Graphic Designer II, Packaging Localization (12- Month Fixed Term Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II, Packaging Localization (12-Month Fixed Term Contract)

Company: The Pokémon Company International

Location: Bellevue, Washington, United States

Job Type: Contract

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-01T21:03:03

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid work environment noted, with potential for remote collaboration but primary location is on-site in Bellevue)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the critical post-design phase of packaging localization, ensuring brand assets are accurately prepared for global print production.

• It demands a high degree of technical proficiency in graphic design software and a deep understanding of print production workflows, rather than creative concept generation.

• The position requires meticulous attention to detail for managing multiple international packaging projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to strict brand and production guidelines.

• Success in this role is defined by the ability to execute precise file preparation and deliver print-ready assets that maintain brand integrity across diverse linguistic and regional requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the description explicitly states this is a "non-creative role" focused on "converting and preparing print-ready files." This is a crucial distinction for operations-minded candidates, highlighting a need for technical execution and process adherence over conceptual design. The role's emphasis on localization and strict guidelines places it within a specialized operational niche of the creative production pipeline.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal teams, editorial staff, managers, and art directors to thoroughly understand project requirements, target audiences, and messaging for localized packaging.

• Prepare print-ready graphics files in multiple languages, meticulously adhering to pre-designed templates and strict production guidelines.

• Accurately recreate pre-designed packaging artwork onto different dieline templates, ensuring precise fit and alignment.

• Develop and present draft design files for review by editorial and other relevant departments, incorporating feedback effectively.

• Manage multiple localization projects concurrently, ensuring all projects remain on schedule and meet quality standards.

• Consult with management and art directors on complex or specialized localization challenges, seeking guidance to ensure optimal outcomes.

• Prepare final print files and backup design files for server storage upon final approval, maintaining meticulous attention to detail.

• Conduct thorough reviews of proofs submitted by print vendors, identifying and rectifying any discrepancies or errors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize technical execution, adherence to process, and quality control, which are core tenets of operational roles. The need to "recreate pre-designed packaging art on different dieline templates" and "prepare print-ready graphics files in multiple languages" points to a highly structured workflow requiring precision and system-level thinking, typical of operations-focused creative production.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for mid-level design roles, though equivalent practical experience may be considered.

Experience:

• Three (3) to four (4) years of related graphic design print experience.

Required Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of print technology and pre-press processes.

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) on Mac OS.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Demonstrated ability to produce design work that aligns with established brand requirements and guidelines.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and feedback integration.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently on assigned projects and manage time effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with localization workflows or tools.

• Familiarity with online graphics preparation.

• Experience with 3D software (e.g., for packaging mockups or visualization).

• Experience working with dieline templates and understanding their application in packaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "extensive knowledge of print technology and pre-press processes," "typesetting, layout and file preparation for print," and specific software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite on Mac OS) highlights the technical and process-oriented nature of this role, aligning it with operations functions that support creative output. The "localization" aspect further adds a layer of process complexity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate examples of print-ready file preparation for packaging, showcasing adherence to technical specifications and dieline constraints.

• Include case studies or project examples that illustrate the process of localizing packaging artwork across multiple languages, highlighting problem-solving for text expansion or layout adjustments.

• Showcase your ability to work within pre-defined templates and brand guidelines, ensuring consistency and accuracy in final output.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for managing multiple print production projects simultaneously, including file organization and version control.

• Be ready to explain your workflow for preparing files for localization, including how you handle text replacement, character set compatibility, and layout adjustments.

• Demonstrate your understanding of pre-press requirements, such as color profiles, bleed, trim, and resolution, and how you ensure files meet these specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on localization and print readiness, a portfolio should explicitly detail the candidate's process for ensuring technical accuracy and brand compliance in a multi-language context. This is less about creative concept and more about the systematic execution of design specifications for a global market.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Base Salary Range: $86,215 - $102,285 per year (for new hires).

• Full Base Salary Range: $86,215 - $150,844 per year.

Benefits:

• Healthcare premiums 100% employer-paid for the employee.

• Generous paid family leave.

• Employer-paid life insurance.

• Employer-paid long and short-term income protection insurance.

• US Employees: 401k Employer Matching.

• UK/IRE/MX Employees: Pension Employer Contributions (note: this role is in the US, so 401k matching is applicable).

• Fitness reimbursement.

• Commuter benefit.

• LinkedIn learning subscription for professional development.

Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week. The role operates within a hybrid work environment, implying flexibility in scheduling for on-site days, but core working hours will align with standard business operations to facilitate collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is for the US market. The benefits are comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on health and income protection, which are attractive to professionals seeking stability. The inclusion of LinkedIn Learning and fitness/commuter benefits supports professional development and work-life balance, key considerations for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Entertainment & Media, specifically focused on the Pokémon franchise. The company manages brand management, licensing, marketing, and product development for one of the world's most popular children's entertainment properties.

