Licensing Manager (Softlines) – EMEA
Licensing Manager (Softlines) – EMEA

Licensing Manager (Softlines) – EMEA

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Mattel

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and expand the Softlines business across EMEA with top-tier partners.
  • Company: Join Mattel, a global leader in toys and family entertainment.
  • Benefits: Flexible work model, inclusive culture, and opportunities for growth.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a creative environment while working with iconic brands.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in consumer products or marketing, preferably in fashion.
  • Other info: Collaborative team culture focused on innovation and excellence.

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.

What Your Impact Will Be:

  • Manage all aspects for day-to-day Top Tier SL partners using a data-first approach (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 1:1 meetings, quarterly business reviews, annual top-to-tops and track financial goals through forecasting and ambitious sales targets.
  • Deliver and ensure detailed joint marketing plan per partner that includes licensee investment that is 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 pitch and marketing presentations across Mattel’s IP portfolio of brands.
  • Attend Trade Fairs or category specific shows.
  • Support Category Lead on key strategy for 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 & keep current with changing trends & 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 the 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 practice 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 Softlines' DTRs.
  • Softlines knowledge.
  • 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:

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.
  • We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences.
  • We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes.

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.

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. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies.

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.

Licensing Manager (Softlines) – EMEA employer: Mattel

At Mattel EMEA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our flexible work model and inclusive environment, where every team member is empowered to contribute to our iconic brands. Join us in a role that not only drives strategic partnerships but also allows you to make a meaningful impact in the world of consumer products.
Mattel

Contact Detail:

Mattel Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Licensing Manager (Softlines) – EMEA

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend trade fairs, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream job!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their brand values and recent initiatives. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to show how you can contribute to their goals.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience and how it aligns with the role of Licensing 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 seen. Plus, you’ll be part of our Talent Community, which means you’ll get updates on exciting opportunities and insights into our culture.

We think you need these skills to ace Licensing Manager (Softlines) – EMEA

Strategic Management
Commercial Leadership
Partner Management
Financial Planning
Sales Negotiation
Market Analysis
Relationship Building
Creative Problem Solving
Communication Skills
Collaboration
Project Management
Licensing Knowledge
Marketing Strategy
Data-Driven Decision Making

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in consumer products and licensing. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Licensing Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Strategic Mindset: In your application, emphasise your strategic thinking and commercial management skills. We’re looking for someone who can manage relationships and drive results, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in the past.

Be Data-Driven: Since this role involves a data-first approach, include any experience you have with market analysis or financial forecasting. We love candidates who can back up their strategies with solid data, so make sure to mention any tools or methodologies you’ve used.

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

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Mattel's Softlines business and its key partners. Familiarise yourself with their product lines, recent marketing campaigns, and any relevant industry trends. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.

Showcase Your Relationship Skills

Since this role is all about managing relationships with top-tier partners, prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained partnerships in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as well as the results you achieved.

Be Data-Driven

Mattel values a data-first approach, so come prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've conducted market analysis or used forecasting to drive sales and marketing strategies.

Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios

As negotiation is a key part of this role, think through some potential scenarios you might face with partners. Be ready to discuss your negotiation style and share successful outcomes from past negotiations, highlighting your commercial mindset and ability to achieve win-win situations.

Licensing Manager (Softlines) – EMEA
Mattel

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