Plush Product Developer (Bilingual JP/EN)

The Pokémon Company International; Bellevue (KY); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Employer-paid health insurance

Generous paid family leave

Life insurance

Job summary

The Pokémon Company International is seeking an Original Merchandise Developer – Plush (Bilingual Japanese/English) to lead plush product development from concept to production. You will collaborate with Original Merchandise, Production, Quality, and external vendors to ensure high-quality plush that aligns with brand standards and timelines.

Applicants should have 3–5 years of plush/toy product experience, near-native JP/EN, and strong collaboration and project management skills.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional experience in plush, toy, or 3D consumer product development.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Near-native level bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English.
• Strong understanding of product construction, materials, manufacturing processes, and quality standards.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate product quality, character accuracy, and consumer appeal.
• Experience with overseas manufacturers and cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management, prioritization, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• 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 feedback to vendors to improve quality and manufacturability.
• Create concept sketches, development artwork, or technical illustrations as needed.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, external partners, and vendors throughout the product development process.
• Manage multiple product development projects balancing quality, cost, and timelines.
• Identify development risks and propose practical solutions.
• Translate development documents between Japanese and English.

Skills

Plush product development

Bilingual Japanese/English

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Manufacturing processes

Quality standards

Microsoft Office

Confluence

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

The Pokémon Company International is seeking an Original Merchandise Developer – Plush (Bilingual Japanese/English) to lead plush product development from concept to production. You will collaborate with Original Merchandise, Production, Quality, and external vendors to ensure high-quality plush that aligns with brand standards and timelines.

Applicants should have 3–5 years of plush/toy product experience, near-native JP/EN, and strong collaboration and project management skills.