Researcher Lead

Collectors is the leading creator of innovative technology that provides value-added services for collectors worldwide. We grade authenticate vault and sell millions of record-setting collectibles all while modernizing and digitalizing the process to further our mission of helping collectors pursue their passions. Were always on the lookout for talented people to join our growing team.

Our services span collectible trading cards autographs comic books coins video games event tickets and memorabilia. Our subsidiaries include PSA PCGS Beckett SGC and Card Ladder.

Since our founding in 1986 we have graded and authenticated millions of items. We employ more than 3000 people across our headquarters in Santa Ana California and offices in New Jersey Texas Florida Japan Shanghai Hong Kong Canada Mexico Germany and France.

With our proven track record of success we are excited to expand our operations to Germany. As a startup operation in this new market we offer a unique opportunity for innovative and driven individuals to make a significant impact. Join us at the forefront of establishing the PSA brand in Europe and enjoy the benefits of working in a startup environment backed by the stability and resources of a successful US business.

Collectors ist führender Entwickler innovativer Technologien und bietet Sammlern weltweit Dienstleistungen mit zusätzlichen Nutzen. Wir bewerten authentifizieren lagern und verkaufen Millionen von Sammlerstücken die Rekorde brechen. Dabei modernisieren und digitalisieren wir unsere Prozesse kontinuierlich um Sammler bei der Ausübung ihrer Leidenschaften zu unterstützen. Wir sind stets auf der Suche nach talentierten Mitarbeitern für unser wachsendes Team.

Unser Angebot umfasst Sammelkarten Autogramme Comics Münzen Videospiele Veranstaltungstickets und Erinnerungsstücke. Zu unseren Tochtergesellschaften gehören PSA PCGS Beckett SGC und Card Ladder.

Seit unserer Gründung im Jahr 1986 haben wir Millionen von Artikeln bewertet und authentifiziert. Wir beschäftigen mehr als 3000 Mitarbeiter. Mitarbeiter in unserem Hauptsitz in Santa Ana Kalifornien und in unseren Büros in New Jersey Texas Florida Japan Shanghai Hong Kong Kanada Mexiko Deutschland und Frankreich.

Aufgrund unserer nachweislichen Erfolgsbilanz freuen wir uns unsere Geschäftstätigkeit auf Deutschland auszuweiten. Als junges Unternehmen in diesem neuen Markt bieten wir innovativen und engagierten Menschen die einzigartige Chance einen entscheidenden Beitrag zu leisten. Werde Teil unseres Teams und gestalte die Zukunft der Marke PSA in Europa mit. Profitiere von den Vorteilen eines dynamischen Startup-Umfelds mit der Stabilität und den Ressourcen eines erfolgreichen US-Unternehmens.

PSA is expanding into Europe and we are looking for a Researcher Lead to guide and develop our Research team in Frankfurt. This role combines deep subject-matter expertise in collectibles with hands-on team leadership and operational ownership.

As a Researcher Lead you will be responsible for ensuring high-quality identification and classification of collectibles while building a strong engaged team and establishing effective ways of working. You will play a key role in shaping the research function as part of PSAs European expansion.

Youll report to the Research Supervisor and work onsite from our Frankfurt office.

Onsite Requirement: This role requires you to be onsite in the office 5 days per week.

What Youll Do:

Research & Subject-Matter Expertise

• Identify and classify sports cards and their variations across major releases and manufacturers

• Identify and classify non-sports cards from vintage releases to modern collectibles such as Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!

• Research and identify event tickets including sports and entertainment categories

• Use trade publications catalogs archives databases and online sources to verify and enrich item information

• Maintain and ensure accuracy of the PSA specification database

• Act as a point of escalation for complex or unclear identification cases

Team Leadership & Operations

• Support and help oversee the day-to-day operations of the Research team

• Set clear goals and expectations aligned with departmental targets

• Monitor team performance and track relevant metrics

• Provide coaching feedback and development support to team members

• Identify training needs and help build capability within the team

• Foster a positive structured and high-performing team environment

• Address team feedback resolve conflicts and escalate when necessary

• Recognize strong performance and contribute to team engagement initiatives

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations Customer Support and other internal teams

• Communicate with external partners such as manufacturers (e.g. Topps Panini Upper Deck) when needed

• Support internal stakeholders with research expertise and guidance

Who You Are:

• Strong knowledge of trading cards tickets and/or collectibles

• Proven experience as a team lead supervisor or in a comparable leadership role

• Strong understanding of performance management and operational metrics

• Structured detail-oriented and quality-focused way of working

• Strong communication and leadership skills

• Ability to coach develop and motivate team members

• Good organizational and time-management skills

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced evolving environment

• Solid computer skills including Excel or similar tools

• Fluent German is required

• English at B2 level or higher is required

• Must be eligible to work in the European Union (no visa sponsorship available)

Additional Information: This role requires the successful completion of a criminal background check

Reasons To Join Us:

• The opportunity to be a part of our Germany operation and to make a meaningful impact on the successful launch of PSA in the EU

• A dynamic and collaborative international team

• An organization dedicated to supporting the passionate Collectors community

• A competitive salary and benefits

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