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Principal Program Manager (Manufacturing Operations - Automated Retail)

Get to know The Pokémon Company International

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.

Learn more online at Pokemon.com and on Facebook (facebook.com/pokemon), YouTube (youtube.com/pokemon), Twitter (twitter.com/pokemon), and Instagram (instagram.com/pokemon).

Get to know the role

Job Title: Principal Program Manager (Manufacturing Operations – Automated Retail)

Job Summary: This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Manufacturing Program Manager to lead the manufacturing activities for Pokémon’s new Automated Retail machine. Pokémon has designed an innovative Automated Retail and entertainment machine that will be manufactured by one of the world’s leading contract manufacturers for installation in retail locations throughout the US. The successful candidate will manage the relationship with that and potentially other manufacturers, including production schedules, quality and reliability, on-time delivery, machine lifecycle management, document control, spare parts management, cost management, and the like.

FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt

People Manager: No

What you’ll do

• You will be the primary Pokémon point of contact between the Automated Retail organization and the Manufacturing partners.
• Communicate rolling forecasts and forecast deviations to Manufacturing partners; track timely forecast acceptance or negotiate forecast rejection.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing partners to ensure On Time Delivery of machines and spare parts in accordance with forecast.
• Lead quarterly business reviews with Manufacturing partners; document and track outcomes and follow-ups.
• Ensure that Manufacturing partners adhere to contractual obligations and SLAs; work with Automated Retail leadership and Manufacturing partners to proactively resolve any breaches.
• Work closely with the Automated Retail technical team and Manufacturing partners to ensure that all necessary Manufacturing Quality processes are implemented and followed; collaborate with Manufacturing partners in tracking and reporting quality metrics; ensure corrective actions are implemented in a timely manner when quality issues arise.
• Conduct risk assessments as market conditions change; report identified risks to management; work closely with Manufacturing partners to provide recommendations for risk mitigation.
• Drive the communication and implementation of Engineering Change Orders as defined by Automated Retail technical leadership.
• Work with business and technical teams on requirements gathering, scoping, and documentation of enhancements to machine manufacturing, as they relate to reliability and cost improvements.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing partners the generation of reporting and analytical information required for decision-making by Automated Retail (materials, quality, testing, etc.)
• Support Automated Retail leadership in budgeting and tracking all manufacturing related expenses.
• Oversee the implementation and operation of key processes covering change/incident/problem/release management; deliver regular reports on the results of these processes along with recommendations for improvements.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, specifications, and best practices as they relate to machine manufacturing.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 12 years experience in program management, of which at least 4 years are in Manufacturing operations.
• PMP or Other PMI or Project/Program Management certificate is desirable.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes for complex electro-mechanical systems.
• Experience with program management of large scale, multi-million dollar projects spanning cross-functional teams and vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and analyze technical operations, supply chain and financial reports.
• Experience leading relationships with third-party vendors.
• Strong process/system background and proven ability to rapidly understand, use and drive improvements in new processes and systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership and negotiation skills are a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and apply new tools and methodologies.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical skills and ability to drive resolution in ambiguous situations.
• Working knowledge of MS Office, Atlassian suite, and Tableau.

How you’ll be successful

• Passion for Pokémon: Develops an understanding of the Pokémon brand, the impact it has on our people, culture, business, fans, and communities, and applying that knowledge and passion to everything you do.
• Challenging the Expected: Approaches challenges with curiosity and creativity, embracing the possibility of failure as an opportunity to learn something new, develop innovative ideas, solve complex problems and identify unique opportunities.
• Integrity and Respect: Demonstrates integrity and respect by leading with empathy, listening to others, seeking out different perspectives, and taking personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and results.
• Dedicated to Quality: Takes ownership to maintain and promote high standards, looks for new ways to learn and improve, and embraces a growth mindset to seek and apply feedback from others in an effort to continuously improve.
• Building Relationships: Develops and strengthens relationships, adopting a “team first” mentality and working collaboratively to solve problems and meet shared goals.
• Delighting Customers: Listens and understands the interests and needs of our customers and stakeholders, making them feel heard and important, and embracing these learnings to continue delivering a unique Pokémon experience.

What to expect

• An employee first culture
• Company events that celebrate the spirit of Pokémon
• Competitive cash-based compensation programs
• 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for you
• Generous paid family leave
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid long and short-term income protection insurance
• Fitness reimbursement
• Commuter benefit
• LinkedIn learning

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this role. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. For roles in the United Kingdom, candidates will need the right to work. In some cases, and for some roles, the Company may be able to arrange a visa. For roles in Ireland, this role requires candidates to have the right to live and work in the Republic of Ireland. However, we welcome applications from all nationalities and may consider supporting an employment permit application, in appropriate and suitable cases.

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