Production Manager - TCG & Manga

About the Company Azuki Labs is the company behind the Azuki universe, an original IP crafted through world-class art, storytelling, and community. Unlike traditional studios, we develop both the story and a trading card game (TCG) internally, allowing every mechanic, character, and system to feel intentional and interconnected. This role is foundational in supporting the launch and success of the Azuki TCG.

Role Overview

We’re looking for an experienced Production Manager to oversee the end-to-end production process for our Trading Card Game (TCG) and provide additional support on Manga-related publishing projects. You’ll play a pivotal role in bringing our creative vision to life ensuring that our cards, packaging, and printed materials meet the highest standards of quality and consistency.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in print production, manufacturing coordination, and vendor management, ideally within the TCG, publishing, or collectibles industries. You thrive in fast-paced creative environments, have an exceptional eye for detail, and can bridge communication between creative, operations, and manufacturing teams.

Key Responsibilities

Trading Card Game (TCG) Production

• Manage the full production lifecycle for TCG sets from prepress and proofing to manufacturing, packaging, and delivery.
• Develop and maintain production schedules, ensuring alignment between internal creative milestones and factory timelines.
• Coordinate with suppliers, printers, and manufacturers to ensure quality standards and cost efficiency.
• Oversee sampling, test prints, and quality control at every stage of production.
• Manage inventory planning and production runs based on sales forecasts and release strategies.
• Work cross-functionally with creative, logistics, and marketing teams to ensure smooth launches and restocks.

Manga Production Support

• Coordinate production and printing for manga volumes and serialized content.
• Manage relationships with illustrators, writers, and layout designers to maintain publishing schedules.

Operational & Strategic

• Build and maintain production documentation from specs, vendor lists, QA protocols, to process guidelines.
• Source new vendors and materials to optimize quality, cost, and sustainability managing invoicing and payments with the finance team
• Manage production budgets and cost estimates.
• Implement project management tools to improve visibility across teams.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of production experience in TCGs, publishing, or collectibles manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of print processes (offset, digital, specialty finishes, die cuts) and material selection.
• Fluency in Chinese and working with Chinese production partners
• Experience working directly with vendors, printers, and overseas manufacturers, especially in Asia.
• Proficiency in production tracking tools (e.g., Notion, Airtable etc).
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities — proactive, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven.
• Understanding of both digital and physical publishing workflows.

Pay & Benefits

• Our job titles may span more than one career level
• Competitive base salary and meaningful equity at an early-stage and high-growth startup
• 100% company paid Medical / Dental / Vision insurance

• Unlimited Pto

• 401(K)

• Wellness Stipend

• Food Stipend

Azuki Labs is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, and local law