Role OverviewMGA Entertainment is launching a global Trading Card Game (TCG) division leveraging our iconic brands (e.g., Bratz, LOL Surprise, Rainbow High, and future IP).
We are seeking a proven TCG executive to build this business from concept to global franchise. This leader will architect game design, rarity economics, organized play, manufacturing strategy, retail expansion, and competitive community infrastructure.
This is not a licensing management role.
This is a build-the-next-Pokémon role.
Core Responsibilities1. Franchise & Game Strategy- Develop long-term TCG roadmap (core sets, expansions, seasonal drops)
- Define gameplay philosophy (competitive vs collectible vs hybrid)
- Build rarity tiers, chase mechanics, and secondary market strategy
- Create sustainable "meta" evolution structure
- Design 3-5 year global franchise growth plan
2. Product Development- Lead in-house or external game designers
- Develop gameplay systems (rules engine, balancing, testing cycles)
- Oversee art direction aligned with MGA brands
- Design booster pack economics, starter decks, premium SKUs
- Integrate digital elements (QR codes, AR, companion app, etc.)
3. Community & Organized Play- Build tournament ecosystem (local 12 regional 12 global championships)
- Develop retail hobby store partnerships
- Create influencer and competitive ambassador program
- Design player acquisition funnel (kids + competitive teens + collectors)
- Establish judge program & tournament governance
4. Commercial & Retail Strategy- Define channel strategy (mass retail vs hobby vs DTC)
- Manage printing partners (Cartamundi, etc.)
- Forecast supply and demand cycles
- Protect IP from counterfeiting
- Build global distribution playbook
5. Team Building- Recruit game designers, competitive play managers, brand managers
- Establish internal balancing/testing team
- Build analytics capability for meta tracking and player behavior
Ideal Candidate ProfileMandatory Experience- 10+ years in Trading Card Games or tabletop gaming
- Experience at companies such as:
- Wizards of the Coast
- Pokémon Company International
- Konami (Yu-Gi-Oh!)
- Bandai (One Piece, Digimon)
- Upper Deck
- Proven experience launching or managing at least one successful TCG expansion cycle
- Deep understanding of rarity mechanics, chase strategy, and secondary market dynamics
Strongly Preferred- Experience scaling organized play globally
- Understanding of female player demographics (critical for Bratz / LOL)
- Digital integration experience (hybrid physical/digital models)
- Experience negotiating print and distribution contracts
Key Competencies- Strategic thinker with franchise-building mindset
- Data-driven balancing philosophy
- Community-first mentality
- Entrepreneurial, willing to build from zero
- Understands both "kid" and "competitive" markets
- Knows how to create scarcity without destroying goodwill
What Success Looks Like (First 36 Months)- Year 1: Launch first core set + 2 expansions
- Year 2: 500+ hobby store network + national tournaments
- Year 3: Global championship event + $100M+ revenue trajectory
Salary: $200,000 - $250,000 /year
