Manager Category Management Apparel

Job Description

The Manager, Category Management - Apparel oversees assigned categories and licensees within the Fashion business, driving overall category strategy and executing key initiatives for growth. This role involves managing licensee relationships and requires experience in negotiating deals, outreach to prospective licensees, developing category strategies and knowledge of the licensing and retail landscape in the fashion industry. The ideal candidate will possess a broad skill set and an entrepreneurial spirit to support and enhance category growth.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website.

Salary range: $90,000- $110,000 (bonus eligible)

• Contribute to the overall Apparel category strategy and develop licensee and merchandise plans by property for key retailers, with a focus on building the business with vault properties.
• Pitch and sell our properties to secure new business and revenue growth.
• Own and drive the annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting process, developing licensee objectives and initiatives to align with business goals.
• Lead and manage all aspects of licensee relationships, including deal negotiation, contract management, deal entry, approvals, renewals and serve as the primary point of contact for daily communication with licensees.
• Lead and manage onboarding of new licensees.
• Work with internal team to develop target list of brands for collaborations.
• Partner with Contract Ops and Legal teams to streamline and process contract-related needs in a timely and efficient manner.
• Collaborate with Retail Sales on presentations and sales meetings. Actively contribute to the creation and content of pitch decks and developing retail plans.
• Work closely with Product Development Team to deliver compelling merchandise assortments across all retail channels that leverage strong creative direction and support UP&E brand goals.
• Forge a synergistic partnership with Retail Sales and PD to form a strong team, surpassing retailer goals and increasing earned revenue that exceed Budget goals.
• Collaborate with Franchise and Marketing teams to enhance brand presence and marketing initiatives and to shepherd licensee marketing initiatives through the approval process.
• Analyze and understand the Licensed Apparel competitive landscape and market trends.
• Formulate strategies based on market insights and retailer performance.
• Cultivate relationships within UP&E teams to explore cross-category opportunities.
• Support the Fashion team in everyday responsibilities essential to the business, including ad hoc reporting, financial analysis, pitch deck presentations and various projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the needs of the team.

• Must have 5+ years of relevant experience in Licensing, with a focus on Fashion.
• BA/BS preferred
• Experience in brand building and positioning, selling brands, and providing a thorough understanding of the retail landscape as it relates to Licensed Apparel
• Proficient in deal negotiation and in the contract management and legal process
• Proficient in developing pipelines of prospective partners, including cold calling and developing bespoke pitch materials.
• Understands the Apparel product development lifecycle and retail merchandise planning.
• Solid track record working with and managing licensees
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Team collaborator with strong interpersonal abilities
• Excellent organizational skills and project management capabilities, with a keen eye for detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently and remain adaptable to shifting priorities
• Analytical and strategic thinker, who provides new perspectives that drive meaningful contributions to the team
• Proficient in Excel pivot tables, with a comprehensive understanding of financial reporting
• Skilled in Microsoft Office suite and Apple Keynote software
• Willingness to…