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, Hardline Category Japan)
• Identify licensing opportunities across the category and fill market gaps, considering age groups, segments, markets, channels, and franchises
• Lead contract negotiations with key licensees, analyze and evaluate business plans, and conduct brand management to ensure contractual obligations are met throughout the agreement term
• Be accountable for the day-to-day management of both domestic and global licensees, including conducting business reviews
• Identify 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 Manager
• Partner with the Japan creative team to drive quality and innovation in product development, ensuring commercial viability in Japan and alignment with retailer needs
• Ensure timely product approvals in line with industry requirements
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, competitive landscape, business opportunities, risks, and market dynamics for the category and key licensees
• Develop strategy and make presentations to licensees and partners

Brand and Content Management:

• Lead brand marketing initiatives including the development and execution of category plans
• Define and integrate licensees within wider brand and marketing plans