Assoc Manager Consumer Products in Cardiff

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. We work in partnership across the business with the Global Consumer Products, Regional Franchise, Local Brand, Regional Marketing, and Regional Product Development teams, as well as with the Audit, Finance and Legal Divisions.

It is a UK‑focused role, based at our Slough office and reporting directly to the UK Consumer Products Lead. In this position, you will manage day‑to‑day licensing business relationships across the UK, covering all Hardlines, FMCG, and Promotions partners, while delivering all aspects of partner management. You will identify, pitch, and negotiate new business opportunities, coordinate daily communication with internal and external stakeholders, and support the UK hardlines retail strategy with the Retail Development Lead.

Responsibilities

• Licensee Management
  • Act as the internal point of contact for each licensee and manage all existing licensing deals, including master toy agreements and other Hardlines, FMCG, and Promotions licensees.
  • Conduct regular partner touchpoints such as bi‑weekly 1:1 meetings, quarterly business reviews, bi‑annual top‑to‑tops, and ongoing tracking of financial performance against forecasts and sales targets.
  • Develop detailed Joint Business Plans (JBP) for each partner, including forecasts, budgets, stretch targets, retail and marketing calendars, and product line plans.
  • Develop and manage comprehensive joint marketing plans per partner, ensuring licensee investment aligns with Mattel Consumer Products goals and that top items receive strong marketing support.
  • Collaborate closely with Product Development, Creative, and Quality & Assurance teams to bring first‑class products to market.
  • Partner with Retail Development, Digital, PR, Regional Franchise, and Local Brand teams to develop joint business plans.
  • Implement marketing and promotional strategies in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• New Business
  • Prepare brand pitch materials and marketing presentations across Mattel's IP portfolio.
  • Research, identify, and pitch new category opportunities and prospective licensees or promotional partners.
  • Secure new licensing deals and negotiate renewals in line with sales targets and strategic objectives.
  • Represent Mattel at trade fairs and category‑specific industry events.
• Strategy
  • Deliver the Hardlines, FMCG, and Promotions country strategy in partnership with the UK Consumer Products Lead.
  • Collaborate with the Retail Development Lead on the UK hardlines retail strategy and strengthen retailer relationships to ensure best‑in‑class Consumer Products programs.
  • Analyse the market to identify SWOT insights, gaps, opportunities, and category priorities.
  • Stay up to date with evolving trends, consumer behaviours, and competitive activity.
  • Explore and recommend innovative approaches to drive business growth.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in a consumer products, marketing, or sales role.
• Strong understanding of the licensing environment, with direct exposure to licensing processes.
• Hardlines knowledge, with experience in the toy industry preferred.
• 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.
• 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.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, capable of delivering a compelling narrative.

Compensation and Benefits

• Flexible work model: Purposeful in‑person collaboration blended with flexibility to optimize performance and connect when moments matter.
• Gross annual salary range of GBP 57,040- GBP 67,735.
• Bonus scheme: Participation in Mattel Incentive Plan (MIP) with a target of 10% of base salary; payout determined by company and individual performance results.
• Paid time off: 25 vacation days (with option to buy up to 5 extra days) + 2 volunteer days per year + a day off on your birthday.
• Car allowance.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Employee assistance program: Access to Help@Hand (Unum), Modern Health, Headspace, and Maven.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Private health insurance.
• Dental insurance and dental service app.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Employee discount program – Be well at Mattel.
• Mattel products discounts.
• Family benefits program: 24 weeks off (for first caregiver) or 12 weeks off (for co‑parent) fully paid on the arrival of a new child, return to work program, path to parenthood, and family care leave.