Senior Manager/Manager, Category Management of Licensing

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

MAIN PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Identify business opportunities and sell licenses for all WBCP content portfolio and manage the day-to-day business and relationship with the licensees as assigned in Licensing department.  Take the lead for Toy and Home/Zacca category in renewal negotiations with existing licensees as well as new deal negotiations with prospective licensees and improve/educate skill-set of direct report.  Maximize all sales efforts, grow assigned business by building good relationship with key licensees and implementing sensible strategies which are initiated by him or her.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop a rational strategy and plan to grow the assigned category/product line based on the team's strategy and in agreement with the GM.
• Identify licensees’ prospects to implement above strategies and plans.
• Based on the above strategies and plans, successfully negotiate with potential business partners and sell the licenses with the support of GM of WBCP Licensing if needed.  Primarily, sell the licenses in Toy and Home/Zacca categories in Licensing department.
• Manage the day-to-day business of and relationship with retail and distribution partners for the strategic categories working with Marketing manager as necessary.
• Maximize all licensing activities by the licensees in charge by providing product and/or marketing ideas and support, and relevant property information with all marketing strategies in mind.
• Build a good relationship with assigned key licensees to grow the business for mid-long terms.
• Collaborate with other BUs such as Theatrical, Game, TV distribution (including CN) and Marketing smoothly and maximize 360 degrees program.
• Support GM of WBCP Licensing to execute key strategies and initiatives to grow category management Licensing business.
• Provide the supervisor(s) with accurate forecast and business update regularly and also as requested.
• Provide ad-hoc and regular reports (verbal/written) to the supervisor to get his/her understanding and/or support in a timely manner.
• NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned

JOB-RELATED QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

Education

• Minimum four-year college degree or international equivalent

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong presentation and negotiation skills
• Effective and tactful communication (oral/written) with licensees and licensee prospects.
• Good understanding of numbers and ability to make accurate sales projections
• Extensive knowledge of Japanese market and the practices in dealing in the consumer products industry
• Good understanding of Japanese character business and trends, and/or strong interest in character business and consumer trends
• Good English communication skills is a strong plus

Work Experience

Minimum 10 years background required in a related industry or similar industries.

Minimum 5 years of sales experience in dealing with both mass market and specialty retailers and buyers

Minimum 5years of sales experience in at least one of the following industries is strongly preferred.

• (Character) Licensing business
• Consumer Product industry
• Retail of character-related merchandise

Minimum 5 years of experience working with a multi-national company is strongly preferred

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.