Original Merchandise Developer

Position:
Original Merchandise Developer – Plush (Bilingual Japanese/English)

Company:
The Pokémon Company International

Compensation:
Base Salary Range: $86,200 - $102,300 per year (full range: $86,200 - $151,000 per year)

Location:
United States, Bellevue, Washington

Employment type:
Not specified

Work Arrangement:
Hybrid

Short Summary:
This role is responsible for driving the development and approval of plush products for Original Merchandise, ensuring high-quality products that meet Pokémon brand standards and business objectives.

Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and approval of plush products from concept through production sample approvals.
- Review prototypes and production samples to evaluate quality, construction, materials, and character accuracy.
- Provide clear, actionable feedback to vendors to improve product quality and manufacturability.
- Create concept sketches, development artwork, or technical illustrations as needed to support plush prototyping and sample development.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, external partners, and vendors throughout the product development process.
- Manage multiple product development projects while balancing quality, cost, and timelines.
- Identify development risks and recommend practical solutions.
- Translate product development documents, review comments, and business communications between Japanese and English.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of plush development standards, review guidelines, and team processes.
- Organize and maintain product samples, development records, and project documentation.

Requirement:
- 3–5 years of professional experience in plush, toy, or 3D consumer product development.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Near-native level bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English.
- Strong understanding of product construction, materials, manufacturing processes, and quality standards.
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate product quality, character accuracy, and consumer appeal.
- Experience working directly with overseas manufacturers and cross-functional teams.
- Strong project management, prioritization, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook), SharePoint, Confluence.

Benefits:
- 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.