Manager, Commercial Management (Pokémon Center) (12-months FTC)

Manager, Commercial Management (Pokémon Center) (12-months FTC)

Temporary 63200 - 84000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The Pokémon Company International

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the commercial strategy for PokémonCenter.com and manage product categories.
  • Company: Join The Pokémon Company International, a leader in children's entertainment.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 100% employer-paid healthcare, generous family leave, and hybrid work options.
  • Other info: Dynamic work culture with opportunities for growth and innovation.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team transforming digital commerce for Pokémon fans worldwide.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in retail buying and management experience required.

The predicted salary is between 63200 - 84000 £ per year.

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.

Get to know the role.

Job Summary: Join The Pokémon Company International as we transform our digital commerce capabilities to meet growing global demand for original and collectible Pokémon products. Based in London office, this role leads the commercial strategy for PokémonCenter.com in Europe and manages global product categories including Plush and Licensed merchandise. This position is a 12-months Fixed-Term Contract.

People Manager: Yes.

What you’ll do:

  • Own revenue, buying, supply planning, and digital merchandising for European Pokémon Center storefronts.
  • Lead a team of four across Supply Planning, Forecasting, Digital Merchandising, and Category Management.
  • Drive product strategy and execution across forecasting, selection, pricing, release planning, and inventory analysis.
  • Manage global strategy for Plush and Licensed categories, supported by an Associate Category Manager.
  • Oversee end-to-end development of Licensed Partner products—from opportunity identification to go-to-market execution.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, and Logistics to deliver seamless product launches.
  • Lead product planning for European Pop-Up Stores and events.
  • Champion process improvement and scalable systems to enhance buying efficiency and on-time delivery.
  • Contribute to the digital commerce tech roadmap and customer journey optimization.

What you’ll bring:

  • Five+ (5+) years of relevant experience, plus a minimum of one (1) year of management experience or a demonstrated equivalent level of expertise.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or a demonstrated equivalent level of applicable experience.
  • Expertise in retail buying, merchandising, and ecommerce strategy.
  • Proficiency in Excel and Tableau (or similar tools).
  • Excellent communication and time-management skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
  • Passion for Pokémon and a customer-first mindset.

Success Factors:

  • Comfortable working across time zones (stakeholders based in Bellevue, WA).
  • Strategic thinker with attention to detail.
  • Skilled at managing multiple projects and building strong virtual relationships.
  • Proactive, adaptable, and eager to drive change and innovation.

Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between £63,200.00 - £84,000.00 per year. The full range is £63,200.00 - £113,500.00 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.

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.

Manager, Commercial Management (Pokémon Center) (12-months FTC) employer: The Pokémon Company International

The Pokémon Company International is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and innovation while fostering a passion for the beloved Pokémon brand. Based in London, employees benefit from competitive compensation, comprehensive healthcare, generous family leave, and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic, hybrid work environment. Join a team that values integrity, collaboration, and customer delight, all while contributing to the global success of one of the world's most iconic entertainment properties.

The Pokémon Company International

Contact Details:

The Pokémon Company International Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Manager, Commercial Management (Pokémon Center) (12-months FTC)

Get to Know the E-commerce Scene

Dive into online communities where e-commerce enthusiasts hang out, like e-commerce Facebook groups or Reddit forums. You'll get the scoop on job openings and trends that are crucial for landing temporary roles.

Attend E-commerce Events and Job Fairs

Keep an eye out for local e-commerce networking events and job fairs. These are golden opportunities to meet hiring managers in person, and you can really showcase your enthusiasm and skills face-to-face.

Leverage Seasonal Opportunities

With temporary roles, there's a lot of seasonal hiring in e-commerce, especially around Black Friday and Christmas. Make sure you're applying during these peak times and check if The Pokémon Company International is gearing up for the holiday rush.

Get Your Hands Dirty on Platforms

Familiarise yourself with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce and maybe even create a little project of your own. Showing practical knowledge will impress potential employers like The Pokémon Company International and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Commercial Management (Pokémon Center) (12-months FTC)

Commercial Strategy
Retail Buying
Merchandising
Ecommerce Strategy
Supply Planning
Forecasting
Digital Merchandising

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your E-commerce Savvy:For a role in e-commerce like Manager, Commercial Management (Pokémon Center) (12-months FTC) at The Pokémon Company International, really highlight any experience you have with online retail platforms. Have you worked with Shopify, WooCommerce, or Amazon? Mention these specifics in your CV to show you understand the landscape and the tools of the trade.

Data Skills are a Winner:E-commerce thrives on data. If you've got experience analysing customer behaviour or tracking sales metrics, make sure to weave that into your application. Include any relevant certifications or courses that show your skills in data analysis – this could set you apart!

Catch Their Attention in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a temporary role, your motivation is key. Use your cover letter to convey your enthusiasm for the e-commerce industry and your eagerness to contribute quickly. Let them know how you can hit the ground running – they’ll appreciate your proactiveness!

Keep it Concise and Relevant:Temporary positions often move fast, so keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the experiences that most directly relate to Manager, Commercial Management (Pokémon Center) (12-months FTC) at The Pokémon Company International. A tight, well-structured application shows you value their time and makes a good impression right off the bat!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Pokémon Company International

Show Off Your E-Commerce Know-How

Don't just tell them you're familiar with e-commerce; bring concrete examples! Talk about specific platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce that you've used, or any success stories from past projects. They'll love hearing about how you've navigated challenges or optimised sales strategies.

Be Ready for Real-Time Problem Solving

Expect questions that put you in the hot seat regarding customer experience scenarios or inventory management. They might ask you how you would handle a sudden stock shortage or a spike in demand. Practice thinking on your feet so you can show off your problem-solving chops!

Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability

Since this is a temporary role, it's all about being quick on the uptake. Highlight experiences where you've had to learn on the job or adapt to new systems quickly. They’ll want to see that you can hit the ground running without needing too much hand-holding.

Keep Your Digital Toolkit Sharp

Familiarise yourself with the latest e-commerce tools and trends, like SEO practices for online stores or analytics tools like Google Analytics. If you have experience with A/B testing or managing online promotions, be ready to talk about it. This kind of knowledge will set you apart from other candidates!