Associate Manager Consumer Products - Softlines (Maternity cover)

Job title: Associate Manager Consumer Products - Softlines (Maternity cover)

About the Role You’ll be joining the UK Consumer Products team in Slough to manage day-to-day licensing relationships in the UK across Softlines, reporting to the UK Consumer Products Lead. This is a maternity-cover role based out of our Slough office, working with Global, Regional and Local teams to drive strategy.

What You'll Do

• LICENSEE MANAGEMENT: Manage all existing licensing deals, including softlines, home & beauty and licensee relationships; deliver Softlines country strategy; work with retail strategy for Softlines; build joint business plans with forecasts, budgets, calendars and product plans; present to stakeholders.
• NEW BUSINESS: Research, identify and pitch new category opportunities; secure new licensing deals and negotiate renewals; attend trade fairs or category-specific shows.
• STRATEGY: Analyse market with SWOT, identify gaps and opportunities; keep up with trends; work with Product Development, Creative and Quality & Assurance; develop joint business plans with Retail Development, Digital, PR, Regional Franchise and Local Brand teams; implement marketing strategies; share best practices across EMEA; prepare brand pitches.
• OTHER: Be internal point of contact for licensees to align local markets with strategy; liaise with internal & external stakeholders; drive marketing programs with licensees and ensure top items are supported.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in licensing of consumer products, marketing or sales; understanding of licensing environment and softlines; experience with toy/product licensing.
• Proven ability to build joint business plans and manage forecasts; experience with financial planning.
• Degree in Business, Marketing or equivalent experience; strong negotiation and commercial thinking; ability to influence and build relationships.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and a growth mindset; curious, challenge seeking and proactive.
• Solutions-oriented; able to present messaging impactfully; strong collaboration and team-work.

Nice to Have

• Experience with trade fairs or category shows.
• Existing relationships with UK retailers or experience in the UK market.

Compensation & Benefits

• Gross annual salary range: GBP 57,040 – 67,745; base pay determined by location, skills and experience.
• Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower employees to reach their full potential.