Sr Merchandise Development Specialist

About Nintendo of America: From the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System™ more than 30 years ago, Nintendo’s mission has been to create smiles through unique entertainment experiences. Here at Nintendo of America Inc., we deliver on this mission by partnering closely with Nintendo Co., Ltd., to bring Nintendo’s iconic and cherished franchises including Mario™, Donkey Kong™, The Legend of Zelda™, Metroid™, Animal Crossing™, Pikmin™ and Splatoon™ across the Americas through our video games, hardware systems, and collaborations with partners on a range of other entertainment initiatives like feature films and theme parks.

Based in Redmond, Wash., Nintendo of America serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. We are an equal opportunity employer offering a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, and the diverse consumers and communities we call home. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at https://www.nintendo.com/. 

SUMMARY: Leads product development for Hardline consumer licensed merchandise categories—Toys, Games, Novelty and Plush. Owns the creative and strategic relationship with external merchandise partners and Nintendo Co., Ltd. (NCL), ensuring products meet Nintendo’s exacting quality, brand, and IP standards. Plays a key role in bringing beloved Nintendo franchises to life through compelling product lines that enhance brand awareness, strengthen franchise appeal, and delight global fans.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• Lead Hardlines merchandise product development for toys, games, novelty and plush categories in collaboration with strategic external business partners.
• Oversee appropriate IP/asset usage guidance and merchandise quality across assigned categories, licensees, and projects.
• Deliver cohesive, market-ready merchandise lines in partnership with cross-functional teams, aligning with Nintendo’s IP strategy and go-to-market objectives.
• Oversee all stages of merchandise development—including concept design, prototypes, manufacturing reviews, and issue resolution.
• Keep complete and thorough records of communications related to active, inactive, and completed projects.
• Review licensee merchandise designs and physical product samples for compliance with Nintendo’s quality standards and intellectual property and art usage guidelines.
• Support licensee onboarding and educate external creative teams how to accurately represent Nintendo’s franchises and characters.
• Establish and maintain processes for reviewing merchandise line plans against Nintendo’s IP development strategy.
• Drive collaboration and consensus with Nintendo Co., Ltd. for IP usage and product quality as part of Nintendo of America’s global merchandise development program.
• Build and maintain strong, solution-focused relationships with partners, from working-level teams to senior leadership.
• Evaluate new product and category opportunities, making recommendations in line with Nintendo’s long-term IP expansion strategy.
• Monitor and analyze industry trends and manufacturing techniques to inform and improve Hardlines product development processes.
• Provide project status, development recommendations, and feedback to internal project teams and external business partners.
• Advocate for merchandise development needs during process, system, and policy discussions to ensure category representation.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities to enhance development efficiency and product excellence.
• May lead, develop, and mentor a small product team; fostering a collaborative environment that supports skill growth and creative innovation.