Manager, Toys

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Overview

The Category Manager is responsible for managing sub categories within Toys including Trading Card Games and Collectibles 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, Trading Card Games, Trading Cards and Collectibles.

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.

Your Role Accountabilities

• Responsible for managing specific product categories within Toys including, but not limited to, Trading Card Games, Trading Cards and Collectibles
• 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

Qualifications & Experience

Work Experience

5 or more years of experience in Licensing industry with background in Toys, Trading Card Games, Trading Cards and Collectibles required

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification

BA/BS degree in business or related field preferred

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 cycles, sell-in process, etc.
• Strong and varied computer software knowledge required (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Zoom etc)
• Ability to work in a team environment with changing priorities; possess flexibility and adaptability skills in addition to strong project management
• Exceptional time management and prioritization skills with ability to multi-task with a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy
• Well organized with effective and proven planning and follow-through skills
• Self-starter, optimistic and dependable

Management has the right to add or change duties and job requirements at any time.

How We Get Things Done

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at  along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical…