The Pokémon Company International Is Hiring A Manager Original Merchandise Brand Services

Join The Pokémon Company International: Connecting Fans Worldwide 🎮🌟

Discover the exciting opportunity to be part of a globally renowned brand that has captured the hearts of children and fans of all ages since 1996. The Pokémon Company International manages branding, licensing, marketing, and the beloved Pokémon universe outside Asia.

Learn more at corporate.pokemon.com and pokemon.com.

Get to Know the Role 📝

• Job Title: Original Merchandise Brand Services (Plush) (Bilingual Japanese & English)
• Job Summary: This role involves two main responsibilities:
  • Team Management: Leading the plush development and coordination team.
  • Strategic Execution: Driving plush initiatives and Pokémon-related product projects by collaborating with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful planning and delivery.
• Ideal Candidate: A bilingual (native-level English and Japanese) professional with proven plush product development experience, stakeholder engagement skills, and a passion for the Pokémon brand—whether through playing games, watching series, or engaging with the franchise.
• FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt
• People Management: Yes

What You’ll Do 🚀

Product Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement strategies for plush and other Pokémon-related products, aligning with business goals and brand standards.
• Manage plush development projects and coordinate related product initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with external partners, overseeing production schedules and quality standards.
• Lead data integration efforts with TPC’s systems to streamline processes.

Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration 🤝

• Serve as the primary point of contact, working with TPC, other Pokémon group companies, and internal teams to execute initiatives effectively.

Operational Excellence & Team Management ⚙️

• Oversee team operations, including workload distribution, role assignments, and progress tracking.
• Guide plush development, sample reviews, and uphold quality standards.
• Implement process improvements to boost efficiency and product quality.

Team Leadership & Development 🌱

• Build and lead a high-performing team aligned to company goals.
• Define team structure, roles, and responsibilities to enable scalable operations.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented culture through mentorship and coaching.
• Establish clear objectives and performance metrics, facilitating feedback and professional development.

What You’ll Bring 🎯

• Over 5 years of experience in product development, merchandising, or related fields.
• At least 3 years leading high-performing teams.
• Experience developing plush or similar 3D products, with strong knowledge of materials, production, and quality control.
• Native-level proficiency in Japanese and English, both spoken and written.
• Familiarity with Japanese business protocols.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage people responsibilities alongside individual contributions.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, matrixed environment juggling multiple priorities and projects.