Associate Manager Consumer Products - Softlines (Maternity cover

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.

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.

You’ll be joining the EMEA Consumer Products team based out of our Slough office in the UK.

In this role you will manage the day-to-day licensing business relationships for UK and Northern Europe 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.

• Manage existing softlines and DTR licensing deals and licensee relationships
• 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

• Research, identify and pitch new category opportunities and prospective clients
• Secure new licensing deals and negotiate renewals
• Attend Trade Fairs or category specific shows

• 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

• 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…