Manager, Category Management - Toys & Vehicles

Job description

Responsibilities

Role Summary:

The Manager is responsible for overseeing assigned partners and projects in the Toys & Vehicles Categories. Inclusive of providing input in the overall category strategy and managing key licensee relationships in support of NBCUniversal's brands, across our Film, TV and other IP.
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years experience in Toys & Vehicles manufacturing and/or Category/Brand Management, knowledge of the licensing and retail landscape in the Toys & Vehicles categories with a focus on Diecast Vehicles, Plastic Vehicles, RC, Automotive Accessories, Action Figures and Playsets, as well as a working knowledge of other Toys product categories. The candidate should have the breadth of skills required to help execute key initiatives & overall growth of the NBCUniversal Consumer Products Business.

Responsibilities:

Category Management and Licensee Management:
·  Track and monitor industry data for licensed partners as well as the competitive landscape, including demand plans, POS performance, SKU productivity and marketing plans efficiencies
·  Identify business opportunities and fill gaps by product category and related sub-categories, age, segment, market, channel and franchise
·  Support Senior Director in contract negotiations for assigned licensees and perform contract maintenance
·  Accountable for day-to-day management of assigned licensees including overseeing business reviews, execution of product and marketing strategies
·  Partner with the Product Design & Development team to drive quality and champion innovation in product development. Ensure timely product approvals in line with industry needs.
·  Oversee partner marketing materials submissions, navigating across the internal organization, providing context and category insights where needed
·  Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, competitors, business opportunities, threats and dynamics for key licensees
·  Cross train with other Live Action Category Manager responsibilities • Finance and Business Planning:
·  Partner with Senior Director on annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting
·  Analyze account (licensee & retailer) business performance
·  Support contract negotiations by analyzing and vetting licensee business plans • Brand and Content Management:
·  Support brand marketing initiatives including the development and execution of category plans
·  Integrate licensees within wider brand and marketing plans • Retail Development:
·  Liaise with Retail Development team to complement account promotional and marketing plans and ensure key licensee participation
·  Maintain knowledge of key seasonalities and buying cycles of retailers • Strategy:
·  Provide input and execute strategy set for the assigned Toys categories, as they align with the larger franchise strategy
·  Develop line and segmentation strategy for key licensees, maintaining a three-year roadmap, driving innovation and quality
·  Manage a portfolio of licensees to grow the Consumer Products business.
Job Number

39464BR
Posting Category

Sales
Country

United States
Sub-Business

Film Brand Development
About Us

At NBCUniversal, we believe in the talent of our people. It's our passion and commitment to excellence that drives NBCU's vast portfolio of brands to succeed. From broadcast and cable networks, news and sports platforms, to film, world-renowned theme parks and a diverse suite of digital properties, we take pride in all that we do and all that we represent. It's what makes us uniquely NBCU. Here you can create the extraordinary. Join us.
State/Province

California
Career Level

Experienced
Qualifications/Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

·  Bachelor's degree + 4-5 yrs. of directly related experience or MBA + 3-4 yrs.

·  Experience in Toys

·  Strong understanding of brand and IP positioning, retail business development function, retail distribution and the retail environment

·  Comprehensive knowledge of licensees' production and creative capabilities/limitations

·  Strong interpersonal skills

·  Strategic thinker

·  Multi-task oriented

·  Flexible/ability to adjust to changing business environment

·  Relationship builder

·  Excellent communication & presentation skills

·  Ability to set quality standards and hold product & partners to them

·  Team Player

·  Willingness to travel domestically as required

Eligibility Requirements:

·  Interested candidates must submit a resume/CV online to be considered

·  Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States

·  Must be covered by Solutions, NBCU's Alternative Dispute Resolution Program
Desired Characteristics

Desired Characteristics:

·  Minimum 4-5 Years specifically in the Toys & Vehicles category either in licensing and/or manufacturing background. Specifically with product marketing and Entertainment/Character Licensing. Global experience preferred

·  Comprehensive knowledge of toy/vehicles development production timelines and creative capabilities/limitations

·  Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Office, Keynote and Abobe Photoshop

·  Strong relationship building skills, flexible and adaptable; able to collaborate, influence and persuade at all levels of an organization, both internal and external

·  Analytical thinker with proven experience analyzing data and developing and executing strategies

·  Capable of working on several projects simultaneously and maintains flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.
City

Universal City
Notices

NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.