Manager, Toys

Warner Bros. Discovery•Burbank, CA

About The Position

The Category Manager is responsible for managing sub category's within Toys including Construction, Consumer Electronics (CE), and Novelties businesses. Provides input in the overall category strategies and manages key licensee relationships in support of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) brands, across our Theatrical, Film, TV, Animation and other IP. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five (5) years of experience with Category/Licensee Management and knowledge of the licensing and retail landscape in Toys, Construction, CE, and Novelties trends . The candidate should have experience in building solid relationships with major brand partners, an entrepreneurial spirit, engaging with external and internal partners, and the breadth of skills required to help execute key initiatives and overall growth of Warner Bros. Consumer Products Business. This role will be accountable for day-to-day management of key licensees including overseeing licensee and internal business reviews, as well as building strong relationships with WBCP Finance, Creative, Franchise and Retail Business Development.

Requirements

Five (5) or more years of experience in Licensing industry with background in Toys, Construction, CE, and Novelties.
BA/BS degree in business or related field required
Strong licensing acumen and relationship skills
Proven ability to execute strategic and operational plan
Solid negotiating skills with ability to participate in complex retail and licensee agreements
Proven financial responsibility and accountability for category – revenue and expenses
Strong business development skills with robust experience analyzing data from different sources to identify business opportunities and lay out business plans
Strong collaboration and partnership skills
Proven ability to communicate and collaborate effectively cross-functionally and with senior management
Effective written and oral communication skills. Ability to create & deliver pitches, presentations; solution-selling oriented
Strong organizational/leadership and planning skills required
Strong and varied computer software knowledge required (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Ability to create and deliver pitch/presentations
Knowledge of retail landscape: key retailers, set dates, buying cycles, sell-in process, etc.
Strong and varied computer software knowledge required (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Zoom etc)
Ability to work in a team environment with changing priorities; possess flexibility and adaptability skills in addition to strong project management
Exceptional time management and prioritization skills with ability to multi-task with a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy
Well organized with effective and proven planning and follow-through skills
Self-starter, optimistic and dependable

Responsibilities

Responsible for managing specific product categories within Toys including, but not limited to, Construction, CE and Novelties.
Identifies Licensee prospects, evaluates opportunity and executes long-term new business initiatives
Negotiates and outlines key deal terms for licensed partnerships including new as well as modifying and extending existing licensing agreements
Assists in development and execution of medium and long term category strategies (1-3 years out)
Owns annual initiatives, revenue plans and execution of product categories managed
Plans and monitors quarterly forecast and annual budget for categories of responsibility
Drives licensee relationships in partnership with Product Development counterparts
Partners with Licensees, Franchise, Creative and Retail Business Development to drive key initiatives
Participates in business updates, internal and external formal presentations and strategy discussions
Partners with Insights to identify and apply competitive and industry key learnings and trends