Role Overview
The Senior Category Manager, Fashion & Living, is responsible for developing and executing a long-term Direct to Retail business strategy for SHEIN, LPP & Pepco, leveraging the richness of NBCUniversal's entertainment content to build a sustainable business which achieves annual revenue targets. This role contributes to the EMEA Regional Team (Fashion & Living, Food, Beauty & Care) in delivering the overall Fashion & Living strategy.
Responsibilities
- Managing the operation of the DTR partners including reviewing partner NBCU strategy, identifying whitespace, negotiating agreements, driving innovative quality product ranges, delivering accurate quarterly forecasting, and active pitching & sell‑in of Tent Pole & Evergreen driven assortments.
- Managing EMEA Regional Direct to Retail Fashion partners SHEIN, LPP & Pepco in partnership with agents in market.
- Developing and executing long‑term cross‑category growth strategies at SHEIN, LPP & Pepco, identifying whitespace opportunities and filling market gaps considering age, segment, market and franchise.
- Leading contract management, analyzing and vetting business plans & proposals and brand managing to ensure contract deliverables are met throughout the term.
- Accountable for day‑to‑day management of the DTRs, including ongoing business reviews, agent meetings, coordination of swings and pitches.
- Acting as the NBCU Partner conduit for Global Brand Standards, ensuring that NBCU standards are met across every market.
- Partnering with the creative team to drive quality, champion innovation in product development, ensuring lines are commercially viable for these EMEA DTRs and meet partner needs.
- Collaborating with the wider EMEA Fashion & Living team to maximize trends across markets and share best practice.
- Maintaining knowledge of industry trends, competitors, business opportunities, threats and dynamics for category and key licensees.
- Leading the creation of targeted multi‑category pitch presentations for upcoming movies.
- Developing & managing Evergreen IPs, ensuring 365 presence in store & online.
- Preparing, attending and delivering partner presentations, including travel to Poland where relevant.
- Regular attendance of trade shows and social industry functions where applicable – licensee trade shows, BLE.
- Fiscal responsibility to include annual budget planning and quarterly revenue tracking & forecasting.
- Analyzing business performance across category by DTR partner and continuously developing growth objectives and strategies.
- Supporting brand marketing initiatives, including development and execution of category plans, ensuring DTRs are integrated within wider brand and marketing plans.
- Partnering with Senior Franchise & Retail Marketing to lead best‑in‑class pitches and land key stories.
- Staying ahead of the market; maintaining knowledge of key seasonality and buying cycles of retailers.
- Knowing retailer KPIs and monitoring success accordingly.
- Growing SHEIN, LPP & Pepco in line with CP business goals, continuously evaluating DTRs to ensure they meet consumer needs and deliver best in category overall.
- Partnering with ELC & IMG agents to deliver the strategy and maintain open & regular communication with both.
Qualifications
- Commercial experience in managing Direct to Retail and/or Licensees within the Entertainment industry is a must.
- A passion for Fashion & Living and ideally in‑depth knowledge of sub‑categories within the category.
- Comprehensive knowledge of DTR partner timelines and creative capabilities/limitations.
- Strategic and creative thinker.
- Commercial experience working within an agent operating model is advantageous.
- Flexible/ability to adjust to dynamic and fast‑paced business environment.
- Relationship builder and team player.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong sales and negotiation skills.
- A brand builder and commercial thinker.
- Factory audit and product testing knowledge is advantageous.
- Proven track record of hitting targets and delivering growth.
Senior Category Manager Fashion & Living (FTC) employer: NBC Universal, Inc.
At NBC Universal, Inc., we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration. Our IT Support Analysts enjoy a dynamic work culture that fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. Located in a vibrant environment, our team members benefit from a supportive atmosphere that prioritises employee well-being and encourages a healthy work-life balance.
