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Manager, Licensing (Toys and Games)

Get to know The Pokémon Company International

The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children's entertainment properties in the world.

Learn more online at Pokemon.com and on Facebook (facebook.com/pokemon), YouTube (youtube.com/pokemon), Twitter (twitter.com/pokemon), and Instagram (instagram.com/pokemon).

Get to know the role

Job Title: Manager, Licensing (Toys and Games)

Job Summary: The Manager, Licensing (Toys and Games) works closely with the Licensing Director EMEA to develop and execute a five-year road map for the Toys and Games category (including Hardlines) in EMEA. They lead the Toys and Games category across the region and identify new business opportunities only if and when relevant . They act as EMEA point of contact for product development (localisation), legal and financial queries with The Pokémon Company international (TPCi) Seattle-led licensees. They supervise contract negotiation, secure the best deals in line with business goals, and ensure timely product approvals with the TPCi London-led accounts.

People Manager: Yes

What you’ll do

People Management:

• Day to day management of direct report.

Franchise Management:

• Develop and execute a five-year road map for the Toys and Games category (including Hardlines) in the region while working closely with the Seattle-based licensing team.
• Work on the creation of targeted presentations to pitch, support and/or launch licensing programmes or specific category areas.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, competitors, business opportunities, threats and dynamics for categories and key licensees.

Category Management:

• Category lead for the Toys and Games category (including Hardlines) across the region. Identify new business opportunities – only if and when relevant .
• Work on the creation of targeted presentations to support our global licensees in launching new programmes and products at retail in EMEA. Prepare product presentations as needed for internal and external use.
• Provide quarterly business updates (on behalf of the Licensing team) and forecasts (for allocated accounts) to evaluate progress against budget.

Licensee Management:

• Accountable for day-to-day management, including business reviews.
• About the TPCi Seattle-led accounts:
  • Act as EMEA point of contact for product development (localisation), legal and financial queries from our global licensees (toys and games, video game accessories, Trading Card Game accessories, amusement plush, etc.).
  • Take a creative approach and ensure appropriate internal stakeholders are involved in key product decision-making.
• About the TPCi London-led accounts:
  • Supervise contract negotiation and secure the best deals in line with consumer products guidelines and business goals. Manage the process from contract to product development and execution.
  • Partner with the Brand Services team to drive quality and champion innovation in local product development, considering wider multi-territory strategy. Ensure timely product approvals in line with industry needs.

PR, Marketing, Trade Shows:

• Supervise the marketing plan for the Toys and Games programme in EMEA.
• Assist with the planning and attendance of annual Licensing Summits, Licensing Shows, Toy Fairs and other trade shows and events as necessary.
• Attendance and presentation participation in licensee/partner presentations. Regular attendance of trade shows and social industry functions where applicable (Brand Licensing Europe, etc.).

What you’ll bring

• Five+ (5+) years of relevant experience in Licensing, Toys and/or Marketing, plus a minimum of one (1) year of management experience or a demonstrated equivalent level of expertise.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or a demonstrated equivalent level of applicable experience.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Proven organizational skills.
• Financial acumen.
• Ability to present and sell-in creative concepts and execution ideas with internal and external stakeholders.
• Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of local markets across EMEA.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to interact well with a variety of work groups.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Experience working within a matrix organization.
• Proven track record of success.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and presentation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• European language is a plus.

How you’ll be successful

• Passion for Pokémon: Develops an understanding of the Pokémon brand, the impact it has on our people, culture, business, fans, and communities, and applying that knowledge and passion to everything you do.
• Challenging the Expected: Approaches challenges with curiosity and creativity, embracing the possibility of failure as an opportunity to learn something new, develop innovative ideas, solve complex problems and identify unique opportunities.
• Integrity and Respect: Demonstrates integrity and respect by leading with empathy, listening to others, seeking out different perspectives, and taking personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and results.
• Dedicated to Quality: Takes ownership to maintain and promote high standards, looks for new ways to learn and improve, and embraces a growth mindset to seek and apply feedback from others in an effort to continuously improve.
• Building Relationships: Develops and strengthens relationships, adopting a “team first” mentality and working collaboratively to solve problems and meet shared goals.
• Delighting Customers: Listens and understands the interests and needs of our customers and stakeholders, making them feel heard and important, and embracing these learnings to continue delivering a unique Pokémon experience.

What to expect

• An employee first culture
• Company events that celebrate the spirit of Pokémon
• Competitive cash-based compensation programs
• Base salary range: For this role, new hires generally start between £73,000.00 - £86,450.00. Full range: £73,000.00 - £109,000.00 . This range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. Final base salary is directly related to each candidates' qualifications and experience uniquely.
• 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for you
• Generous paid family leave
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid long and short-term income protection insurance
• US Employees: 401k Employer Matching
• UK/IRE Employees: Pension Employer Contributions
• Fitness reimbursement
• Commuter benefit
• LinkedIn learning
• Comprehensive relocation package
• Hybrid work environment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this role. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. For roles in the United Kingdom, candidates will need the right to work. In some cases, and for some roles, the Company may be able to arrange a visa. For roles in Ireland, this role requires candidates to have the right to live and work in the Republic of Ireland. However, we welcome applications from all nationalities and may consider supporting an employment permit application, in appropriate and suitable cases.

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