The Sr. Director, Toys & Hardlines Category North America reports into the Vice President of Toys & Hardlines Category Management . The Sr. Director is responsible for developing and executing key partnerships for master toy and sub-category strategies to support the over-arching category strategies set by the VP. Manage licensee relationships in support of NBCUniversal’s brands, across Film, TV and other IP.
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Job Duties
Strategy
Develop and execute sub-category strategies for the T&H category as it aligns with the larger Franchise and regional strategy.
Develop line and segmentation strategy for key licensee, contributing to the three year roadmap, driving innovative and quality product line plans.
Actively develop and manage a portfolio of licensees to grow the category. Critically evaluate the licensee base to ensure we have the right amount and best quality partners.
Finance and Business Planning
Partner with the Vice President on annual budget planning.
Evaluate and analyze licensee business plans and quarterly sales forecasts
Manage contract negotiations by analyzing and vetting licensee business plans.
Category Management and Licensee Management
Identify opportunities and fill gaps by product category and related sub-category, age segment, market channel and franchise.
Responsible for contract negotiations and contract maintenance.
Accountable for day-to-day management of licensees including overseeing business reviews.
Partner with the Creative & Brand Assurance team to drive quality and champion innovation in product development. Ensure timely product approvals in line with industry needs.
Maintain knowledge of current industry trends, competitors, business opportunities, threats and dynamics for key licensee.
Brand and Content Management:
Support brand marketing initiatives including the development and execution of category plans.
Define and integrate key licensees within wider brand and marketing plans
Work with Franchise team to provide category/business input to strategic and brand planning
Retail Development
Liaise with Retail Development team to complement account promotional and marketing plans and ensure key licensee participation, including meaningful exclusives
Maintain knowledge of seasonalities and buying cycles of retailers.
Management
Responsible for growth and development of direct reports
Perform general supervisory functions such as hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management and development.
Qualifications/Requirements Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree
8+ years toy manufacturing experience
Licensing experience as a licensor and/or retail buying experience in category a plus.
5+ years minimum Managerial experience of a team required, with demonstrated supervisory ability
Strategic thinker able to communicate a compelling vision for the business
Strong leadership skills
Excellent understanding of brand and property positioning, retail business development function, retail distribution and the retail environment
Proven track record delivering growth and solid analytical / financial skills.
Current network of strong relationships with licensees, distributors and retailers
Comprehensive knowledge of licensees' production and creative capabilities/limitations
Able to prioritize and multi-task in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Flexible and able to find win-win solutions in challenging situations
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with attention to detail
Proven ability of strong presentation / pitching and negotiating skills, with the ability to close.
Team Player
Collaborative professional with ability to work independently and with cross-divisional teams.
Willing and able to travel, sometimes with short notice
Additional Job Requirements
Interested candidates must submit a resume/CV online to be considered
Must be willing to submit to a background investigation
Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States
Must be covered by Solutions, NBCU’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Program
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