Universal Pictures were the first of the modern Hollywood studios, and over their one hundred years, they have been responsible for some of the world’s most memorable feature films. It is the home of the epic Jurassic World franchise, the beloved Minions, the unstoppable Fast & Furious franchise, and DreamWorks Animation with franchises such as Shrek or How to train your Dragon, as well as a rich portfolio of classic films including E.T., JAWS, Back to the Future and Dracula. 

Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives expansion of the company's intellectual properties, franchises, characters and stories through innovative physical and digital products, content, and consumer experiences. Along with franchise brand management, UP&E's core businesses include Consumer Products and Games and Digital Platforms based on the company's extensive portfolio of intellectual properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination and DreamWorks Animation. UP&E is part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

At UP&E EMEA, we are proud of our unique culture. We are inclusive, curious and creative; channeling a growth mindset to drive the commercial and develop our people. To achieve this culture, we live by our 3 values:

• Being Human Matters to Us
• Together We Can Achieve Anything
• We Always Keep Growing

You will support the Senior Category Manager, Toys & Hardlines responsible for Germany, Switzerland & Austria (GAS) and Nordics in the development and execution of the category strategies to deliver against targets and fill market gaps in the region. You will also be involved in the management of global, regional and local licensees to grow the business, developing innovative and quality product lines, providing accurate quarterly forecasting and promoting retail sell-in of product ranges. The role will require nurturing deep relationships with your licensee base, gaining understanding of their corporate strategies, identifying and implementing solid growth plans, aligned to Universal franchise, category and consumer priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Category Manager Toys & Hardlines in developing category strategies by identifying opportunities and fill gaps by product sub-category, age segment, market channel and franchise
• Undertake category analysis and performance via data insights (POS and Circana) and analytics, industry trends, competitors, business opportunities, threats and market dynamics and develop growth objectives and strategies
• Curate data led targeted presentations to pitch, support or launch licensing programs
• Assist with the management of local and regional partners including the coordination of milestone planning of top-to-top meetings, quarterly business reviews and joint-business-planning processes with key partners
• Partner with the product development team to drive quality and champion innovation in local product development; ensure timely product approvals in line with industry needs
• Assist with the annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting
• Foster relationships with key buyers of our main retailers to maximize product listings and exposure of our licensed product and brands at the POS
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the UP&E organization including category counterparts locally and internationally as well as Franchise, Legal, Finance, Compliance and Creative teams
• Regular attendance of trade shows and social industry functions where applicable

• A passion for toys and hardlines categories (including publishing and stationery); first industry experience in any of these areas is a plus
• General interest in related pop culture such as the world of movies and gaming
• Strong understanding of the GAS (& Nordic) region from a cultural, commercial, retail and  brand and property positioning
• Solid analytical/financial skills
• Excellent communication & presentation skills
• Strong sales and negotiation skills
• A brand builder and commercial thinker
• Relationship builder
• Able to work in a matrix organization
• Self-motivated professional with ability to work independently and take charge
• Strong skills working with Microsoft Office applications (specifically PowerPoint and Excel)
• Fluent in German and English; knowledge of a Nordic language considered a plus

About You

• Results driven – own the numbers, be invested and be hungry to grow the business with solid
• analytical/financial skills
• Entrepreneurial – a self-starter, who is tenacious, independent, driven and proactive
• Resilient – not afraid to fail, getting back up and keep putting in the effort
• Global & holistic thinker – understand the wider context
• Confident being self – bring your full personality and interests to work
• Light-hearted – a sense of humour, dealing patiently with frustrations
• Passionate – energetic, engaged, positive and desiring to make a difference
• Adaptable, agile & flexible – able to pivot quickly, adapt strategies and deal with change
• Good communicator – honest, transparent, and flexible depending on the audience; the ability to influence stakeholders
• Willing to get stuck in – hard worker, who is not rigid with the ability to prioritise, manage own time and respond quickly and efficiently
• Sociable – actively develops relationships, making time to get to know people; easy-going and fun

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].