Manager, Original Merchandise Brand Services (Bilingual Japanese/English)

We are seeking a Japanese Bilingual Merchandise Product Manager to lead plush product development and brand initiatives. This role combines team leadership with hands-on execution, working closely with internal teams and external partners to deliver high-quality products aligned with brand standards. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in plush product development, stakeholder management, and team leadership, and thrives in a fast-paced, global environment.

Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Paid family leave
• Life and disability insurance
• Fitness reimbursement
• Commuter benefits
• Learning and development programs

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in product development, merchandising, or related field within the entertainment industry, plush products are highly desired.
• 3+ years of team management experience
• Expert level Japanese and business level English proficiency (spoken and written)
• Strong knowledge of product development processes and quality control
• Experience with stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel internationally as required

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategies for plush and related product initiatives
• Manage end-to-end product development projects, including timelines and quality standards
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners and vendors
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration with internal and global stakeholders
• Oversee team operations, including workload planning and performance tracking
• Lead product development processes including sample review and quality assurance
• Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and product quality
• Mentor and develop team members, setting goals and supporting career growth
• Serve as a key point of contact for project coordination and communication
• May be assigned other duties by managers