Company Size: The Pokémon Company International is part of a larger global entity. While exact numbers for the International division aren't specified, it's a significant operation with a global reach, implying robust internal processes and systems.

Founded: Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996. The Pokémon Company International operates globally, managing the property outside of Asia.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of a team responsible for packaging localization, likely within a larger Creative Services, Production, or Marketing Operations department.

• The structure involves collaboration with editorial staff, managers, and art directors, suggesting a matrixed or project-based reporting line for specific assignments.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a data-driven and impact-oriented approach to its operations, aiming to deliver meaningful outcomes.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially in a localization context where efficiency and accuracy are paramount.

• Automation and efficiency are likely key drivers, though this specific role focuses on the technical execution within established automated or semi-automated systems.

Company Website: https://corporate.pokemon.com/en-us/ and https://www.pokemon.com/us

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on a globally recognized brand like Pokémon suggests a need for highly structured processes, rigorous quality control, and efficient execution to maintain brand consistency and meet market demands. This environment would appeal to operations professionals who thrive on process optimization and large-scale project management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level (Graphic Designer II), indicating a need for independent work and a solid foundation of technical skills and experience in print production and localization. It's a hands-on execution role rather than a strategic or managerial one.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Graphics Manager and/or Art Director. Collaboration is expected with various teams, including editorial and project management, highlighting a cross-functional operational dynamic.

Operations Impact: The incumbent's work directly impacts the global market readiness of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) products. Accurate and timely localization of packaging ensures compliance with regional regulations, maintains brand integrity, and facilitates smooth product launches worldwide, directly contributing to revenue streams and market penetration.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in packaging localization, print production workflows, and specific regional market requirements within the TCG space.

• Skill Development: Potential to gain exposure to localization tools, advanced print technologies, and project management within a large-scale production environment.

• Advancement: While this is a fixed-term contract, successful performance could lead to opportunities for further contract extensions or roles within The Pokémon Company International's broader creative production or operations teams if permanent positions become available.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a specific, operational niche within a creative field. Growth would likely involve mastering the intricacies of global print production and localization processes, becoming a go-to expert for technical file preparation within the company's GTM operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates a hybrid work environment. This implies a blend of on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility. The Bellevue office is likely a modern, well-equipped creative hub.

Office Location(s): Bellevue, Washington, United States. This location offers a vibrant tech and creative industry ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities to interact with a diverse team of creative professionals, project managers, and localization specialists.

• Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite on Mac OS) and necessary production tools will be provided.

• Opportunities for cross-functional team interaction are high, given the nature of packaging localization which requires input from multiple departments.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (40 hours per week) with a hybrid model. This schedule allows for consistent progress on projects while balancing personal needs. Flexibility on specific workdays may be available, subject to team and project demands, which is common in operations roles supporting global deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills, essential for operations professionals who often coordinate efforts across different teams and locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required technical skills and experience in print production and localization.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Expect a deep dive into your portfolio, focusing on specific examples of print-ready file preparation, packaging localization projects, and your understanding of pre-press processes. You may be asked to walk through your workflow for a particular project.

• Skills-Based Interview: Questions will likely assess your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, knowledge of print technologies, and ability to work with dielines and strict guidelines. Behavioral questions will gauge your teamwork, attention to detail, and independent problem-solving abilities.

• Manager/Art Director Interview: Discussion about your experience, how you handle feedback, manage multiple projects, and your understanding of the Pokémon brand in a localization context.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Technical Execution: Showcase projects where you successfully prepared print-ready files, especially for packaging. Clearly label these examples and explain the technical specifications you adhered to.

• Demonstrate Localization Process: If possible, include examples of packaging artwork that was localized. Detail your role in adapting layouts, managing text, and ensuring regional compliance.

• Detail Your Workflow: For each relevant project, briefly outline your process: brief intake, design/adaptation, file preparation, review, and final output. Emphasize how you ensure accuracy and efficiency.

• Focus on Print & Pre-Press: Include examples that clearly demonstrate your understanding of color management, bleed, trim, resolution, and file formats required for professional printing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a technical challenge that might involve adapting a provided design file to a new dieline or mock-up a localization scenario.

• Practice articulating your problem-solving process, especially when dealing with technical constraints or tight deadlines.

• Familiarize yourself with the Pokémon TCG brand and general packaging design trends in the toy/collectible industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "non-creative role" means the interview will heavily scrutinize technical skill, process adherence, and attention to detail. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their mastery of the production pipeline rather than design concepting.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for file preparation, layout, and image manipulation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard use for communication, documentation, and basic data handling (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable to this role's core functions, but understanding how final print files contribute to broader marketing analytics and product launch success is beneficial.

