Product Planning and Development Manager

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

This role is responsible for planning and managing physical merchandise tied to our game titles—such as limited editions, plush toys, and other branded products—sold through online stores and retail partners. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Product Planning & Development

• Plan and develop merchandise strategies aligned with game releases and brand vision
• Identify product opportunities through market research, competitor analysis, and fan feedback
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design, marketing, sales, game production) to develop product concepts and promotional bundles
• Work closely with Operations team and manage development timelines from concept through production, ensuring timely launches and quality assurance
• Prepare product briefs and coordinate internal approvals for prototypes and final designs

Supply Chain & Logistics

• Partner with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure smooth inbound flow, storage, and order fulfillment
• Monitor inventory levels and provide input on reordering, stock allocation, and product lifecycle planning 

Sales & Performance Tracking

• Collaborate with e-commerce and retail teams to determine product assortments, pricing, and promotional timing
• Analyze sell-through performance, customer feedback, and inventory data to support future product planning
• Support the creation of product content for online listings, marketing materials, and retail catalogs

Others

• Assist in the planning and execution of NISA events, including but not limited to PAX and Anime Expo.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related field
• 5-10 years of experience in product planning, merchandise development, or supply chain management, ideally in the entertainment, gaming, or consumer goods industry
• Strong understanding of international logistics, import/export regulations, and vendor coordination
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Excel and planning tools; familiarity with ERP systems and project tracking software (e.g., Asana, Monday)
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience with Google Suite and Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with manufacturers in Asia, including sourcing, sampling, and production oversight
• Bilingual (e.g., English and Japanese) preferred for vendor and licensor communication
• Understanding of online and retail merchandising strategies

• Understanding of gaming business concepts and the history of RPGs in the gaming industry Good base of knowledge for gaming industry personalities and publications

Other Requirements:

• Supervisory Responsibilities: YES

Key Attributes:

Candidate should demonstrate these skills

• Passion
  • Strong passion to introduce our game titles to the market
  • A love for Japanese games!
• Communication Skills
  • Solid verbal and written English communication
  • Exceptional communication and presentation
  • Good negotiation skills
• Planning and organizing
  • Good time management / Ability to meet schedules and deadlines
• team work oriented
  • Team working skills with respect
  • A person of integrity
  • Steady and prudent
• Multi-tasking
  • Able to juggle multiple tasks with competing deadlines
  • Ability to prioritize tasks as needed based on task urgency and importance
• Required nature
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Good sense for numbers / mathematics
  • Stress tolerance
  • Detail Oriented

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is typically performed either in an office environment with a moderate noise level or at your home.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to frequently sit and occasionally must stand, walk, use hands and fingers, and may lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include the ability to read and analyze data in hard copy and on a computer screen, measure, or identify using eyesight and adjust vision focus.
• Abilities to communicate verbally and in writing to individuals and groups.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Benefits: Health, Dental & Vision coverage, 401k plan

Health care: effective first of the month following 30 days waiting period. 
 401K: Require 3 months of service to be eligible.

• Paid holidays; 88 hours of vacation in the first year; 56 hours sick leave per year
• Discretionally Year-end bonus (TBD) may be available

Salary : $90,000 - $120,000