Softlines Licensing Associate Manager

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 partnership 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: 

You’ll be joining the Consumer Products team in a role for the UK; based out of our Slough office in the UK, you’ll report directly to the UK Consumer Products Lead.

In this role you will manage the day-to-day licensing business relationships in the UK covering all Softlines 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 work in partnership with the Associate Manager, Retail Development on the UK softlines retail strategy and build relationships and programs with leading retailers.

What we offer:

• Competitive base salary
• Annual bonus scheme
• Pension plan co-funding (up to 10.5% company contribution)
• Private Healthcare
• Dental scheme
• 25 holidays
• Staff discount for our toys 
• A variety of employee perks and discounts

What Your Impact Will Be: 

LICENSEE MANAGEMENT:

• Manage all existing licensing deals, including master toy and licensee relationships
• Deliver Softlines country strategy, supporting the UK Consumer Products Lead
• Work in partnership on the retail strategy for Softlines and drive these relationships with Consumer Products programs to be best in class
• Deliver detailed joint business plan per partner that includes forecast, budget, stretch targets, retail and marketing calendars and relevant product line plans 
• Pitch and market presentations across Mattel’s IP portfolio of brands
• Conduct bi-weekly 121 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

NEW BUSINESS:

• 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 UK Consumer Products Lead on key strategy for the market
• Analyse 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 product to market
• Work closely with Retail Development, 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 pitch and marketing presentations across Mattel’s IP portfolio of brands

What We’re Looking For:

• 5+ years of experience working in licensing of consumer products, marketing or sales position
• Understanding of the Licensing environment and exposure to Licensing
• Softlines knowledge; experience of working with toy or product based
• Experience building a joint business plan
• Exposure to managing a financial plan and forecasting
• Degree in Business, Marketing or a relevant subject or equivalent experience
• 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
• Team player  
• Ambitious thinking
• Strong communication skills oral and written, able to deliver a narrative
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

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.