Manager, Category Management (Toys/Collectibles)

NBCUniversal • Universal City, CA

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

Working closely with the Senior Manager, Toys & Hardlines North America, this individual will be responsible for managing specific segments of Universal Products and Experiences North American collectibles and toys licensing business including partner management, financial analysis and new business development in order to contribute to the overall team objectives and drive revenue. Assigned categories include adult collectibles and kid’s collectibles. The role involves collaborating on consumer products programs, negotiating licensing agreements, establishing new business opportunities, pitching new partners, and aligning product line plans with overall brand strategies. This position will also work with product development teams to set strategy, establish new trends, manage financial forecasting, and collaborate with the North America retail sales team. The role requires interaction with various internal teams such as Legal, Finance, Franchise, and Retail.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5+ years of category management or brand management experience.
• Familiarity with licensed consumer products contract terms.
• Effective communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across departments and with external partners.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks concurrently, and remain adaptable to shifting priorities.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration experience, with the ability to manage processes and workflows across multiple departments such as Legal, Marketing, Product Development, and Retail Sales.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities, driving category growth and innovation.
• Experience in brand building, selling brands, and an understanding of the licensing, retail, and product development landscape.
• Proficient in reviewing licensing contracts and experienced in negotiating key business terms.
• Knowledge of the product development lifecycle and retail merchandise planning.
• Strong organizational skills and project management capabilities, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion.
• Analytical and strategic thinker with the ability to analyze market trends, contribute new perspectives, and drive meaningful contributions to team objectives.
• Proficiency in Excel, including pivot tables, with strong financial reporting and analysis skills, contributing to budget planning and revenue forecasting.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office suite and Apple Keynote software.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to travel as needed

Responsibilities

• Day to day management of specific licensing partnerships in the toys and collectibles space including collaborating on consumer products programs that align with each property’s set objectives in order to drive revenue.
• Successfully negotiate licensing agreements from initial proposal through execution.
• Partner with the Senior Manager to establish new business opportunities and pitch new partners.
• Partner with the franchise and CP teams to align product line plans and product development with overall brand strategies.
• Work with the product development teams to set product and category strategy and establish new trends and product opportunities.
• Effectively manage financial forecasting process and track ongoing business.
• Work closely with the North America retail sales team to maximize opportunities at consumer level.
• Collaborative role interacts with various teams across the organization including Legal, Finance, Franchise and Retail.
• Perform other related duties assigned to support the needs of the team.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

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