CRM & Automation: While not directly used for design tasks, understanding how project management systems or DAM (Digital Asset Management) systems might be used to store and track localized files could be a plus.

Specialized Tools:

• Localization Software: Experience with tools that facilitate multi-language text management and layout adaptation would be a significant advantage.

• 3D Software: Familiarity with software capable of rendering packaging mockups (e.g., Cinema 4D, Blender, or specialized packaging software) could be beneficial for visualization and dieline applications.

• Dieline Software/Templates: Experience working with and understanding dieline templates is critical.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tech stack is Adobe Creative Suite. However, understanding the broader context of how these files integrate into localization workflows and digital asset management systems is valuable for an operations-focused candidate.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Pokémon: A genuine appreciation for the brand is expected, influencing attention to detail and commitment to quality in representing it globally.

• Challenging the Expected: While this role is process-driven, an openness to suggesting process improvements or identifying better ways to handle localization challenges is valued.

• Integrity and Respect: Demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and taking ownership of your work is crucial in this collaborative environment.

• Dedicated to Quality: A commitment to maintaining high standards in print file preparation and meticulous review of proofs is paramount. Embracing feedback for continuous improvement is key.

• Building Relationships: Working effectively with diverse teams (editorial, art, production) and adopting a "team first" mentality is essential for successful project execution.

• Delighting Customers: Understanding that the final packaging is a key touchpoint for consumers, ensuring its quality and accuracy globally.

Collaboration Style:

• The culture emphasizes cross-functional integration, requiring clear communication and mutual respect between creative, editorial, and production teams.

• A feedback-driven process is in place, encouraging constructive dialogue to refine projects.

• Knowledge sharing, especially regarding localization nuances and print production best practices, is encouraged to improve team efficiency and output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are strongly rooted in both brand passion and professional conduct, highlighting an environment where operational excellence is driven by a commitment to quality and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Languages & Dielines: The primary challenge lies in accurately adapting artwork for numerous languages, each with unique character sets and potential text expansion/contraction, onto various dieline templates without compromising design integrity or print specifications.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring that the Pokémon brand identity is perfectly translated across all localized packaging, despite technical constraints and regional variations.

• Adhering to Strict Production Guidelines: The "non-creative" nature means strict adherence to established templates and workflows is non-negotiable, requiring discipline and accuracy.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Balancing the demands of multiple projects with varying deadlines in a fast-paced global production environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Print Production Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in international print standards, color management for global markets, and advanced pre-press techniques.

• Localization Workflow Mastery: Become an expert in the end-to-end process of packaging localization, including understanding localization software and best practices.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Work closely with international marketing, legal, and product development teams to understand the broader context of packaging requirements.

• Industry Trends: Stay updated on advancements in print technology and localization strategies relevant to consumer packaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a deep dive into a very specific operational challenge: global packaging localization. Success hinges on mastering the technical and process-driven aspects of this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for preparing a set of packaging files for print localization. What are the key considerations for different languages?" (Focus on your systematic approach, tools used, and risk mitigation for text expansion).

• "Walk me through a time you had to recreate existing packaging artwork onto a new dieline template. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight your technical skills, problem-solving, and attention to detail).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working with The Pokémon Company International, specifically in a packaging localization role?" (Connect your skills to the brand and the operational aspects of the role).

• "How do you handle receiving critical feedback on your work from an Art Director or manager?" (Focus on your receptiveness to feedback, collaborative spirit, and commitment to quality).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase print production and localization examples. Use clear headings and concise descriptions for each piece.

• Highlight Process: For selected projects, briefly outline your workflow, emphasizing the technical steps taken for file preparation and localization.

• Focus on Technical Accuracy: Be ready to discuss resolution, color profiles, bleed, trim, and how you managed text localization challenges.

• Showcase Dieline Adaptation: If you have examples of adapting designs to different dielines, this is crucial. Explain your approach to ensuring fit and visual appeal.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should center on demonstrating technical command, process adherence, and an understanding of the operational impact of precise file preparation in a global context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

• Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in print production, packaging design, typesetting, layout, file preparation, and localization. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed localization for 15+ packaging SKUs per quarter").

• Curate your portfolio: Select your strongest examples of print-ready file preparation and packaging localization. Ensure they clearly demonstrate your technical skills and understanding of pre-press requirements. Be prepared to discuss your process for each piece.

• Prepare for technical questions: Review your knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, print technology, pre-press processes, and localization workflows. Practice explaining your technical approach.

• Research The Pokémon Company International: Understand their brand, product lines (especially TCG), and global reach to better tailor your responses during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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