Manager, Design (Pokémon Center Focus)

Summary of the Role 

The Manager, Design will lead a team of designers that concentrates on creating innovative and creative designs for the various teams and pillars of the Pokémon brand. This specific role will focus on serving the management needs for the Pokémon Center pillar. Project focuses will be on Apparel and Accessories (Bags, Pins, TCG), and may include additional overseeing of Home Décor, Seasonal, and outside collaborations. Production and design experience in all categories is a plus.

The Manager, Design leads and collaborates with the various departments that are involved with Pokémon Center projects to translate their requests into designs. They will delegate assignments among multiple direct reports and checks for quality and consistency with a high attention to detail. Day to day responsibilities includes developing design strategies, managing projects, collaborating with team members, delegating tasks, attending meetings, and evaluating the performance of direct reports.

What You Will Do

• Lead many high-profile projects simultaneously; ensuring design quality and design directives are followed
• Propose and implement initiatives that would improve workflow, processes, and designer enablement
• Manage and provide ongoing support/guidance to a team of designers
• Partner with the Pokémon Center team on the current, 5-year, and 10-year plans of Pokémon Center and put systems in place to ensure the design department grows alongside the business needs of this pillar
• Train team and key business partner on TPCi’s brand guidelines and design process
• Review projects and delegate assignments to the team.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends in apparel, home goods, packaging and design

What You Will Bring

• 7+ years’ experience as a Designer in a team environment
• Expert proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite on MAC OS
• Technical knowledge of the design process
• Creative and innovative designs
• Strong people management/partnership skills

How You Will Be Successful

• Communication: You have impeccable written and verbal communication with ability to translate technical information in a non-technical format.
• Bias for Action: You have an eagerness to take initiative and persist in accomplishing objectives despite obstacles and setbacks. You work to resolve requests and incidents with a high sense of urgency and ownership.
• Great people skills: You know the “how” is as important as the “what” and you aim to build effective relationships across the organizations, as well as externally with 3rd You are mindful of diverse perspectives and engage clients in a professional manner.
• Passion and Pride in your work: You love what you do and how you can add value to your clients; You ensure consistency and quality of your work and take a methodical approach to troubleshooting and resolution.
• Logical and analytical: You’re able to distill and synthesize complex ideas into concise, meaningful information to clients. You’re adept at prioritization and project management with attentiveness to detail and consistent follow through.
• Growth mindset: You thrive in a dynamic and fluid environment because you are a self-starter who is eager to learn, grow and build something great together; building and enhancing programs appeals to you. You have a desire to stay current on technology trends and Information Technology concepts.

What to Expect

We offer a professional, fun and creative work environment. While we maintain a good balance between work and life, additional hours may be required at peak times or for specific initiatives.

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.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of people so classified. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.