About the position
This role carries dual responsibilities: Team Management : Managing the plush development and coordination team. Strategic Execution : Driving plush initiative and TPC related product project, working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure successful planning and execution. The ideal candidate is a native level English – Japanese bilingual and has proven expertise in plush and related product development and management. They have experienced in stakeholder engagement, capable of balancing strategic initiatives with hands-on execution, and committed to delivering results through both team leadership and individual contributions. An understanding of the overall Pokémon brand and its characters is a plus. The candidate will be expected to immerse themselves in the Pokémon brand; this ranges from playing video and trading card games to watching the animated series.
Responsibilities
• Assist in developing and executing strategies for plush and other TPC-related products, ensuring alignment with business goals and brand standards.
• Manage the project of plush and other TPC-related product development.
• Build and strengthen the relationships with external partners, actively manage the production schedules and quality standards.
• Lead coordination of the data integration with TPC’s system.
• Act as the primary point of contact, coordinate and collaborate with TPC, other Pokémon group companies, and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of various initiatives and projects.
• Oversee team operations, including workload management, role assignment, and progress tracking.
• Guide the plush development, sample review, and quality standards for team members.
• Implement process improvements and best practices to enhance development efficiency and product quality.
• Build and lead a high-performing team.
• Define team structure, roles, and responsibilities to support scalable operation.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement through mentorship, coaching, and professional development.
• Set clear goals and performance metrics, conduct regular feedback sessions, and support career growth for team members.
Requirements
• 5+ years of experience in product development, merchandising, or related industries.
• 3+ years of experience managing and leading high-performing teams.
• Experience developing plush or other 3D product, with strong knowledge of materials, production, and quality control.
• Japanese and English speaking and writing ability at native level.
• Familiarity with Japanese business protocol.
• Bachelors degree or equivalent required.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to balance people management responsibilities with individual contributor duties.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment with multiple priorities and simultaneous projects.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word.
• International business travel required.
Nice-to-haves
• Familiarity in Slack, Confluence, and SharePoint is a plus
• An understanding of the overall Pokémon brand and its characters is a plus.
Benefits
• 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.
• US Employees: 401k Employer Matching.
• UK/IRE/MX Employees: Pension Employer Contributions.
• Fitness reimbursement.
• Commuter benefit.
• LinkedIn learning.
• Comprehensive relocation package for certain roles.
• Hybrid work environment.