Brand Services Specialist - Fashion & Home (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

About The Pokémon Company International

The Pokémon Company International manages the Pokémon brand outside Asia, overseeing brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, animated series, home entertainment, and the official website. Since its 1996 launch in Japan, Pokémon has grown into one of the most renowned children’s entertainment brands worldwide.

Role Overview

This 12-month fixed-term contract position as Brand Services Specialist for Fashion & Home involves upholding and safeguarding the vision and standards of the Pokémon brand. The selected candidate will deeply engage with the brand, including playing video and trading card games, watching the animated series, and understanding how these relate to various products. The role ensures that product offerings meet the brand’s rules and exemplary quality standards.

Primary responsibilities encompass leading the full product approval lifecycle in the Fashion and Home categories—from the initial concept stage to final approval and production launch. This includes evaluating artwork placement, materials, and overall product design for brand compliance and category best practices. Collaborating closely with licensees, the specialist will provide actionable feedback, address design or timeline challenges, and maintain consistency within product assortments. Maintaining thorough documentation, approval tracking, and proactive workflow management are key to supporting smooth product development and brand integrity.

Key Duties

• Review and approve all partner submissions ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and authorized asset usage.
• Forecast and communicate potential timeline risks with proposed solutions.
• Advise partners toward brand-aligned, category-specific product interpretations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and licensees on product assortments and character rollouts suited to partner capabilities and markets.
• Represent the Pokémon brand across product and marketing materials both internally and externally.
• Maintain regular communication with partners via email, calls, and meetings for development support and approvals.
• Track product development progress from concept to approval, maintaining accurate records.
• Compile monthly reports on product approvals and project pipeline.
• Assist in creating process documentation, tools, and trainings.
• Prepare presentations and contribute to team initiatives as required.
• Organize and track product samples across categories.
• Distribute updated brand assets and information to licensees as needed.
• Coordinate and attend licensee meetings; occasional travel may be required.

Candidate Profile

• Five to seven years of professional experience or equivalent expertise.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal abilities and stakeholder relationship management.
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving aptitude.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities with the capacity to provide guidance.
• Independent prioritization and multitasking capability.
• Familiarity with product development processes or ability to quickly acquire category-specific knowledge.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Capable of working both collaboratively and autonomously with reliable follow-through.
• Solution-focused and results-oriented mindset.
• Curious and proactive learner with willingness to seek clarity and ask questions.
• Understanding of product timelines and print/production workflows across media types.
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop is advantageous.
• Project management skills are beneficial.
• Knowledge of additional languages is a plus.

Compensation

Salary range for new hires typically is between £54,200 and £72,000 per annum, with the full salary range extending to £97,500. Final salary will be based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Success Factors

• Passion for Pokémon and its impact on culture, business, and communities.
• Innovative problem-solving with willingness to learn from failures.
• Integrity, empathy, and respect in leadership and teamwork.
• High commitment to quality and continuous improvement through feedback.
• Strong relationship-building skills promoting collaboration and shared objectives.
• Customer-centric attitude focused on understanding and meeting stakeholder needs.

Benefits and Work Environment

• Innovative culture focused on meaningful impact and outcomes.
• Company events celebrating Pokémon’s spirit.
• Competitive cash compensation.
• Fully employer-paid healthcare premiums.
• Generous paid family leave.
• Employer-provided life and income protection insurance.
• 401k employer matching for US employees; pension contributions for UK/IRE/MX employees.
• Fitness reimbursement and commuter benefits.
• Access to professional development resources.
• Comprehensive relocation support for select roles.
• Hybrid working environment.

Additional Information

The job description outlines typical responsibilities but is not exhaustive; employees may undertake other duties as required. Candidates for UK roles must have the right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship may be considered in specific circumstances. For Ireland roles, candidates must have the right to live and work in the Republic of Ireland. The company is committed to inclusive hiring and provides accommodations upon request during application and hiring processes.