Manager, Direct Sales (Global IP and Merchandise)

Job Description

The Manager, Direct Sales Global IP and Merchandise (GIP&MD) is responsible for planning and executing events, pop-up shops, as well as the launch of owned stores across European territories. This role will handle the full-cycle of our merchandise business where it pertains to direct sales. This includes planning, budgeting, contracting, execution, post-analysis, and continuously improving our direct sales business to maximize growth and sales. Additionally, they may manage relationships with merchandise vendors, distributors, and retail partners to optimise and enhance business opportunities, specifically when it is necessary to execute Direct Sales related activations and initiatives.

This role will also specifically support event planning and strategy relating to growth opportunities of the Final Fantasy trading card game (FFTCG). This includes working with internal stakeholders, retailers, and distributors to execute events such as FFTCG organized play.

A highly organized, efficient, and productive leader, this person plays a critical role in building strong connections between Square Enix merchandise with a global audience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on direct sales activities of competitors in the video game and IP business within the assigned region and share insights with supervisors to support company profit growth.
• Develop monthly strategic plans to participate and maximize sales at events (conventions, in-store events, FFTCG events), pop-up stores, and owned stores.
• Coordinate with relevant departments and stakeholders to promptly execute approved projects, optimizing operations with a strong sense of urgency.
• Hold regular meetings with Square Enix Japan direct Sales Division to continuously improve operations across regions.
• Plan pop-up shops, develop concepts, prepare proposal materials for Headquarters approval, and present to supervisors.
• Create P&L statements for each project to maximize sales and profit and present to supervisors.
• Analyze past data, formulate hypotheses, study products, and engage in self-development to select appropriate product lineups; also gather new product information from Square Enix Japan planning members.
• Act as the on-site representative, coordinating and responding to stakeholders.
• Obtain multiple vendor quotes, compare conditions, and propose optimal plans to supervisors.
• Coordinate with relevant departments regarding product shipments and take responsibility for successful project execution.
• Conduct research, forecasting, quote requests, and site surveys for future owned store openings.
• Conduct research, forecasting, quote requests, and P&L creation for new event participation in each region.
• Perform post-analysis of executed projects and propose improvements to supervisors.
• Participate in planning and execusion of the UK/EU territory FFTCG organized play.

KPI's

• Profit contribution
• Volume of projects
• Speed of execution
• Stakeholder satisfaction
• Volume of proposals
• Volume of competitor information
• Customer satisfaction

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstratable experience in business development within the toy and video game industries.
• Hands-on experience managing events and pop-up shops.
• Extensive knowledge of Square Enix IPs such as FFXIV and FFVII.
• Fluent in both Japanese and English, with bilingual verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to conduct professional interactions and negotiations both internally and externally.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, consistently delivering high-quality results under tight deadlines.
• Collaborative team player who contributes effectively to team-oriented environments toward shared goals.
• Proactive and flexible in exploring unfamiliar areas, demonstrating initiative and delivering strong results with minimal supervision.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality regarding sensitive and proprietary information.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and other business software.
• Deep understanding of internal operations and external trends in the gaming, toy, and IP merchandise industries, with the ability to support informed decision-making aligned with company-wide objectives.
• Flexibility to work outside regular hours to accommodate communication across time zones and event schedules.
• Willingness to travel frequently, both domestically and internationally, for events, research, and meetings.

Purpose & Values

• Purpose: Creating New Worlds with Boundless Imagination to Enhance People’s Lives.
• Values:
• Deliver Unforgettable Experiences
• Embrace Challenges
• Act Swiftly
• Stronger Together
• Continuously Evolve
• Cultivate Integrity