At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage licensing relationships and drive innovative product strategies for iconic brands.
- Company: Join Mattel, a leading global toy and family entertainment company.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus schemes, generous leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Flexible work model and a culture that values collaboration and creativity.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that inspires play and innovation.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in consumer products or marketing, with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 57040 - 67735 £ 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. 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.
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.
What We Offer
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 is 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/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 & dental service app. Life & disability insurance. Employee discount program: Be well at Mattel and Mattel product discounts. Family benefits program: 24 weeks off (for 1st caregiver) or 12 weeks off (for co-parent) fully paid on the arrival of new child, return to work program, path to parenthood, and family care leave.
Note: Mattel’s total compensation package is based on objective, gender-neutral criteria such as job grade, work location, relevant skills, and experience. If your profile is retained and we schedule an interview, we will share further details on Mattel UK Limited’s total rewards package. Some benefits may change over time due to company policy or legislation.
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 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: 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. Visit us at the placeholder and through social channels. 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.
Assoc Manager Consumer Products - Hardlines employer: Mattel
At Mattel, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. Located in Slough, our team enjoys a range of benefits including generous paid time off, a robust bonus scheme, and comprehensive health insurance, all while working on innovative products that inspire children and families worldwide. With a strong focus on employee growth and a commitment to flexible working, Mattel is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the consumer products industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assoc Manager Consumer Products - Hardlines
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Mattel and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Mattel are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Mattel on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Mattel. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Assoc Manager Consumer Products - Hardlines
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Mattel. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Mattel:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Mattel’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mattel
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Mattel will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Mattel, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.