Associate Manager Consumer Product - Hardlines in Slough
Associate Manager Consumer Product - Hardlines

Associate Manager Consumer Product - Hardlines in Slough

Slough Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage licensing relationships and drive innovative product strategies for iconic brands.
  • Company: Join Mattel, a leading global toy and entertainment company with a vibrant culture.
  • Benefits: Flexible work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative team that shapes the future of play and inspires children worldwide.
  • Qualifications: 5-7 years in consumer products or marketing, with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and encourages new ideas.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Overview

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. 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.

The Opportunity

You’ll be joining the Consumer Products team in 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 be responsible for identifying, pitching, and negotiating new business opportunities, as well as coordinating daily communication with internal and external stakeholders. You will also work in close partnership with the Retail Development Lead to support the UK hardlines retail strategy, building relationships and developing programs with leading retailers.

What Your Impact Will Be

  • Licensee Management
    • Act as the internal point of contact for each licensee. Manage all existing licensing deals, including master toy agreements and other Hardlines, FMCG, and Promotions licensees.
    • Conduct regular partner touchpoints, including bi-weekly 1:1 meetings, quarterly business reviews, bi-annual top-to-tops, and ongoing tracking of financial performance against forecasts and ambitious 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

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience
    • 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.

Additional Information

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 behaviours:

  • 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.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

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.

Associate Manager Consumer Product - Hardlines in Slough employer: Mattel, Inc.

Mattel is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity, making it a fantastic place for individuals looking to thrive in the consumer products industry. Based in Slough, employees benefit from a flexible work model that promotes personal growth and well-being, alongside opportunities to engage with iconic brands and innovative projects. With a commitment to empowering its workforce and a strong focus on professional development, Mattel ensures that every team member can contribute meaningfully while enjoying a supportive and dynamic work environment.
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Contact Detail:

Mattel, Inc. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Manager Consumer Product - Hardlines in Slough

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience and how it relates to the role of Associate Manager Consumer Product - Hardlines. Highlight your skills in licensing and partner management to make a strong impression.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll be part of our talent community, which means you’ll get updates on future opportunities that match your skills.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Manager Consumer Product - Hardlines in Slough

Licensee Management
Joint Business Plans (JBP)
Sales Negotiation Skills
Commercial Acumen
Market Analysis
Relationship-Building Skills
Creative Problem-Solving
Communication Skills
Project Management
Understanding of Licensing Environment
Hardlines Knowledge
Financial Planning and Forecasting
Collaboration Skills
Strategic Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Creativity: Remember, creativity is our superpower! When writing your application, let your personality shine through. Use engaging language and examples that showcase your innovative thinking and how you can contribute to our mission of inspiring fans and developing children through play.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Associate Manager Consumer Product role. Highlight your experience in licensing, marketing, and sales, especially in the toy industry. We want to see how your background aligns with our goals and how you can help us achieve our brand objectives.

Be Clear and Concise: While we love creativity, clarity is key! Keep your application well-structured and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read and understand your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a compelling narrative but also value brevity.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status and any future opportunities with us.

How to prepare for a job interview at Mattel, Inc.

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Mattel's brands and products, especially in the Hardlines category. Familiarise yourself with their latest releases and marketing strategies. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.

✨Showcase Your Creativity

Since creativity is a core value at Mattel, come prepared with innovative ideas or examples of how you've successfully developed unique marketing strategies or partnerships in the past. Think about how you can contribute to their mission of creating inspiring products and experiences.

✨Build Relationships

Highlight your relationship-building skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've managed partnerships or collaborated with cross-functional teams. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and negotiation skills. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face in managing licensing deals or developing joint business plans. Be ready to discuss how you'd approach these situations creatively and strategically.

Associate Manager Consumer Product - Hardlines in Slough
Mattel, Inc.
Location: Slough

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