Associate Manager, Licensing - Hardlines Categories Italy

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Team:

Sitting within the EMEA Consumer Products Organisation, who are responsible for providing leadership and direction for the development and implementation of Consumer Products strategy across all Mattel Brands. This team is responsible for steering and achieving key brand, category and fiscal objectives by identifying and collaborating with Global, Regional, Multi Territory and Local licensees.

The Opportunity:

In this role you will manage the day-to-day licensing business relationships in the Italy market, covering all Hardlines partners delivering all aspects of partner management. You will identify pitch and negotiate new business opportunities, and day to day liaison with internal & external stakeholders. You will lead Italy Hardlines strategy and build relationships and programs with leading retailers.

What Your Impact Will Be:

LICENSEE MANAGEMENT:

• Manage all existing licensing deals, including master toy and licensee relationships
• Deliver Hardlines country strategy, supporting the Lead
• Own the retail strategy for HL and drive these relationships with Licensing programs.
• Deliver detailed joint business plans per partner that includes forecast, budget, stretch targets, retail & marketing calendars and relevant product line plans
• Pitch and market presentations across Mattel’s IP portfolio of brands
• Conduct bi-weekly 1-1 meetings, arrange quarterly business reviews, bi-annual top to tops and track financial goals through forecasting and ambitious sales targets
• Deliver and ensure detailed joint marketing plan per partner that includes licensee investment that is aligned with Mattel Consumer Product goals; ensure marketing support for top items.
• Be the internal point person for each licensee to ensure local markets are driving the strategy and goals for partners

NEW BUSINESS:

• Research, identify and pitch new category opportunities and prospective clients
• Secure new licensing deals and negotiate renewals
• Attend Trade Fairs or category specific shows

STRATEGY:

• Support Country Lead on key strategy for the market
• Analyze the market with SWOT, Gaps, opportunities, category priorities
• Keep current with changing trends & competition
• Work closely with the Product Development, Creative and Quality & Assurance teams on getting first class product to market
• Work closely with Retail Development, Digital, PR, Regional Franchise and Local Brand teams to develop joint business plans.
• Implement marketing and promotional strategies in liaison with internal & external stakeholders
• Gather and share category best practice from across the EMEA region
• Help find innovative ways to grow the business
• Prepare brand pitch and marketing presentations across Mattel’s IP portfolio of brands

What We’re Looking For:

Experience:

• Previous demonstrable experience working in a licensing, marketing or sales position
• Understanding of the Licensing environment and exposure to Licensing
• Hardlines knowledge; experience of working with toy or product based
• Experience building a joint business plan
• Exposure to managing a financial plan and forecasting

Skills & Education:

• Degree in Business, Marketing or a relevant subject or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.
• Proven sales negotiation experience and commercial thinking mindset
• Solutions oriented with ability to ‘think outside the box’ to deliver additional revenue and opportunities
• Ability to influence others; persuasive and able to present messaging impactfully
• Commercial acumen with the competence to build and present a strategy
• Strong relationship builder and able to navigate internal and external relationships and stakeholders with ease
• Fluent Italian and English is required to perform this role
• Strong communication skills oral and written; able to deliver a narrative

How We Work:

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes.

Who We Are:

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. Our products are sold in more than 195 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies.

Mattel is recognized as a Great Place to Work and as one of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2022.

Mattel is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers including minorities, females, veterans, military spouses, individuals with disabilities, and those of all sexual orientations and gender identities.