Category Manager, Licensing - Hardlines

Hasbro • Boston, MA

2d

About The Position

The North America Licensed Consumer Products team is seeking a strategic, results-driven Category Manager to lead and grow key Hardlines/Toy categories across the Hasbro portfolio. The role develops and executes category strategies, manages fully out-licensed partnerships, and delivers financial targets aligned with brand and business objectives. The Category Manager owns day-to-day management of assigned categories and licensees and partners cross-functionally to bring innovative, trend-right products to market and maximize long-term brand value.

The role includes developing category strategies, identifying growth opportunities and partners, managing licensee relationships, supporting business-term and contract negotiations, and addressing risks and performance gaps. It also supports annual budgeting, long-range planning, quarterly forecasting, and analysis of category and licensee performance. The Category Manager collaborates with Brand, Creative, Retail, Sales, Legal, and Operations teams on category execution, product innovation, promotions, retail marketing, and key customer moments.

Requirements

• At least 6 years of experience in merchandise licensing, consumer products, and category management.
• Strong business and financial acumen, with experience supporting budgets, forecasts, and performance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple licensees and priorities in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-management skills.
• Collaborative, inclusive team player with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.

Nice To Haves

• Hardlines/Toy experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for assigned Hardlines categories across the Hasbro brand portfolio.
• Identify whitespace opportunities, emerging trends, and credible partners to drive category growth and expansion.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the North American merchandise licensing landscape, including retail dynamics, consumer insights, and competitive trends.
• Own day-to-day relationships with licensees and serve as the primary point of contact across line planning, product development, approvals, and go-to-market execution.
• Review, analyze, and support negotiation of business terms and contracts in partnership with Legal and Finance.
• Identify risks, challenges, and performance gaps, and work with partners to implement solutions.
• Support annual budgeting, long-range planning, and quarterly forecasting for assigned categories.
• Deliver financial targets aligned to brand and category objectives, with accountability for revenue and royalty performance.
• Track and analyze category and licensee performance to inform business decisions and optimize the portfolio.
• Partner with Brand, Creative, Retail, Sales, Legal, and Operations teams to ensure cohesive execution of category strategies.
• Support creative direction and product innovation, leveraging manufacturing knowledge and trend insights to elevate product quality and relevance.
• Collaborate with Sales and Retail teams on promotional programs, retail marketing initiatives, and key customer moments.

Benefits

• Health and wellness programs
• Time off to recharge
• Financial well-being programs
• Life and family support
• Volunteer and community initiatives
• Learning and development
• Exclusive perks
• Employees may be eligible for annual and long-term incentives, depending on role, location, and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed