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Manager, Merchandise Development (Approvals) - Japanese/English

Manager, Merchandise Development (Approvals)

Summary of the role.

The Manager, Merchandise Development (Approvals) will lead the team that ensures brand standards and accuracy for Pokémon Center (PC) and corporate projects are adhered to on all products. Types of products include, but are not limited to: apparel, figures, bags, accessories, and jewelry. They will drive the approvals process by working with cross functional teams, facilitate brand understanding, and ensure products adhere to and follow overall brand guidelines and rules. They will lead the team in organizing assets and creating reference and approval guides. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the overall Pokémon brand and rules and/or have familiarity with similar entertainment properties that will facilitate them in getting quickly up to speed at TPCi. The ideal candidate should also be knowledgeable of different kinds of production capabilities so that they may provide the best guidance possible to maintain accuracy and quality. This position will also strive to push the boundaries and expectations for PC artwork and products and constantly be looking for new, but brand accurate, ways to create exceptional and sought-after products. The candidate will be expected to fully immerse themself in the Pokémon brand; this ranges from playing the video and trading card games to watching the animated series. Fluency in Japanese is required to be able to communicate with The Pokémon Company’s teams as necessary.

What You Will Do

• Guide internal and external stakeholders regarding how they can best represent the Pokémon brand through graphics and products.
• Lead the approval team for creation of all Pokémon Center goods.
• Review and approve both soft goods and hard goods.
• Create artwork usage and approval guides.
• Work with Consumer Product Approvals team to organize and distribute assets.
• Partner with internal parties to develop and/or create and guide requests for new assets.
• Team with project managers to mitigate potential schedule risks and escalate to director with recommended solutions.
• Collaborate with internal teams to elevate designs within specific parameters.
• Communicate daily with internal and/or external partners via video calls, project management software, approvals software, and email.
• Maintain an accurate record of approvals for each item from concept to approval.
• Assist in the development of process documents, tools, and training materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Organize and archive product samples.
• Perform other administrative duties consistent with position as assigned by director.

What You Will Bring

• 6+ years of product development and/or review experience
• 1+ years management experience preferred
• A keen attention to detail.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Bilingual in Japanese and English
• Knowledge/understanding of general production capabilities of textiles and hard goods
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, and Photoshop.
• Project management experience is a plus.
• Graphic design experience is a plus.
• Interest in animation, video games, and/or trading card games is a plus.

How You Will Be Successful

• Communication: Impeccable written and verbal communication with ability to translate technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Bias for Action: You have an eagerness to take initiative and persist in accomplishing objectives despite obstacles and setbacks. You work to resolve requests and incidents with a high sense of urgency and ownership.
• Great people skills: You know the “how” is as important as the “what” and you aim to build effective relationships across the organizations, as well as externally with 3 rd You are mindful of diverse perspectives and engage clients in a professional manner.
• Passion and Pride in your work: You love what you do and how you can add value to your clients; You ensure consistency and quality of your work and demonstrate high attention to detail.
• Logical and analytical: You’re able to distill and synthesize complex ideas into concise, meaningful information to various stakeholders. You’re adept at prioritization and project management with attentiveness to detail and consistent follow through.
• Growth mindset: You thrive in a dynamic and fluid environment because you are a self-starter who is eager to learn, grow and build something great together.

What to Expect

We offer a professional, fun and creative work environment. While we maintain a good balance between work and life, additional hours may be required at peak times or for specific initiatives. Travel between office locations internationally may be required on occasion.

The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children's entertainment properties in the world.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of people so classified. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.