Manager, Competitive Programs

The Pokemon Company International is a leading entertainment company that manages the Pokemon property outside of Asia. Established as the custodian of one of the world’s most recognized and beloved children’s entertainment brands, the company is responsible for an extensive portfolio that includes brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokemon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokemon website. Since the launch of Pokemon in Japan in 1996, it has grown to become a global phenomenon, continuously evolving to engage millions of fans around the world. This company prides itself on innovation, quality, and fostering a vibrant and inclusive community of players and fans across diverse platforms and media.

The role of Manager, Competitive Programs at The Pokemon Company International is a critical leadership position focused on driving the competitive live operations for the path to the annual Pokemon World Championships across multiple product categories. This dynamic role entails managing a team dedicated to planning and executing competitive events, collaborating closely with game developers, and developing long-term strategies that enhance player engagement and the overall value of the competitive scene. Key responsibilities include overseeing the global qualification processes across multiple regions including North America, Europe, Latin America, MESA, and Oceania, as well as managing budgets, event schedules, player rewards systems, and developing incentives that motivate and reward player participation.

The Manager will contribute significantly to shaping the competitive vision of the company by leading the creation of robust player qualification systems and ensuring that competitive events are executed with integrity and fairness. Additionally, this position involves partnering with internal departments such as Organized Play, Marketing, Legal, Broadcast, and Events to maintain the high standards expected by the Pokemon community. The role demands strategic thinking to negotiate contracts and manage relationships with global external vendors while continuously analyzing competitive data to support player engagement and growth. Candidates for this role will find themselves at the forefront of a fast-paced, passionate, and innovative environment in the esports and gaming industry, with a base salary range between $119,300 and $215,000 per year, dependent on qualifications and experience. This is an exempt position with an expectation of about 6-8 weeks of travel annually, blending hybrid work arrangements to support a flexible work culture.