About this role
JOB OVERVIEW
The Senior Licensing Manager, Toys & Hardlines is responsible for leading a business growth in the Japan Hardlines category that leverages the richness of NBCUniversal’s entertainment content (past & present) to build a sustainable business that achieves annual revenue targets. The successful candidate will be responsible for building short and long term growth strategy in Hardlines category by approaching the best licensees in Japan and Global, also by partnering with the best retail, driving innovative and quality product ranges, providing Japan specific input into Global deals, accurate quarterly forecasting and promoting retail sell-in of ranges, leveraging Japanese licensee to contribute Global business growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Category and licensee management:
Manage the Japan Hardlines category team (reporting to the Director, Hardlines Category Japan)Identify licensing opportunities across the category and fill market gaps, considering age groups, segments, markets, channels, and franchisesLead contract negotiations with key licensees, analyze and evaluate business plans, and conduct brand management to ensure contractual obligations are met throughout the agreement termBe accountable for the day-to-day management of both domestic and global licensees, including conducting business reviewsIdentify opportunities where DTR (Direct to Retail), pop-up, or other business models can enhance the business, and negotiate/manage terms in coordination with the Design ManagerPartner with the Japan creative team to drive quality and innovation in product development, ensuring commercial viability in Japan and alignment with retailer needsEnsure timely product approvals in line with industry requirementsMaintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, competitive landscape, business opportunities, risks, and market dynamics for the category and key licenseesDevelop strategy and make presentations to licensees and partners
Brand and Content Management:
Lead brand marketing initiatives including the development and execution of category plansDefine and integrate licensees within wider brand and marketing plans
Basic Requirements:
Has people management experience and skillset whether this be a group or individualUnderstanding of brand and property positioning, retail business development function, retail distribution and the retail environment.Comprehensive knowledge of licensees' production and creative capabilities/limitationsFlexible/ability to adjust to changing business environmentRelationship builderSolid communication & presentation skillsSales and negotiation skillsTeam PlayerProfessional working proficiency of Japanese and EnglishTravel is required (Both International and Domestic)
Desired Characteristics:
Driven, passionate and highly motivatedStrong interpersonal skillsEnjoys entertainment whether this be toys, digital gaming or contents
As 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. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].