Associate Manager, Licensing

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Team:

Sitting within the EMEA Consumer Products Organisation, who are responsible for providing leadership and direction for the development and implementation of Consumer Products strategy across all Mattel Brands.  This team is responsible for steering and achieving key brand, category and fiscal objectives by identifying and collaborating with Global, Regional, Multi Territory and Local licensees. We work in partnerships across the business with the Global Consumer Products, Regional Franchise, Local Brand, Regional Marketing, and Regional Product Development teams, as well as with the Audit, Finance and Legal Divisions.

The Opportunity: 

In this role you will manage the day-to-day licensing business relationships in Benelux and Nordics markets, covering all Hardlines partners delivering all aspects of partner management. You will identify pitch and negotiate new business opportunities, and day-to-day liaison with internal & external stakeholders. You will lead Benelux & Nordics Hardlines, FMCG & Promo strategy and build relationships and programs with leading retailers.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

LICENSEE MANAGEMENT:

• Manage all existing licensing deals, including master toy and licensee relationships
• Delivering Hardlines, FMCG & Promo country strategy, supporting the Country Lead.
• Own the retail strategy for the category and drive these relationships with Licensing programs. Work with Mattel retail team to deliver best in class programs.
• Deliver detailed joint business plans per partner that include forecast, budget, stretch targets, retail & marketing calendars and relevant product line plans 
• Pitch and market presentations across Mattel’s IP portfolio of brands
• Conduct bi-weekly 1-1 meetings, arrange quarterly business reviews, bi-annual top to tops and track financial goals through forecasting and ambitious sales targets
• Deliver and ensure detailed joint marketing plan per partner that includes licensee investment that is aligned with Mattel Consumer Products goals; ensure marketing support for top items.
• Be the internal point person for each licensee to ensure local markets are driving the strategy and goals for partners

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:

• Research, identify and pitch new category opportunities and prospective clients
• Secure new licensing deals and negotiate renewals
• Attend Trade Fairs or category specific shows

STRATEGY:

• Support Country Lead on key strategy for the market
• Analyze the market with SWOT, Gaps, opportunities, category priorities
• Research, identify and pitch new category opportunities and prospective clients
• Keep current with changing trends & competition
• Work closely with the Product Development, Creative and Quality & Assurance teams on getting first-class products to market
• Work closely with Digital, PR, Regional Franchise and Local Brand teams to develop joint business plans.
• Implement marketing and promotional strategies in liaison with internal & external stakeholders
• Gather and share category best practice from across the EMEA region
• Help find innovative ways to grow the business
• Prepare brand pitches and marketing presentations across Mattel’s IP portfolio of brands

What We’re Looking For:

Experience

• Over 5 years of experience in licensing with consumer brands, products, and FMCG, with exposure to the toy industry
• Previous demonstrable experience working in marketing ,sales position or business development
• Understanding of the Licensing environment and exposure to Licensing
• Hardlines knowledge; experience of working with toy or product based
• Experience building a joint business plan
• Exposure to managing a financial plan and forecasting
• Proven track record in managing product categories across retailers and suppliers

Skills & Education:

• Degree in Business, Marketing or a relevant subject or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.
• Proven sales negotiation experience and commercial thinking mindset
• Solutions oriented with ability to ‘think outside the box’ to deliver additional revenue and opportunities
• Ability to influence others; persuasive and able to present messaging impactfully
• Commercial acumen with the competence to build and present a strategy
• Strong relationship builder and able to navigate internal and external relationships and stakeholders with ease
• Knowledge of the Benelux and Nordics market and its retail landscape is preferable.
• Fluent English is required to perform this role
• Strong communication skills oral and written; able to deliver a narrative

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.