Competitions Manager, Trading Card Game (TCG)

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. 

Learn more online at corporate.pokemon.com and pokemon.com.

 

Get to know the role

• Job Title: Competitions Manager, Trading Card Game (TCG)

• Job Summary: Manages competitive structure and support execution for Pokémon Championship Trading Card Game (TCG) events at Regional, International, and World Championship events. Prepares annual plans and regular event reports for competitive TCG programs in coordination with overall Pokémon Championships team and strategy. Drives creation of new ideas and programs for the competitive TCG space. Collaborates with Operations, Marketing, Legal, and Product Development teams to ensure aligned direction across the organization.

• FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt

• People Manager: No

 

What you’ll do

• Develops objectives for competitive TCG and evaluates performance against those objectives.

• Recommends updates to current competitive landscape based on market research, emerging trends, and a strong understanding of the Pokémon TCG player base.

• Prepares reports on industry, event(s) and program performance

• Provide leadership for program objectives, strategy, and content for internal and external audiences across events.

• Manage program integration plan with Game Studio team for TCG Live competitive ecosystem/path to World Championships.

• Advocate for needs to effectively execute the Pokémon TCG competitive program as well as support a safe, fun, and fair environment for all players.

• Attend International and World Championships acting as the overall TCG tournament lead.

• Support operational infrastructure to drive continued growth and health of Pokémon TCG community with content and insight needed to support the player journey and internal business goals.

• Maintain TCG database in collaboration with product development teams.

• Submit event results to Digital Marketing teams.

• Support broadcast teams to help drive livestream viewer engagement.

• Effectively manage Championship Points structure for TCG events.

• Collaborate with Marketing teams to proactively inform audience of competitive changes and program updates

• Collaborate with event and Championship Operations, Production, and Broadcast on competition management.

 

               

What you’ll bring

• Demonstrated experience engaging with Pokémon TCG events.

• Strong Pokémon TCG product knowledge.

• Five (5) to seven (7) years of relevant professional experience or a demonstrated equivalent level of expertise.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or a demonstrated equivalent level of applicable experience.

• Excellent analytical skills.

• Outstanding communication skills. The ability to work across teams and communicate marketing goals/results at a team, executive, and company level.

• Ability to adapt to changing deadlines, emerging needs, policy changes, and the variety of nuances that can happen in a live events environment.

• Clear thinker and communicator with excellent written and oral communication.

• Proven problem solver, able to discern the crux of an issue, and use good judgment in recommending practical solutions.

• Organized and process-oriented with proven ability to manage multiple projects at once.

• Experience of working with external partners, particularly international ones.

• While passion for the Pokémon brand is a plus it is not required, however knowledge of and a willingness to learn more about the brand is a must.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

 

Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $95,640 - $127,250 per year. The full range is $95,640 - 172,260 per year. This range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. The final base salary is directly related to the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience uniquely.

#LI-CK1 #LI-Hybrid

How you’ll be successful

• Passion for Pokémon: Develops an understanding of the Pokémon brand, the impact it has on our people, culture, business, fans, and communities, and applying that knowledge and passion to everything you do.
• Challenging the Expected: Approaches challenges with curiosity and creativity, embracing the possibility of failure as an opportunity to learn something new, develop innovative ideas, solve complex problems and identify unique opportunities.  
• Integrity and Respect: Demonstrates integrity and respect by leading with empathy, listening to others, seeking out different perspectives, and taking personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and results.
• Dedicated to Quality: Takes ownership to maintain and promote high standards, looks for new ways to learn and improve, and embraces a growth mindset to seek and apply feedback from others in an effort to continuously improve. 
• Building Relationships: Develops and strengthens relationships, adopting a “team first” mentality and working collaboratively to solve problems and meet shared goals.  
• Delighting Customers: Listens and understands the interests and needs of our customers and stakeholders, making them feel heard and important, and embracing these learnings to continue delivering a unique Pokémon experience.

 

What to expect

• An innovative culture driven by impact, delivering meaningful outcomes.
• Company events that celebrate the spirit of Pokémon.
• Competitive cash-based compensation programs.
• 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for you.
• Generous paid family leave.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Employer-paid long and short-term income protection insurance.
• US Employees: 401k Employer Matching.
• UK/IRE/MX Employees: Pension Employer Contributions.
• Fitness reimbursement.
• Commuter benefit.
• LinkedIn learning.
• Comprehensive relocation package for certain roles.
• Hybrid work environment.

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this role. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. For roles in the United Kingdom, candidates will need the right to work. In some cases, and for some roles, the Company may be able to arrange a visa. For roles in Ireland, this role requires candidates to have the right to live and work in the Republic of Ireland. However, we welcome applications from all nationalities and may consider supporting an employment permit application, in appropriate and suitable cases.

The Pokémon Company International is committed to the inclusion of all qualified applicants for consideration in our job application process. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at accommodationrequest_ta@pokemon.com.