Original Merchandise Developer - Plush

The role

This role drives the development and approval of plush products for Original Merchandise. You will lead products from concept through production while collaborating with internal stakeholders and external vendors.

What you will 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.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, external partners, and vendors.
• 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.

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.

Nice to have

• 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.

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.

Before you apply

• For roles in the United Kingdom, candidates will need the right to work.
• For roles in Ireland, this role requires the candidates to have the right to live and work in the Republic of Ireland.
• The Company may be able to arrange a visa in some cases.

About the company

The Pokémon Company International manages the Pokémon property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing and marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website.