About UDX FRANCHISE, PRODUCTS & PARTNERSHIPS: Universal Destinations & Experiences’ Franchise, Products & Partnerships team (UDX FPP) extends NBCUniversal’s iconic brands, characters and stories through global consumer products and games, theme park merchandise and retail, in addition to the UDX enterprise function of franchise management and strategic partnerships. Supporting NBCUniversal’s owned portfolio of properties as well as third-party partners across the theme park business, UDX FPP creates products, experiences and partnerships that deepen fandom and connects audiences around the world with the characters, stories and worlds that define Universal.
We believe in a workplace where every voice matters, every perspective is valued, and every colleague can shine. That’s how we strive to be an employer of choice for talent and a partner of choice for retailers, licensees, and creators who share our passion for world‑class storytelling. If you’re ready to bring imagination to life and create moments that resonate worldwide—your next adventure starts here. Join us and help create moments that matter. www.udxfpp.com/
JOB OVERVIEW The Category Manager, EMEA Fashion & Living will partner with the Senior Director, EMEA F&L/FBC to shape and drive the long-term EMEA growth strategy, identifying and unlocking new revenue opportunity to increase/expand NBCUniversal's market share and building a high-value portfolio of strategic partnerships across the Fashion & Living portfolio.
With a strong focus on business development within key growth categories including Accessories, Footwear, Infant and Homeware, the role will proactively identify whitespace opportunities, securing best-in-class partners, and leveraging NBCUniversal's rich content portfolio to maximise commercial potential. Partnering closely with local market teams, and cross functional partners, the individual will identify and build a pipeline of key licensees and collaboration brands, negotiate partnerships, launch innovative product programmes, ensuring NBCUniversal is positioned as a partner of choice within the Fashion & Living landscape.
With ownership of these categories across the EMEA region, the role will also ultimately use market insight, consumer trends and commercial performance data to support accurate forecasting, drive retail sell-in, and ensure the delivery of cohesive product strategies that achieve revenue targets.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategy & Growth - Drive the long-term EMEA Fashion & Living growth strategy and market share expansion
- Contribute to the development of long-term strategy and business development across Accessories, Footwear, Infant and Homeware, in partnership with Senior Director
- Identify and unlock whitespace opportunities through new partners and collaborations, in partnership with local markets, to maximise regional potential
- Leverage NBCUniversal IP, driving the Evergreen strategy & Tentpole moments to drive category growth and revenue
- Monitor market trends and emerging opportunities to shape strategy and identify new avenues for growth
- Maintain knowledge of key seasonality and buying cycles of retailers ensuring commercial opportunities are maximized
- Partner with Ecom team to drive Ecommerce product penetration and merchandise excellence for assigned categories.
Business Development & Partnership Management - Identify and build a pipeline of prospective EMEA licensee and retail partnerships, unlocking new opportunities for key categories
- Collaborate across a matrix organization, (Category, Product Design, Franchise, Finance, Legal, ECommerce & HR) to bring opportunities to life and drive the business forward
- Collaborate with EMEA market teams to negotiate, secure and develop new business opportunities
- Build and manage relationships with key strategic partners, ensuring partnerships are maximised and delivering against category, retail and revenue objectives
- Act as the EMEA conduit for In-Theatre license premiums with Global Partners - Snapco & Zinc
Commercial Delivery & Forecasting - Own forecasting and commercial performance across designated categories and accounts
- Monitor performance against revenue targets and recommend actions to address opportunities and risks
- Deliver accurate revenue plans, performance tracking and quarterly forecasts
- Drive retail sell-in and support regional growth initiatives
- Oversee commercial agreements, product launches and program execution
- Ensure delivery against revenue targets through strong account, category management and strong commercial decision-making
- Represent the business at regular trade shows and industry events where relevant – e.g. Brand Licensing Europe.
Qualifications Essential Requirements: - Demonstrable experience in licensing, category management, buying, retail partnerships or a related commercial discipline
- Comprehensive knowledge of the licensing industry and process; timelines, production and creative capabilities/limitations. Ideally with Fashion & Living category experience (Licensing / Buying)
- Experience developing new business opportunities and managing commercial partner relationships
- Strong sales and negotiation skills, with proven track record of hitting commercial targets and delivering growth
- Excellent communication, presentation and influencing skills
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively and deliver results in a complex, cross-functional matrix environment
- A synergistic approach to Deal making is a must for this role
- Strong data analysis capabilities and robust financial acumen
- Flexible/agile - ability to operate in a dynamic business environment
- Adaptable and comfortable operating in a fast-moving commercial environment.
Desired Characteristics: - Experience of Fashion & Living industry from a Brand / Retailer background is advantageous
- Experience working across multiple EMEA markets.
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