Category Associate

Role: Category Associate/Coordinator

Location: Burbank, CA (hybrid, 3 days onsite, 2 remote)

Job Type: Contract, W2

Duration: 12 months

Job ID: 81619

The Category Associate is responsible for supporting the Sr. Category Manager overseeing Collectibles, Games, Vehicles, etc. within the Toys team. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of Three (3) years of experience with Category/Licensee Management and knowledge of the licensing and retail landscape in the Toys and Collectibles. The candidate should have experience in building solid relationships with major brand partners, an entrepreneurial spirit, engaged in external and internal partners, and the breadth of skills required to help execute key initiatives & overall growth of our client’s Consumer Products Business. This role will be accountable for day-to-day support of key licensee businesses including coordinating internal and external meetings, liaising with internal teams including Finance, Product Development, Franchise Management, and Retail Business Development in order to maximize the licensed business across Action Figures and Collectibles across the client’s portfolio of brands.

Job Responsibilities / Typical Day in the Role

. Supporting Sr. Category Manager of Toy Categories including, but not limited to Collectibles, Games, Vehicles, etc.

. Assists in development and execution of long and medium term category strategies (1-2 years out)

. Assists in securing quarterly forecast and annual budget for sub-categories

. Helps to manage licensees in partnership with Creative in the Product Line Plans

. Partners with Licensee, Franchise, Creative and Retail Business Development to drive Franchise initiatives

. Coordinates business updates, internal and external formal presentations and strategy discussions

. Works across the broader Toy Category team to on various projects and cross functional needs

Must Have Skills / Requirements

1) Three or more years of experience in Licensing industry with background in Toys, Action Figures, and Collectibles required

2) Strong licensing acumen and relationship skills

3) Proven ability to execute strategic and operational plan

4) Solid negotiating skills with ability to participate in complex retail and licensee agreements

5) Proven financial responsibility and accountability for category - revenue and expenses

6) Strong and varied computer software knowledge required (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

7) Knowledge of retail landscape: key retailers, set dates, buying cycles, sell-in process, etc.

8) Effective written and oral communication skills. Ability to create & deliver pitches, presentations; solution-selling oriented

Soft Skills

1) Ability to work in a team environment with changing priorities; possess flexibility and adaptability skills in addition to strong project management

2) Exceptional time management and prioritization skills with ability to multi-task with a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy

3) Well organized with effective and proven planning and follow-through skills

4) Self-starter, optimistic and dependable

5) Proven ability to communicate and collaborate effectively cross-functionally and with senior management

Education / Certifications

BA/BS degree in business or related field required