Associate Manager, Category Management (Toys)

The Associate Manager, Toys will be responsible for managing specific segments of the Infant/Preschool Core Toys business for North America by managing licensee partnership, streamlining approval and contract processes, financial analysis, and new business development to contribute to the overall team objectives and drive revenue.

Responsibilities include:

• With Sr. Manager's guidance, the Associate Manager will lead specific licensing partnerships in the core toys space including collaborating on consumer products programs that align with each property’s set objectives in order to drive revenue.
• Successfully negotiate complex licensing agreements from initial proposal through execution
• Support the Sr. Director with the management of the construction category 
• Partner with Sr. Manager to establish new business opportunities and pitch to new partners
• Partner with the franchise and CP teams to align product line plans and product development with overall brand strategies.
• Manage detailed financial forecasting, budget allocations, and profit-and-loss (P&L) reporting to inform strategic decisions
• Work closely with the North America retail sales team to maximize opportunities at the consumer level.
• Collaborate regularly with various teams across the organization including Legal, Finance, Franchise, and Retail.
• Manage product approval, marketing approval and contract systems.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to meet the evolving needs of the team and business.

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: $75,000 - $95,000

Qualifications 

• Minimum of 3+ years category management experience
• Effective communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across departments and with external partners
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks concurrently, and remain adaptable to shifting priorities
• Strong cross-functional collaboration experience, with the ability to manage processes and workflows across multiple departments such as Legal, Marketing, Product Development, and Retail Sales
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities, driving category growth and innovation
• Experience in brand building, selling brands, and an understanding of the licensing, retail, and product development landscape
• Proficient in reviewing licensing contracts and experienced in negotiating key business terms
• Thorough knowledge of the product development lifecycle and retail merchandise planning
• Strong organizational skills and project management capabilities, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion
• Analytical and strategic thinker with the ability to analyze market trends, contribute new perspectives, and drive meaningful contributions to team objectives
• Proficiency in Excel, including pivot tables, with strong financial reporting and analysis skills, contributing to budget planning and revenue forecasting
• Skilled in Microsoft Office suite and Apple Keynote software

Desired Characteristics

• BA/BS degree preferred

Additional Requirements:

• Hybrid: 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. 

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.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

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].