In-Game Merchandising Specialist

About Nexon

Nexon America is a branch of Nexon Co., Ltd., a global video game publisher and leading developer of online virtual worlds for PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Nexon proudly offers celebrated franchises like MapleStory and Mabinogi that have been enjoyed by millions of players for over two decades. When we founded our Nexon America branch in 2006, we made it our goal to bring those unique games to western players using a player-first approach. We achieve that goal by applying our team’s outstanding free-to-play expertise and live game support to every decision, every day.

But we’re committed to more than our games! Here at Nexon America, we’re all about open communication, diversity, mutual respect, and collaboration, so we can bring out the best in each other. Nexies find support, friendship, and career growth all in one place! And because we know a healthy work-life balance is the key to happiness, Nexies also enjoy flexible hours, a hybrid work model, and extra perks like food trucks, happy hours, and team events. It’s why we’ve earned the Great Place to Work certification for 5 years running!

We’re looking to expand our team with passionate individuals who want to learn, play, and grow with us. Ready for a new challenge?

Summary of Position

As the In-Game Merchandising Specialist for Global MapleStory, you will be the primary trendsetter/influencer for our Western player base. Your mission is to curate and suggest cosmetic content—including NX outfits, hair/face styles, and pets—that resonates with North American and European fashion trends. You will translate "Real-World" Western aesthetics (Streetwear, Y2K, Cottagecore, Anime, etc.) into MapleStory, ensuring our monetization strategy feels culturally relevant and exciting to players.

We are currently working in the office 2-3x a week in a hybrid work model.

Job Responsibilities

• Forecast emerging trends and translate insights into strategic recommendation decks: Monitor US/Western fashion platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.) and streetwear culture to identify upcoming aesthetic trends suitable for Global MapleStory. Creating and maintaining recommendation decks, seasonal aesthetic briefs, and cosmetic reference packages for art teams. Provide written and visual feedback on a regular basis (weekly to bi-weekly) on cosmetic concepts prior to production and release.
• Product Curation: Suggest and pitch "Surprise Style Box" (SSB) rotations and permanent Cash Shop additions based on seasonality and Western-specific holidays.
• Sales Analysis: Analyze performance data of previous cosmetic launches to identify which themes/styles (e.g., edgy/dark vs. cute/pastel) drive the highest engagement and revenue.
• Community Pulse: Actively monitor community hubs (Reddit, Discord, Twitter) to understand player wishlists for legacy items or specific style categories.
• Guide the direction of Cash Shop Visuals that are player facing
• Other duties as assigned

Work Experience

• 3 years in Fashion Buying/Merchandising, or Trend Forecasting, preferably in Gaming
• Expert proficiency in creating high-quality Mood Boards (Pinterest, PureRef, Milanote) to communicate visual direction to artists.
• You are deeply immersed in online culture. You consume content on TikTok, Instagram, ArtStation, and Reddit to spot visual trends as they are forming, not after they have peaked.
• Proficient in analyzing sales data from previous cosmetics and identifying aesthetic patterns (e.g., "Our players buy x item for this appeal versus other items").

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong knowledge and understanding of anime visual language and how it intersects with Western fashion trends
• Knowledge of live and online game player cosmetic and other trends
• Previous MapleStory play experience is preferred
• Able to look at concept art and know if it looks too generic or feels outdated
• Strategic thinking, problem solving ability
• Passionate about games and player experiences
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Exceptional project and time management
• Strong organizational skills
• Proficient in MS Office

Management has the right to add or change duties and job requirements at any time.

Nexon’s Benefits and Perks

We offer medical, dental and vision plans for you, your spouse or domestic partner and your children. Employees who enroll in the high deductible health plan receive an annual employer contribution to a health savings account and company paid hospital indemnity benefits. We also provide company paid life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability benefits as well as access to voluntary life and AD&D for yourself and your dependents, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) savings plan with a company match, and pet insurance. Nexies are encouraged to take advantage of our monthly wellness credit, participate in lunchtime yoga, and enroll in language classes. We host bi-monthly catered lunches, monthly happy hours, and maintain a well-stocked snack bar. To help you maintain a good work life balance, we offer paid time off, sick days, company holidays, and a year-end break.

Nexon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Compensation Description for Pay Transparency (annually)

The base salary range for this position in El Segundo, CA is $75,000 - $95,000 annually.

Our salary ranges are determined by market data based on position and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum salaries for that position. An individual’s pay is determined by factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s qualifications, skills, experiences, relevant education or training, and location.

Base pay is one part of the Total Rewards package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. This role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, however the salary range listed in this job posting reflects the base salary only.

Beware of Recruitment Scams

We have been made aware of fraudulent recruitment activities by individuals falsely claiming to represent Nexon America. Our recruiters will only contact you from official company email addresses ending in @nexon.com and will follow a formal interview process. We will never request for payment or personal financial information such as photos of government-issued identification during the recruitment process or offer a job without a formal interview process. If you receive suspicious email, we advise you to mark the email as junk or spam, so your email provider will block future messages from the sender.