Account Manager, Alt Channels

MGA Entertainment, Inc.•Minneapolis, MN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

MGA Entertainment is seeking an Account Manager for Alternative Channels. This role focuses on managing and developing accounts, collaborative forecasting and planning, analyzing sales data and the competitive landscape, effective communication, and prospecting for new customers. The company is a global leader in designing and delivering world-class consumer products, with a portfolio spanning toys, dolls, games, electronics, fashion, home décor, and entertainment content. MGA is known for its bold approach to storytelling, trendsetting design, and commitment to quality, with popular brands like L.O.L. Surprise!, Little Tikes, and Rainbow High.

Requirements

3-5 years or more of sales management/sales experience within the toy industry.
Superior relationships with retailer management, buyers, marketing managers, replenishment & planning personnel.
A proven track record of building sales and profitability in a competitive business environment.
Bachelor’s Degree in Business required.
Elevated financial acumen - Margin/Forecast Planning/ Budget Management.
Excellent strategic and disciplined planning skills.
Well-developed sales, people, communication, administration, sales policy, planning and leadership skills.
Ability to think on your feet and contingency plan.
Formal knowledge of customers’ communicative/administrative/planning tools.
Complete knowledge of FOB Import and Domestic shipping procedures.
Exceptional computer skills (Microsoft office – Excel, Word, PPT, Teams).

Nice To Haves

Ability to travel, roughly 2X quarterly or as needed to meet with Customers.

Responsibilities

Manage and develop accounts within alternative retail channels (excluding Walmart, Target, and Amazon in the USA).
Collaborate with retailers on forecasting and planning, including line reviews, item confirmations, and seasonal business plans.
Analyze Point of Sale (POS) data, competitive activities, and market opportunities to drive sales and profitability.
Communicate effectively with internal teams (Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain) and external retail partners.
Prospect and open new customer accounts within traditional toy retailers and explore new channels such as home improvement and auto parts stores.
Create rapport with the retailer's entire buying team, understanding their needs and performance metrics.
Respond to customer requests in a timely manner.
Act as an expert on MGA products, categories, and the competitive landscape.
Manage day-to-day service issues between MGA departments and retailer buying teams.
Establish and present timelines for line reviews and other relevant dates.
Build bottom-up (item level) forecasts in adherence to global timelines.
Execute collaborative base-line and promotional forecasts with buyers.
Create Seasonal Business Plans for each buyer, including SAP plans and confirmed promotional activities.
Review Business Plans with buyers quarterly and communicate any adjustments.
Analyze POS data weekly to identify trends, promotional impacts, and competitive challenges.
Anticipate challenges to first-of-season POS performance.
Provide weekly updates to the Head of Alt Channel Sales on the state of business, new initiatives, and placement/promotional updates.
Follow up with recaps of buyer meetings.
Conduct monthly retail store checks to review product placement and competitive landscape.
Participate in National Sales and Show meetings/events.
Provide detailed responses to product offerings after Line Shows.
Expand toy distribution by opening new customers and increasing Points of Distribution (PODs).
Prospect new channels outside of traditional toy retailers to secure new customers.