Sr Manager, Licensing Systems

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 Licensing Systems team is part of the Franchise Finance organization and is responsible for the systems that run this business which include style guides, product approvals and contracting and finance. We work cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders to ensure user success, system adoption and financial accuracy.

The Opportunity:

We are currently seeking a Sr Manager to join the Franchise Finance Licensing Operations team in El Segundo, CA. This role will own the day-to-day management of projects, governance and support for the Mattel Licensing Systems (including Rights Logic, My Media Box  and Malibu).

What Your Impact Will Be:

System Responsibilities

• Research, design, and document specifications for the enhancement of Mattel Systems.
• Manage Implementation Projects for new businesses and enhancement requests which include:
  • Collect and create requirements
  • Collaborate with vendor to determine best approach for customizations
  • Handle complex support questions from internal and external parties
  • Write Use Cases and Test Scripts
  • Oversee the testing of new releases and approve release to end users
  • Provide sign-off proposals and obtain budget approval
• Lead planning, coordination and execution of projects, with a clear focus on timelines and communication in a dynamic environment
• Oversee monthly and quarterly system close process
• Oversee system integrations, partner with team to resolve any failures until completion

Support and Process Improvement

• Provide ongoing support to Clients by troubleshooting issues, identifying and implementing long-term solutions, and short-term resolutions if necessary
• Offer clear support pathways for internal teams and external licensees, with documented ownership and service expectations
• Identify recurring pain points and recommend processes, configuration, training, or policy improvements based on business value and implementation effort
• Troubleshoot issues, prepare reconciliations, variance and exception analysis, data validation, control evidence, to support validation of financial data
• Prepare training documentation and lead webinars for training both internal and external Licensees
• Educate our users regarding capabilities of the system, and guide them to a solution that substantially meets their needs, and requires minimum customization

Asset Management

• Evaluate improvements in process based on technology solutions
• Develop metrics and reporting to show adoption and usage
• Oversee 1 associate manager that manages day-to-day support and administration
• Define decision rights and handoffs so analysts and administrators remain accountable clear governance
• Lead, coach, and develop assigned team members across systems operations, analytics, reporting, and administration

What We’re Looking For:

• 10+ years’ experience with data analysis and troubleshooting
• Demonstrated experience leading complex projects or programs with multiple business, technology, and vendor stakeholders
• General knowledge of accounting practices preferred
• Experience working with financial data, financial operations, royalty systems, or close processes is preferred
• Knowledge of Media, Licensing or Consumer Products is…