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.

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• 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

• 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 tomarket.
• 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.

• 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 andlaunch.
• 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.

• Experience with licensed consumer…