles.

• Creative and technical skills
  • Strong ability to define and deliver a clear design vision across multiple product categories.
  • Advanced concept development skills.
  • Ability to translate ideas into fully realised product ranges.
  • Expertise in creating detailed technical packs, specifications and production‑ready documentation.
  • Deep understanding of materials, construction methods, trims, finishes and manufacturing processes.
  • Strong competency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.
  • Strong visual storytelling skills.
  • Ability to clearly explain design rationale to stakeholders.
  • Sharp trend awareness and ability to interpret insight meaningfully.
  • Ability to balance creativity with commercial inputs such as margin, pricing, production feasibility and sales data.

• Experience in product design, fashion design, retail product design, lifestyle, apparel, accessories or consumer goods.
• Demonstrable experience taking products from initial sketch through development, sampling, refinement and final production.
• Strong portfolio showcasing:
  • Seasonal range development
  • Technical specification accuracy
  • Trend translation
  • Cross‑category versatility
  • Product storytelling
• Experience working directly with suppliers and manufacturers.
• Experience reviewing samples, approving quality and resolving production challenges.
• Experience collaborating with merchandising, buying, ecommerce, marketing or production teams.
• Strong experience creating tech packs, CADs and manufacturing‑ready documentation.
• Experience designing within a clearly defined brand world.
• Strong understanding of visual identity, quality standards and brand consistency.

• Experience in multi‑brand, large retail, entertainment, music, fashion or lifestyle environments.
• Experience developing ranges based on entertainment, music, character or cultural intellectual property.
• Understanding of sustainability principles in design, including materials, finishes, packaging and compliance.
• Knowledge of retail environments and customer behaviour across fashion, lifestyle and fan product categories.

The company presents this job description as a guide to the major areas and duties for which the jobholder is accountable. However, the business operates in an environment that demands change and the jobholder's specific responsibilities and activities will vary and develop. Therefore, the job description should be seen as indicative and not as a permanent, definitive and exhaustive statement.

Critical Playground LLC is seeking a Senior Urban Designer to join their London team. The role requires a forward-thinking designer with approximately five years of experience, focusing on major projects in the Middle East while collaborating with teams in London and Dubai.

Responsibilities include contributing to masterplans, preparing urban design frameworks, and coordinating multidisciplinary project inputs. Ideal candidates will have strong design capabilities, exceptional communication skills, and a collaborative approach. A degree in urban design or related field is essential.

Critical Playground LLC, in collaboration with Apple Corps Ltd., is seeking a Senior Designer focused on fashion and retail products tied to The Beatles. This role demands a blend of creativity and technical skills to lead product design vision and development.

The ideal candidate will oversee design direction, material selection, and technical documentation, ensuring alignment with The Beatles’ brand identity. A strong portfolio and teamwork capabilities are essential for success.

The essentials:

Hours: Part-time, 2 days per week (self-managed)

Salary: up to £62,500 p.a. FTEcommensurate with experience. £150-250 day rate.

Location: Remote, with regular travel — London roughly monthly, quarterly for board meetings, plus pilgrimages and events for content generation

Terms: Freelance / contractor, with real potential for the role to grow

Reporting to: the Director of the Trust

It's a rare chance to join a fast-growing charity at a pivotal moment and shape how more people experience pilgrimage today.

Lead the Trust’s social channels, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube with possible expansion to Tiktok and Substack

Develop, manage and communicate a content calendar across campaigns, pilgrimages, events and key moments

Write copy, integrate with our email communications and other audience-facing content.

Manage online community through comments, DMs and audience engagement (customer service queries managed by a different team member)

Monitor trends, platform developments and cultural conversations to inform content

Track performance and provide light monthly reporting with recommendations

Create content including reels, short‑form video, carousels, stories, graphics, photography and written copy

Film and edit on location at pilgrimages, events, talks and workshops

Produce visually strong, platform‑specific content aligned with the Trust’s brand identity

Work confidently within an existing brand pack

Use Adobe Creative Suite, Premiere Pro, CapCut or similar tools to produce polished content

Work with the team to develop and deliver marketing activity and audience growth to support the charity's income‑generating activity against agreed benchmarks.

Instagram has 27.2K followers now. We added 7.7K followers in 2025 (1.3K unfollows). That increase was about 27% over 2025. We got 5.1K interactions in 2025, an increase of 510% over 2024 and 197K reach.

So, an Instagram audience goal might be:

25% audience increase over 2025

10K content interactions in 2026

This will include:

commercial revenue streams, including events and retail, driving online sales through effective digital campaigns aligned with revenue goals, and content that drives conversion

inspiring and motivating conversion within charitable income streams, such as donations, sponsorships (e.g. Givestar campaign) and Giving Pilgrims, through compelling storytelling and impact‑led content, acquisition and retention campaigns, and digital visibility for sponsors.

Collaborate with the team sharing insights and recommendations to support future planning.

Collaborate with partners, institutions, speakers, influencers and contributors to develop and amplify content

Significant experience creating content and managing social media accounts for a brand, organisation, campaign or creative project

Strong skills in filming, editing, copywriting and storytelling for social platforms

Experience creating content across an array of social media platforms

Proven ability to work independently, take initiative and manage this area of work with minimal supervision

Strong writing skills and a clear feel for tone of voice

Confidence using tools such as CapCut, Premiere Pro, Adobe Creative Suite or similar

Experience building engagement and managing online community

Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively

Confidence collaborating with external partners and contributors

Willingness to travel across the UK and work flexibly, including occasional weekends

Marketing experience related to audience growth and newsletter sign‑ups

Proven track record of driving online revenue

Experience in ecommerce and/or fundraising

Experience in goal‑based campaigns

Graphic design experience and confidence working within a brand identity

Strong instincts around trends, cultural relevance and online storytelling

Genuine interest in culture, heritage, history, nature and pilgrimage

Marketing experience related to fundraising or supporter engagement.

Photography skills

Experience working with a charity, cultural organisation, heritage institution, social impact project or start‑up organisation.