Manager, Design (Pokémon Center)

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: Manager, Design (Pokémon Center Production)
• Job Summary: The Design Manager leads a team responsible for creating production design support for Pokémon Center. This includes merchandise product art, packaging, labeling, and additional components. Extensive production knowledge is required for products that include but not limited to: Apparel, Accessories and Home Goods. Production design is the team’s main focus and will require a high level of detail, technical print knowledge, and ability to match existing designs with precision. This position will report directly to the Pokémon Center Merchandise Development Director.
• FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt
• People Manager: Yes

What you’ll do

• Manages a team of production graphic designers
• Oversees the preparation of product art production for vendor file hand offs, and physical sample reviews
• Oversees the preparation of packaging and labeling for print production, following pre-designed templates and strict production guidelines
• Manage and assign projects with multiple deliverables in a timely fashion and ensure all deadlines are met
• Reviews and approves assignments among multiple direct deports
• Meticulously reviews proofs from print vendors
• Develop production strategies in partnership with other design managers
• Ensures accurate representation of brand guidelines and legal requirements for quality and consistency
• Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function
• Work with team to document systems and processes with lens toward continuous improvement
• Partner with other teams and departments within the company to identify and make improvements
• Ability to work overtime if necessary to meet deadlines

What you’ll bring

• Six+ (6+) years of relevant professional experience, plus one (1) year of management experience
• Bachelors or Associate degree a plus; Industry experience most desirable
• Experience in product development and production design management
• Experience in typesetting, layout, and file preparation for print
• Extensive knowledge of print technology and pre-press processes
• Expert proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite on Mac OS
• Experience with localization, online graphics, or 3D software a plus
• Experience with packaging automation a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Comfortable with project management administration
• Note: Ability to speak/write in multiple languages is not required.
• Willing to travel domestically a minimum of 1-2 times per year. 

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
• Base salary range: $121,000.00 - $181,000.00. This range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. For this role, new hires generally start between $121,000.00 - $143,450.00. Final base salary is directly related to each candidates' qualifications and experience uniquely.
• 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 Employees: Pension Employer Contributions
• Fitness reimbursement
• Commuter benefit
• LinkedIn learning
• Comprehensive relocation package
• Hybrid work environment

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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