Consumer Products Manager (Softlines) – EMEA in Slough

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.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly strategic, results-driven Manager, Consumer Products EMEA to lead and expand the regional Softlines business within the Franchise - Consumer Products division at Mattel EMEA. This pivotal role will be directly responsible for the strategic and commercial management of Mattel’s most important Softlines partners across EMEA, spanning apparel, footwear and home categories, sitting at the intersection of partner management, commercial leadership and strategic development and acting as the primary point of contact for Top partners, while ensuring internal alignment across Consumer Products, Brand, Marketing, Product Development and Global teams.

What Your Impact Will Be

• Manage all aspects for day-to-day Top Tier SL partners using a data-first approach (EUROMONITOR).
• Deliver detailed JBP per partner that includes forecast, budget, stretch targets, retail & marketing calendars and EMEA relevant product line plans by country.
• Develop deep relationships with partners at all levels.
• Conduct bi-weekly 121 meetings, quarterly business reviews, 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 CP goals.
• Ensure marketing support for top items.
• Negotiate EMEA deal terms and submit for legal drafting ensuring all relevant approvals have been gathered and all information required is present and correct.
• Liaise with the legal team and licensee on contract drafting.

New Business:

• Research, identify and pitch new category opportunities and prospective clients.
• Prepare brand pitch and marketing presentations across Mattel’s IP portfolio of brands.
• Attend Trade Fairs or category specific shows.

Strategy:

• Responsible as the key point of connection for all aspects for SL Top tier partners including internal alignment and planning, country feedback, building business plans and strategy.
• Support Category Lead on key strategy for region.
• Bi-weekly SL calls with each market lead to providing the necessary support and planning.
• Analyze the market with SWOT, Gaps, opportunities, category priorities & Keep current with changing trends & competitors.
• Monthly calls with global leads (GBT), franchise and brand teams.
• Support country teams to drive the top tier SL licensees through joint planning and immersion sessions.
• Work closely with the Product Development, Creative and Quality & Assurance teams on getting first-class products 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 with local teams.
• Help find innovative ways to grow the business.
• Manage extension of local deals into additional EMEA countries.

What We’re Looking For

• 8+ years of experience in a consumer products, marketing, or sales role.
• Strong understanding of the licensing environment, with direct exposure to licensing processes.
• Experience in managing Softline's DTRs.
• Softline's knowledge.
• Experience developing Joint Business Plans (JBPs).
• Exposure to managing financial plans, including forecasting and performance tracking.

Skills & Education

• Degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven sales negotiation skills and a strong commercial mindset.
• Partner-centric mindset and deep understanding of the fashion licensing ecosystem.
• Solutions-oriented, with the ability to think creatively and identify incremental revenue opportunities.
• Strong influencing skills, with the ability to communicate messages persuasively and impactfully.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the competence to build, articulate, and present strategic plans.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, able to navigate internal and external stakeholders with ease.
• Collaborative team player with an ambitious, growth-focused mindset.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture.

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. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. 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. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Our Approach to Flexible Work:

We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.

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. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment.