Production Planner

Get to know The Pokémon Company International

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. 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 corporate.pokemon.com and pokemon.com.

Get to know the role

• Job Title: Production Planner
• Job Summary: This role is responsible for managing apparel and accessories product categories from development to manufacturing of high-end retail products. A broad knowledge of overseas sourcing, retail and/or the advertising specialty industry is preferred. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Performs a variety of tasks including communication with domestic and overseas vendors, research of retail and promotional products, assists in compiling proposals and manages production of individual projects. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
• FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt
• People Manager: No

What you’ll do 

• Manage the end-to-end product lifecycle for apparel, accessories, and collectible merchandise, from concept development and vendor sourcing through production, launch, and post-launch support
• Lead multiple complex product initiatives simultaneously, balancing timelines, costs, quality standards, and stakeholder expectations across a diverse product portfolio.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams such as Merchandising, Design, Demand Planning, Approvals, Product Safety & Compliance, Logistics, Trade Compliance, and external manufacturing partners to bring new products to market.
• Evaluate product concepts with vendors to assess feasibility, manufacturing capabilities, material options, costing, and execution strategies.
• Drive the product development and sampling process, managing multiple review cycles, communicating feedback, resolving issues, and ensuring final products meet quality, cost, and brand expectations.
• Serve as the primary production owner throughout development and manufacturing, proactively identifying risks, solving problems, and communicating changes that may impact delivery, cost, or quality.
• Provide product expertise and industry knowledge to influence decision-making, guide cross-functional partners, and support successful execution of complex product programs.
• Identify and lead continuous process improvement opportunities, including optimization of tools, workflows, systems, and team practices to increase efficiency and scalability.
• Qualify, evaluate, and onboard new vendor partners through costing analysis, sampling, feasibility studies, and established operating procedures.
• Support post-launch product maintenance activities, including issue resolution, change management, customer feedback reviews, and ongoing product quality improvements.

What you’ll bring

• 5+ years of experience in product development, sourcing, production, or manufacturing within a consumer products, retail, or branded merchandise environment.
• Experience managing products through the full lifecycle, from concept development through production and launch.
• Strong knowledge of vendor management, product costing, sampling, and manufacturing processes, including experience working with overseas suppliers.
• Proven ability to independently manage multiple complex projects while balancing quality, cost, and delivery timelines.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and product development or PLM systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with licensed consumer products or branded merchandise programs.
• Experience developing apparel, accessories, or related consumer products.
• Knowledge of product safety and compliance requirements, such as Prop 65, ASTM, or EN-71.
• Experience driving process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Experience working with manufacturing partners and global supply chains.

Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $85,000.00 - $113,000.00 per year. The full range is $85,000.00 - $153,000.00 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.

#LI-JL1 #LI-Hybrid

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 innovative culture driven by impact, delivering meaningful outcomes.
• Company events that celebrate the spirit of Pokémon.
• 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.

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.

The Pokémon Company International is committed to the inclusion of all qualified applicants for consideration in our job application process. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at accommodationrequest_ta@pokemon.com.