Licensing and Merchandise Manager (Japan)

Company Description

To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers — this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company’s culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel and Beyond the Game Blog where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!

Job Description

As a Licensing and Merchandise Manager focused on Japan, you’ll drive the development of meaningful partnerships and merchandise initiatives that connect CD PROJEKT RED’s IP with audiences in Japan and beyond. You’ll work at the intersection of local trends, global strategy, and gamer culture - bringing creative, commercially viable projects to life with high attention to cultural relevance and quality.

Please note: the agreement will be with CD PROJEKT S.A. (the Polish entity), and we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead licensing and merchandise projects originating in Japan, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality benchmarks are met.
• Manage day-to-day communications with partners and vendors, building lasting relationships and resolving any challenges along the way.
• Track and analyze entertainment and consumer goods trends in Japan to identify new opportunities for merchandise, licensing, and crossovers.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external creatives to develop merchandise and partnership concepts that reflect our brand while appealing to both local and global gamers.
• Coordinate production and execution of projects, ensuring deliverables meet both creative expectations and business objectives.
• Maintain a strong understanding of IP rights, licensing standards, and legal compliance across all initiatives.

Qualifications

• Fluency in both Japanese and English.
• At least 3 years of experience in licensing, contract negotiation, and merchandise development.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• A creative, problem-solving mindset with the ability to adapt to changing needs.
• Solid understanding of Japan’s media, consumer product, or entertainment markets.
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, and managing timelines.
• Familiarity with legal frameworks around IP and licensing.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience.

Nice To Have

• Experience working with international teams or in a global franchise environment.
• Passion for games, pop culture, or storytelling through merchandise.

Additional Information

Working Mode

• Remote-First: this role is primarily remote, with occasional in-person collaboration at our local office space.

Health & Well-Being

• Life insurance — comprehensive pension and insurance plans to protect you and your loved ones.
• Annual budget for medical expenses (for those working outside Poland).
• Psychological and psychiatrist care — free mental health support and various well-being webinars.
• Paid Leave — from 20 to 26 days of holiday for every team member per year, and paid sick leave.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement.
• Menstrual Leave — employees who menstruate can take one extra day off each month when experiencing period pain.
• RED Parents Network — support for working parents, including childcare benefits, and family-friendly events.

Perks & Professional Growth

• Flexible working hours — start your workday anytime between 8 and 10 AM (CET).
• REDs have access to the cafeteria platform through which they can receive vouchers and codes to shops, cinemas, and public transport reimbursement.
• Training, lectures and courses — internal workshops, external training for each employee, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available. There’s always something to learn!
• Gifts for newborn rebels and regular chances to nab some cool swag!

Social Activities & Life in the Office

• Dog-friendly office — bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There’s always a furry friend or two to meet at the studio.
• Social events — we host regular gatherings at the studio where we can all unwind, play games, and just have some fun together.
• Healthy selections — ​​our canteens offer a range of healthy meals.
• Truly international working environment — a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.
• Sustainability is an ongoing commitment for us, and our campus has  electric car charging points, green zones, and much more. Read all about it on our Beyond the Game Blog.
• A designated space for your bicycle, as well as bicycle repair equipment and showers available whenever you need them.
• An onsite, well-equipped gym with a climbing wall, daily Gym Assistant support, and yoga and boxing classes.
• No dress-code — we like to keep it casual.

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