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Senior Manager, Licensing (UK, Ireland, Nordics) - 12-Months Fixed Term Contract

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: Senior Manager, Licensing (UK, Ireland, Nordics)

Job Summary: The Senior Manager, Licensing looks after the Softlines and Hardlines categories for the UK, Ireland and Nordics. They are responsible for developing and executing a long-term business strategy to leverage the Pokémon consumer product (CP) program (excluding publishing, TCG, music and home entertainment) and build a sustainable business (in line with guidelines and objectives) in the region. They are responsible for identifying the best licensees to partner with, negotiating agreements, driving innovative and quality product ranges, accurate quarterly forecasting and promoting retail sell-in of ranges. They develop pan-European licensing programmes (e.g., Primark). They are also responsible for brand partnerships (promotions and fashion collaborations) in the region.

People Manager: Yes

What you’ll do

Category Management:

• Category lead for Softlines and Hardlines across the region. Identify opportunities and fill gaps by territories, demographics, and distribution channels.
• Responsible for managing the portfolio of promotion partners and fashion collaborations for the region to maximise brand exposure. Take a creative approach and ensure appropriate internal stakeholders are involved in key product decision-making.
• Work on the creation of targeted presentations to pitch, support and/or launch licensing programmes or specific category areas (incl. Promotions and Fashion collaborations).
• Partner with Consumer Product Approval (CPA) team to drive quality and champion innovation in local product development, considering wider multi-territory strategy.

Licensee Management:

• Accountable for day-to-day management, including business reviews.
• Lead contract negotiation and secure the best deals in line with consumer products guidelines and business objectives. Manage the process from contract to product development and execution.
• Responsible for ensuring timely product approvals in line with licensee needs, anticipate roadblocks and proactively take measures to address them by working closely with Seattle-based teams.
• Attendance and presentation participation in licensee/partner presentations. Regular attendance of trade shows and social industry functions where applicable (Brand Licensing Europe, Spring Fair, etc.).

Retail Development:

• Lead for global and pan-European licensing programs at retail (e.g. Primark).
• Responsible for managing the retail budget for the CP programme in the region.
• Identify the key retail partners for the Softlines and Hardlines categories. Be the key point of contact to Retail partners to develop and execute trade marketing programmes for CP in the region.
• Build strong relationships with toy distributors across the region and create business synergies with the Trading Card Game (TCG) Sales team when needed.

Strategy:

• Develop and execute three-year road map for the Softlines and Hardlines categories in the region.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, competitors, business opportunities, threats and dynamics for categories and key licensees.

Financial:

• Manage the P&L to deliver (or exceed) annual revenue targets (in line with CP guidelines and business objectives) in the region.
• Provide quarterly business forecasts to evaluate progress against budget.

Marketing and PR:

• Responsible for managing the B2B PR budget
• Event Planning/ Tradeshows – Participate and assist with the planning and attendance of annual London Toy Fair and other trade shows and events as necessary. Ensure visibility of our licensed products during trade shows and Pokémon events.

People Management:

• Day to day management of direct reports.

What you’ll bring

• Ten+ (10+) years of relevant experience, plus two (2) years of management experience.
• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience required.
• Extensive knowledge of the relevant retail landscapes.
• Work closely with CPA on seasonal directions and product deliverables for Kids/Adults Apparel and Accessories (e.g. fashion trends, benchmarking, etc.).
• Ability to present and sell-in creative concepts and execution ideas with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven track record of success.
• 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.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Excellent negotiation, deal structuring and analytical skills.
• Proven experience with revenue/profit modeling and sound business judgment.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and presentation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• European language 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
• 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for you
• Generous paid family leave
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid long and short-term income protection insurance
• 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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