Apparel Production Planner: End-to-End Lifecycle Leader

The Pokémon Company International; Bellevue (WA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare premiums paid

Generous paid family leave

Employer-paid life insurance

Employer-paid long and short-term/inco

401k matching

Fitness reimbursement

Commuter benefit

LinkedIn learning

Relocation package (certain roles)

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

The Pokémon Company International in Bellevue, WA is seeking a Production Planner to manage apparel and collectible merchandise from concept through production and launch. You will coordinate with domestic and overseas vendors to deliver high-end retail products while upholding quality and brand standards.

This role requires 5+ years in product development or manufacturing, strong vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in product development, sourcing, production, or manufacturing.
• 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 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Job description

The Pokémon Company International in Bellevue, WA is seeking a Production Planner to manage apparel and collectible merchandise from concept through production and launch. You will coordinate with domestic and overseas vendors to deliver high-end retail products while upholding quality and brand standards.

This role requires 5+ years in product development or manufacturing, strong vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration.