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- 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, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that inspires children through innovative products.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in consumer products or marketing, preferably in fashion.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and performance.
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.
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.
Responsibilities
- Relationship: Manage all aspects for day-to-day Top Tier SL partners using a data-first approach (e.g., 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-top reviews and track financial goals through forecasting and ambitious sales targets. Deliver and ensure detailed joint marketing plan per partner that includes 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.
- New Business: 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.
- Strategy: Serve as the key point of connection for all aspects of SL Top tier partners including internal alignment and planning, country feedback, building business plans and strategy. Support Category Lead on key regional strategy. Bi-weekly SL calls with each market lead to provide 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 top tier SL licensees through joint planning and immersion sessions. Work with Product Development, Creative and Quality & Assurance teams to bring first-class products to market. Collaborate 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
What We’re Looking For: 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 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.
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. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here! You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
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.
Consumer Products Manager (Softlines) – EMEA 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) – EMEA 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 Consumer Products Manager. Highlight your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills, as these are key for this position.
✨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 exciting opportunities at Mattel.
We think you need these skills to ace Consumer Products Manager (Softlines) – EMEA in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creativity: Remember, creativity is our superpower! When crafting your application, let your unique ideas shine through. Use engaging language and examples that showcase your innovative thinking and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to the role of Consumer Products Manager. Highlight your experience in consumer products, especially within the fashion industry, and demonstrate how your skills align with our needs at Mattel.
Be Data-Driven: Since we value a data-first approach, include any relevant metrics or achievements in your application. Show us how you've used data to drive results in previous roles, especially in managing partnerships or developing business plans.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, you’ll get updates on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mattel, Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Mattel's product lines and recent innovations. Familiarise yourself with their Softlines category, especially in apparel and footwear. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role is all about managing top-tier partners, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed partnerships in the past, focusing on collaboration and communication. Highlight your ability to navigate internal and external stakeholders.
✨Show Your Strategic Mindset
Mattel values strategic thinking, so be ready to discuss how you've developed and executed business plans. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions, like forecasting or market analysis. This will showcase your analytical skills and your understanding of the licensing environment.
✨Be Creative and Solutions-Oriented
Creativity is key at Mattel, so think of innovative ideas that could benefit their Softlines business. Prepare to discuss how you've approached challenges in the past with a creative mindset. Show them you're not just a problem-solver, but someone who can think outside the box to find new opportunities.
