Job Description

Job Title: Merchandise Acquisitions & Operations Associate

Location: Remote (U.S. or Europe-based preferred)

Type: Full-Time

Language Requirements: Fluent English; German proficiency strongly preferred; Japanese knowledge a plus

About Us:

At  TOKYOPOP , we’ve been pioneers in bringing Japanese pop culture to global audiences for over 25 years. From manga publishing to anime and merchandise, we thrive at the intersection of fandom and storytelling. As we expand our global merchandise business, we’re looking for a passionate, experienced professional to join our team and help shape the future of anime and manga-related collectibles and products across North America and Europe.

The Role:

We’re seeking a versatile and entrepreneurial  Merchandise Acquisitions & Operations Manager who will lead the end-to-end development and distribution of licensed merchandise — from niche anime fandom items to mainstream pop culture products. This role blends strategic planning with hands-on execution in sourcing, operations, logistics, and go-to-market strategies.

You’ll work closely with international partners, licensors, distributors, and internal teams across marketing and sales to ensure our merchandise reaches the right audiences — efficiently and creatively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Acquisitions & Sourcing
• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate licensing deals for new merchandise related to anime, manga, and other pop culture IPs.
• Cultivate relationships with licensors, creators, and manufacturers across Japan, the U.S., and Europe.
• Operations & Logistics
• Oversee all merchandise production timelines, shipping coordination, and inventory management.
• Manage logistics partners and fulfillment operations in both North America and Europe.
• Ensure compliance with import/export regulations and retail standards in key markets.
• Sales & Marketing Strategy
• Develop and execute regional sales plans across DTC, retail, and distribution channels.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to tailor campaigns for different audience segments and regions.
• Analyze product performance and provide insights to guide future development.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Coordinate with creative, editorial, and marketing teams to align product launches with key media beats and fandom events.
• Help TOKYOPOP maintain strong visibility at conventions, pop-ups, and digital activations.

What We're Looking For:

• 5+ years of experience in merchandise, collectibles, or consumer products — preferably in pop culture, anime, or entertainment.
• Strong knowledge of global logistics, supply chain management, and vendor relations.
• Bilingual in  English and German — must be fluent in English, and strong German is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with Japanese language and/or culture is a major plus.
• Proven success in merchandising strategy, sales planning, or brand/licensing management.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Passion for anime, manga, and fan culture is essential!

Why Join TOKYOPOP?

• Be part of a tight-knit team with a global mission to bring stories and characters to life.
• Work with exciting IPs, from cult-favorite anime titles to rising pop culture brands.
• Collaborate across borders, cultures, and industries in a dynamic, ever-evolving market.
• Flexible remote setup — with the possibility of travel to conventions, partner meetings, and creative hubs.

Ready to bring anime and fandom to life across the globe?

Apply now with your CV and a short note about your experience and passions.

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