Senior Product Category Manager, Consumer Products

Riot Games was established in 2006 by entrepreneurial gamers who believe that player-focused game development can result in great games. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to critical and player acclaim. As the most played video game in the world, over 100 million play every month. Players form the foundation of our community and it’s for them that we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

We’re looking for humble but ambitious, razor-sharp professionals who can teach us a thing or two. We promise to return the favor. Like us, you take play seriously; you’re passionate about games. We embrace those who see things differently, aren’t afraid to experiment, and who have a healthy disregard for constraints.

That's where you come in.

As a Rioter in China, you'll join a team of internationally and culturally diverse professionals that share our prioritization of player experience, rejection of convention and maniacal passion for gaming. You will be responsible for driving the strategic vision and direction for Softlines product categories, including Apparel, Fashion Accessories, Footwear, School Supplies & Stationery, Horse wares & Home Decor, Health  & Beauty, and Food & Beverage. This role encompasses end-to-end ownership of the business, from strategic planning and deal negotiation to product development and sales execution

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Vision: Provide China category plan by setting strategic direction for DTP (Direct To Player) and licensed merchandise across Riot’s portfolio of intellectual property
• Product & Merchandising Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive product and merchandising strategies in collaboration with the eCommerce team to achieve goals
• Category & Trade Management: Oversee the development and implementation of category and trade strategies, ensuring alignment with brand objectives, product lifecycle management, and game team partnerships
• P&L Management: Manage SL category P&L to ensure product lines meet budget and profitability targets, while identifying opportunities for growth
• Licensee Management: Oversee licensee relationships, including contract negotiation, onboarding, product line planning, and marketing activities to ensure alignment with game objectives
• Market Analysis & Forecasting: Drive CN category growth by conducting detailed analyses of pricing, player feedback, and sales forecasts to inform product selection and inventory planning
• Marketing & Distribution Strategy: Partner with eCommerce, and game teams to co-develop marketing plans and distribution plans
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with game teams, licensees, product development, and retail partners to create tailored product assortments and deliver on player needs
• Product Lifecycle Management: Strategically manage product lifecycle planning, ensuring timely launches, future product planning, and opportunities that align with player and market trends
• Industry & Market Insight: Research and monitor industry trends, player behavior, competitive landscape, and licensee performance to identify growth opportunities and white space for innovation

Requirements

This role requires someone who can roll up his/her sleeves, operating in a highly entrepreneurial environment to drive this business.  More specifically, the successful candidate must possess the following skills and experiences: 

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience developing consumer products programs for entertainment and/or game IP.  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience in product or category management, product marketing, business development, or licensing roles preferred
• Reputation for successfully cultivating both internal and external relationships with clear knowledge of key licensees by category, manufacturers and retailers, and full supply chain understanding
• Experience in building brand plans that focus on consumer and trade tactical execution
• Proficiency in managing budgets, negotiating estimates, and conducting market data analysis.
• Strong deal negotiation skills
• Experience working with retailers on cross-category initiatives
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on style consistent with fast-growing startup businesses
• Strong program/project management skills with ability to drive planning, schedules, estimates, budgeting, resource plans and status reports
• Exceptional written, listening, and verbal communication skills

Don’t forget to include a resume and cover letter. We receive a lot of applications, but we’ll notice a fun, well-written intro that shows us you take play seriously.