Associate Manager, Consumer Products, Softlines

Overview

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: The North America Consumer Products team develops strategic category plans and builds licensing partnerships across Mattel’s iconic portfolio, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, Thomas & Friends, and UNO. By extending our brands into consumer products, we create new ways for fans to engage with our franchises.

The Opportunity: Mattel is seeking a motivated Associate Manager, Consumer Products to join our team at our El Segundo, CA headquarters. In this role, you will help drive growth across the Consumer Products business by supporting new initiatives and key strategic priorities.

• Serves as point of contact for assigned licensees/Categories responsible for account management, line planning, approvals, and financials.
• Acts as liaison with category manager/licensees to get relevant contract details negotiated and confirmed. Inputs requests for new contracts, amendments or renewals in Rights Logic and manage workflow with legal and finance counterparts.
• Collects sell-in sheets and communicates status of retail placement and projections.
• Supports forecast cycle on quarterly basis by requesting and tracking forecast entry into Rights Logic and troubleshooting any upload issues for licensee with Finance. Analyzes forecast from licensees to understand change drivers, areas of opportunity and potential risk.
• Maintains and fosters relationships with licensees, business partners and other external and internal partners on a day-to-day basis
• Supports various cross-functional requests for collaboration with images and product information including creative, marketing, PR, retail development, etc.
• Enforces licensee compliance with agreements.
• Ensures licensee requests are prioritized, analyzed and, if appropriate, delivered upon (i.e., sell sheets, pitch decks, brand stats, etc.).
• Updates servers with materials for licensing teams to reference.
• Evaluates CP categories for white space opportunity and is able to do outreach and pitching in pursuit of new potential partnerships.

• 3–5 years of experience in consumer products and/or licensing.
• Working knowledge of licensing processes, contracts, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Solid understanding of the consumer products and licensing industry, including market trends and competitive dynamics.
• Familiarity with Mattel brands, franchises, and strategic priorities.
• Ability to evaluate partner business models, organizational structures, and commercial objectives.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to support deal execution and ongoing partner management.
• Analytical and research skills, including the ability to identify trends, assess white space opportunities, and interpret financial forecasts.
• Effective planning and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong presentation and communication skills in both virtual and in-person settings, including proficiency in creating clear, compelling materials.
• Relationship-builder who can collaborate effectively within a highly matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated growth mindset, with a willingness to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges.
• The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re…