Creative and Development Manager - Original Animation

Get to know The Pokemon Company International

The Pokemon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokemon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokemon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokemon website. Pokemon 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.

Job Title: Creative and Development Manager, Original Animation

Job Summary: The Creative Manager will be an integral member of the Original Animation team responsible for overseeing and providing feedback on creative deliverables for all Original Animation projects. They possess a strong sense of story-telling and narrative structure, with the ability to support creatives from development through launch. The Creative Manager will work directly with the Director and Production Manager of Original Animation, and other key leaders across all teams. They will also work directly with external people and teams engaged on Original Animation projects.

FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt

People Manager: No

What You'll Do

• Provide creative oversight and feedback of Original Animation productions ensuring clear communication and guidance while demonstrating strong creative sensibility and taste

• Collaborate with external partners such as executive producers, showrunners, artists, etc., on creative review

• Work with Production Manager on tracking for creative and brand review process

• Work with Production Manager to establish key schedules, workflows and budget

• Build and maintain documentation related to project specific creative best practices and context

• Proactive dedication to quality and working to expand Pokemon brand expression by challenging the expected all while maintaining project budget and scope

• Oversee commissioned materials for development of Original Animation concepts and projects

• Work with Brand Review teams for new and existing Original Animation projects

• Work with other internal stakeholders such as Marketing, Media Sales, Licensing, and Legal

• Build and maintain relationships with talent working in animation and related fields

• Stay on top of audience trends across, series, film, and shortform

• Stay on top of industry trends related to visual styles, look & feel, art direction, and character art

• Help Director manage and mitigate risks and creative concerns associated with executing projects, and aligning projects with department goals, objectives, and slate strategy

• Contribute to content development and production through research, building of pitch decks, and talent sourcing

• Work with Director and Production Manager on deal-making and contracting process.

What You'll Bring

• Five (5) to seven (7) years of related professional experience.

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience is required.

• Strong sense of creative taste and narrative structure

• Passion for animated storytelling

• Passion for delivering impactful content to multiple audience demographics including pre-k, kids, and families

• Experience across multiple mediums ie. drawn 2D, CG 2D&3D, stop-motion

• Positive and inclusive approach to communication

• Prioritization skills necessary to manage multiple projects at once

• Excellent teamwork and problem-solving skills.

• Curiosity-driven learning style

• Seeks to better themselves and peers through one-on-one feedback

• Willingness to stay current with evolving landscape of production process, workflows and technology

Nice to Have

• Experience and knowledge of Pokemon games and brand

• Creative and artistic experience with a pre-existing IP

• Experience balancing and managing both creative & business aspects and goals

• Project or show-based creative producing background

Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $93,000 - $111,000. The full range is $93,000 - $140,000 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 Pokemon: Develops an understanding of the Pokemon 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 Pokemon experience.

What to expect

• An innovative culture driven by impact, delivering meaningful outcomes.
• Company events that celebrate the spirit of Pokemon.
• 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 Pokemon 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 ....