Original Merchandise Developer - Plush

Get to know the role

Job Title: Original Merchandise Developer – Plush 

Job 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. The role works closely with the internal stakeholders such as Original Merchandise, Production, Quality, and external vendors and partners to lead plush products from concept through production while balancing product quality, manufacturability, cost, and timelines. Success in this role requires strong plush and/or 3D product development expertise, sound product judgment, ownership, and effective cross-functional collaboration.

 

What you’ll do 

• 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.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of plush development standards, review guidelines, and team processes.
• Organize and maintain product samples, development records, and project documentation.

 

What You Will Bring

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional experience in plush, toy, or 3D consumer product development.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Educational background or professional experience in Product Design, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, or a related field.
• Bilingual in Japanese/English.
• Ability to create concept sketches, development artwork, and technical illustrations for plush product prototyping and sample development.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
• Experience developing character-based consumer products.
• Passion for Pokémon and a strong interest in creating exceptional character merchandise.

 

 Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $86,200 - $102,300 per year. The full range is $86,200 - $151,000 per year. This range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. The final base salary is directly related to the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience uniquely.

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