Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and expand the Softlines business across EMEA with strategic partner management.
- Company: Join Mattel, a global leader in toys and family entertainment.
- Benefits: Flexible work model, competitive salary, and a culture of creativity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while working with iconic brands.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in consumer products or marketing, preferably in fashion.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values diverse ideas and perspectives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
Responsibilities
- Manage all aspects for day-to-day Top Tier SL partners using a data-first approach (EUROMONITOR).
- Deliver detailed JBPs per partner that include 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 1:1 meetings, quarterly business reviews, annual top-to-top reviews and track financial goals through forecasting and ambitious sales targets.
- Deliver and ensure detailed joint marketing plans per partner that include licensee investment 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.
- Research, identify and pitch new category opportunities and prospective clients.
- Prepare brand pitches and marketing presentations across Mattel's IP portfolio of brands.
- Attend trade fairs or category-specific shows.
- Serve 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 the region.
- Bi-weekly SL calls with each market lead to provide the necessary support and planning.
- Analyze the market with SWOT, gaps, opportunities, category priorities and keep current with changing trends and 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 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 practices 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.
Qualifications & Experience
- 8+ years of experience in consumer products, marketing, or sales, preferably within the fashion industry.
- Strong understanding of the licensing environment, with direct exposure to licensing processes.
- Experience in managing Softlines' DTRs.
- Softlines 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.
Creativity & Workplace Culture
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.
Dont 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 by employing the following behaviors:
- We collaborate: Being 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: We always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work, 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.
Consumer Products Manager (Softlines) in Slough employer: Mattel, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Mattel, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Consumer Products Manager (Softlines) in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals 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. Familiarise yourself with their latest launches and marketing strategies. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Consumer Products Manager. Highlight your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills, as these are key in this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll be part of our Talent Community, which means you’ll receive updates about exciting opportunities at Mattel.
We think you need these skills to ace Consumer Products Manager (Softlines) in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Consumer Products Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing Softlines and any relevant partnerships you've developed. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset: In your application, emphasise your strategic thinking and commercial management skills. Share examples of how you've successfully developed Joint Business Plans or navigated complex licensing environments. We love a candidate who can think big!
Be Data-Driven: Since this role involves a data-first approach, include any experience you have with market analysis or financial forecasting. Show us how you've used data to drive decisions and achieve results in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mattel, Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Mattel's Softlines business and its key partners. Familiarise yourself with their products, recent campaigns, and market trends. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare to discuss your experience with Joint Business Plans (JBPs) and how you've successfully managed financial forecasts in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've identified opportunities and driven growth in previous roles, especially within the fashion industry.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your relationship-building skills during the interview. Discuss how you've developed strong partnerships in the past and how you plan to do the same at Mattel. Remember, this role is all about collaboration, so demonstrate your ability to work effectively with both internal teams and external partners.
✨Be Creative and Solutions-Oriented
Mattel values creativity, so come prepared with innovative ideas on how to grow the Softlines business. Think about potential new category opportunities or marketing strategies that could resonate with consumers. Show them that you can think outside the box and bring fresh perspectives to the table.
