Job DescriptionWorking closely with the Senior Manager, Toys & Hardlines North America, the Category Manager will drive growth across designated Toys & Hardlines categories, including Infant/Preschool, Construction, and select franchise programs. This role manages licensing partners, supports new business development, aligns product strategies with franchise priorities, and tracks financial performance to drive revenue growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Manage a portfolio of strategic and category-specific licensing partners, including day-to-day account management and business planning.
- Partner with licensees to develop consumer products programs that support brand objectives and revenue growth.
- Negotiate licensing agreements and amendments from proposal through execution in partnership with Legal and Finance.
- Identify and evaluate new business opportunities, partner prospects, category extensions, and product trends.
- Collaborate with Franchise, Category Management, and Product Development teams to align product line plans with brand strategy.
- Lead marketing approval workflows and submission processes for assigned categories, including Construction.
- Manage forecasts, budgets, and financial tracking for assigned licensing partners and categories.
- Partner with the North America Retail Sales team to maximize retail opportunities and strengthen consumer-level execution.
- Coordinate across Legal, Finance, Franchise, Retail, Product Development, and Marketing to ensure alignment and execution.
- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to meet the evolving needs of the team and business.
- Ability to travel as required to support business and operational needs.
Qualifications- Minimum 5+ years of experience in category management, brand management, licensing, consumer products, or a related field.
- Experience managing external partners and negotiating commercial agreements.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities, driving category growth and innovation
- Knowledge of the product development lifecycle and retail merchandise planning
- Experience in brand building, selling brands, and an understanding of the licensing, retail, and product development landscape
- Familiarity with licensed consumer products and key licensing contract terms.
- Strong financial acumen, forecasting capability, and analytical skills.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strategic thinker who can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks concurrently, and remain adaptable to shifting priorities
- Skilled in Microsoft Office suite and Apple Keynote software
- Highly organized, adaptable, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
This position currently has a hybrid schedule, which requires contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time.
This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary range: $90,000 - $125,000 (bonus eligible)
Additional InformationAs part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision.
