Sr Licensing Associate, Hardlines EMEA

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Team

Sitting within the EMEA Consumer Products organization, the team provides leadership and direction for the development and execution of Consumer Products strategy across Mattel’s portfolio of brands. We steer brand, category and financial objectives by building and growing partnerships with regional, multi-territory and local licensees and retailers. We work closely with Global Consumer Products, Franchise, Brand, Marketing, Product Development, Creative, Retail Development, Finance, Legal, Audit and other cross-functional partners.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Associate to support the execution and growth of Mattel’s licensed Hardlines business across EMEA. The role will manage selected partners and projects, support new business development and coordinate product, commercial and marketing activity through the licensing lifecycle. This is a hands-on role for a commercially minded professional who can build strong partner relationships, maintain operational discipline and help deliver growth across a varied category portfolio.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day relationships and operational activity for assigned EMEA Hardlines partners.; Support partner business plans, forecasts, product line plans, retail calendars and marketing activity.; Coordinate regular partner meetings, track actions and monitor performance against revenue, royalty and launch objectives.; Maintain accurate partner information, commercial documentation and internal reporting.; Research category trends, whitespace opportunities and prospective licensing partners.; Support preparation of brand pitches, commercial presentations and partner proposals.; Assist with deal development, approvals, contract coordination, onboarding and renewal processes.; Contribute ideas to expand existing partnerships across products, brands and EMEA markets.; Coordinate with Product Development, Creative, Quality, Brand, Franchise, Retail Development, Marketing, Finance and Legal to progress products and programs.; Monitor key milestones and help resolve issues to ensure products launch on time and meet Mattel standards.; Support retail and marketing activation for priority products and partnerships.; Track category, competitor, consumer and retailer developments and share relevant insights with the team.; Build productive relationships across EMEA markets and contribute to the sharing of best practices.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in consumer products, licensing, Hardlines, sales, marketing or account coordination.; Good understanding of licensing, product development, retail and marketing processes, with strong commercial and financial awareness.; Experience managing commercial partners, forecasts, product pipelines and multiple workstreams, combined with strong project-management discipline.; Strong analytical, presentation, communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to coordinate creative, commercial and senior stakeholders.; Creative sensitivity and interest in premium brands, culture, fashion and entertainment, with the ability to balance brand ambition and commercial realities.; Proactive, highly organized and comfortable working independently within a fast-paced, global and matrixed organization.; Proven sales negotiation experience and commercial thinking mindset; Solutions oriented with ability to ‘think outside the box’ to deliver additional revenue and opportunities; Ability to influence others, persuasive and able to present messaging impactfully; Strong relationship builder and able to navigate internal and external relationships and stakeholders with ease

Benefits

Gross annual salary range of GBP 47,040.00 - GBP 55,860.00; Bonus scheme: Participation in Mattel Incentive Plan (MIP) with the target of 7.5% of base salary, payout is determined by company and individual performance results; Paid time off: 25 vacation days (with option to buy up to 5 extra days) + 2 volunteer days/year + a day off on your birthday!; Cycle to work scheme; Employee assistance program: Access to Help@Hand (Unum), Modern Health, Headspace, and Maven; Contributory pension scheme; Private health insurance; Dental insurance & dental service app; Life & disability insurance; Employee discount program "Be well at Mattel"; Mattel products discounts; Family benefits program: 24 weeks off (for 1st caregiver) or 12 weeks off (for co-parent) fully paid on the arrival of new child, return to work program, path to parenthood, and family care leave