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Sr. Manager, TCG Global Sustainability

The Pokémon Company International • United States • Added on Jun 26, 2026
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As the lead for the Trading Card Game (TCG) division, you will take ownership of the sustainability strategy for one of the most iconic product lines in the entertainment world. You will work to integrate environmental standards directly into the supply chain, ensuring that every card and package produced meets evolving global regulations. This is a high-impact leadership role where you translate high-level corporate goals into actionable, data-driven programs across manufacturing and logistics.

The impact here is unique because TCG products involve massive global physical distribution and resource-intensive materials. By leading the shift toward sustainable packaging and responsible sourcing, you directly reduce the environmental footprint of a hobby loved by millions of fans worldwide. You are not just monitoring data; you are fundamentally changing how a primary business driver operates to respect planetary boundaries.

This suits someone who possesses deep expertise in consumer goods supply chains and a track record of navigating complex global environmental regulations. You should be a collaborative strategist capable of influencing senior leaders and managing a specialized team in a fast-paced, product-centric environment.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to serve as the sustainability owner for the Trading Card Game (TCG) business unit. This involves defining a bespoke strategy that aligns with global business growth while ensuring rigorous adherence to environmental regulations. You will oversee the transition to sustainable materials and lead the execution of emissions reduction programs across the entire TCG supply chain. Key responsibilities include defining TCG-specific KPIs and leveraging large datasets to track environmental performance. The role operates at a strategic level, advising senior leadership on investment trade-offs between sustainability, cost, and brand integrity. You will also manage a growing team dedicated to embedding these practices into daily operations.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers a masterclass in global supply chain transformation within the consumer goods and entertainment sectors. You will likely gain deep expertise in navigating the complex landscape of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and climate disclosure requirements across multiple international jurisdictions. Dealing with a high-volume physical product involves sophisticated material science challenges that provide technical learning in sustainable packaging. Furthermore, the position offers significant exposure to strategic change management within a beloved global brand. You will learn to balance the needs of a legacy product with the necessity of modern environmental standards, developing a unique skill set in aligning corporate heritage with future-proof sustainability practices.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings over eight years of experience, specifically at the intersection of sustainability and global supply chains. A background in manufacturing, logistics, or consumer packaged goods is essential to understand the operational realities of the TCG business. You must have at least five years of leadership experience, as this role involves managing a team and influencing cross-functional peers. Technical proficiency in data analytics and environmental reporting frameworks is highly valued. The candidate should be comfortable translating complex regulatory jargon into actionable business steps. A growth mindset and the ability to travel internationally to visit vendors and manufacturing sites are also critical for success in this global capacity.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond generic CSR language and demonstrate a firm grasp of the TCG business model. Highlight specific instances where you have successfully implemented sustainable materials or achieved compliance in a highly regulated global market. Showing an understanding of the balance between product durability, collectibility, and environmental impact will resonate with the hiring team. Tailor your application to show how you influence stakeholders who may have competing priorities, such as procurement or marketing. Since Pokémon is a brand-driven company, emphasizing your ability to maintain brand integrity while pursuing radical environmental improvements will be a significant competitive advantage.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The core focus is on product and packaging circularity. You will likely spend significant time evaluating alternative materials for card stock, plastic components, and shipping materials to reduce the overall environmental footprint. This is a highly operational role, meaning the focus is on the tangible impacts of production rather than generic corporate philanthropy. Another major pillar is regulatory readiness. With the rise of ESG reporting standards and strict packaging waste laws in Europe and elsewhere, this role ensures the TCG business remains compliant. You will be at the forefront of decarbonization efforts within the manufacturing and logistics phases, aiming for measurable reductions in Scope 3 emissions.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the most significant challenges will be influencing without direct authority across disparate departments like Legal, Procurement, and Manufacturing. Aligning these teams' goals with sustainability targets requires high-level negotiation and a clear business case. You might also face technical constraints where sustainable alternatives for materials do not yet meet the high quality or safety standards required for the Pokémon brand. Additionally, the regulatory landscape is shifting rapidly. Staying ahead of new laws across different continents while maintaining a predictable production schedule for a global hobby requires immense foresight and organizational agility. Managing the trade-offs between sustainability initiatives and the cost-to-market in a competitive industry is an ongoing challenge.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a cross-functional meeting involving supply chain leads to review the progress of a new sustainable packaging pilot. You might then transition to a deep dive into compliance data, ensuring that upcoming product launches meet the latest environmental disclosure requirements in the UK or EU. Afternoons could involve coaching sessions with your team or meeting with external consultants to discuss lifecycle assessment (LCA) results for TCG materials. Much of your time is spent translating data into strategy, preparing briefings for senior executives that outline the risks and opportunities of current sustainability trends within the entertainment industry.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Growth in this role is fueled by the scaling of the TCG sustainability team. As the division grows in importance, the scope of your leadership will naturally expand, potentially leading to broader director-level oversight of integrated operations. You will be positioned as a top-tier expert in a niche but highly sought-after field: sustainable entertainment and hobby products. There are also opportunities for high-visibility project leadership, such as spearheading a global transition to a new material standard. Such projects offer significant career capital, making you a key player within The Pokémon Company International’s long-term strategic evolution and providing a platform for further executive advancement.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders are diverse, ranging from Legal and Compliance experts who provide the regulatory guardrails to Supply Chain and Procurement teams who handle the day-to-day vendor interactions. You will also work closely with Product and Packaging designers to ensure that sustainability does not compromise the 'unboxing' experience for fans. Externally, you will interact with manufacturing vendors and materials suppliers to push for innovation in their processes. Engaging with industry groups and environmental consultants will also be part of your routine to ensure the company remains at the cutting edge of best practices and anticipates future industry shifts.

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