Manager, Toys

Overview

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.

The Category Manager is responsible for managing sub category 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.

• 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

Work Experience

Five (5) or more years of experience in Licensing industry with background in Toys, Construction, CE, and Novelties.

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification

BA/BS degree in business or related field required

Knowledge/Skills

• 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…