Associate Manager Consumer Product (Maternity cover)

Full-time Location: United Kingdom – Slough Company: Mattel UK Limited

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.

The Team: Sitting within the EMEA Consumer Products Organisation, the team leads the development and implementation of Consumer Products strategy across all Mattel Brands. The team steers key brand, category and fiscal objectives by collaborating with Global, Regional, Multi Territory and Local licensees, and works across the business with Consumer Products, Franchise, Brand, Marketing, Product Development, Audit, Finance and Legal divisions.

The Opportunity: Join the Consumer Products team in the UK, based out of our Slough office. You will report directly to the UK Consumer Products Lead and manage day‑to‑day licensing relationships with Softlines partners. You will pitch and negotiate new business opportunities, liaise with internal and external stakeholders, partner with the Associate Manager Retail Development on the UK Softlines retail strategy, and build relationships and programs with leading retailers.

What Your Impact Will Be

• Licensee Management
  • Manage all existing licensing deals, including softlines, home & beauty and licensee relationships.
  • Deliver Softlines country strategy, supporting the UK Consumer Products Lead.
  • Partner on the retail strategy for Softlines and drive relationships with Consumer Products programs to be best in class.
  • Deliver detailed joint business plans per partner that include forecast, budget, stretch targets, retail and marketing calendars and relevant product line plans.
  • Pitch and market presentations across Mattel’s IP portfolio of brands.
  • Conduct bi‑weekly 1:1 meetings, arrange quarterly business reviews, bi‑annual top‑to‑tops and track financial goals through forecasting and ambitious sales targets.
  • Deliver detailed joint marketing plans per partner, including licensee investment aligned with Mattel Consumer Products goals; ensure marketing support for top items.
  • Act as the internal point person for each licensee to ensure local markets drive the strategy and goals for partners.
  • Research, identify and pitch new category opportunities and prospective clients.
  • Secure new licensing deals and negotiate renewals.
  • Attend trade fairs or category‑specific shows.
• Strategy
  • Support the UK Consumer Products Lead on key strategy for the market.
  • Analyse the market with SWOT, gaps, opportunities, category priorities.
  • Research, identify and pitch new category opportunities and prospective clients.
  • Keep current with changing trends and competition.
  • Collaborate closely with Product Development, Creative, Quality & Assurance to bring 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 and external stakeholders.
  • Gather and share category best practice from across the EMEA region.
  • Help find innovative ways to grow the business.
  • Prepare brand pitch and marketing presentations across Mattel’s IP portfolio of brands.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience working in licensing of consumer products, marketing or sales.
• Understanding of the licensing environment and exposure to licensing.
• Softlines knowledge; experience of working with toy or product based.
• Experience building a joint business plan.
• Exposure to managing a financial plan and forecasting.
• Degree in Business, Marketing or relevant subject or equivalent experience.
• Proven sales negotiation experience and commercial thinking mindset.
• Solutions oriented with ability to think outside the box to deliver additional revenue and opportunities.
• Ability to influence others; persuasive and able to present messaging impactfully.
• Commercial acumen with competence to build and present a strategy.
• Strong relationship builder, able to navigate internal and external stakeholders with ease.
• Team player. Ambitious thinking.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, able to deliver a narrative.
• Demonstrated growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

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.