Franchise Development Manager

Job Title: Senior Manager, Retail Development / Franchise Development

Duration: 4 Months

The Opportunity:

Seeking a professional and detail-oriented Senior Manager, Retail Development to support Consumer Products (CP) organization focusing on identifying and driving cross category opportunities at Walmart and Sam’s Club. This role manages relationships with external merchants, licensee partners and the Entertainment Council as well as working cross-functionally with internal partners across Franchise, CP Creative, Sales, Retail Marketing and Brand Marketing to drive growth of IP merchandise programs s role can be based at our global headquarters in El Segundo, CA or within our Rogers, AR office located near Walmart Home Office.

What Your Impact Will Be:

• Develops retail strategies to maximize the placement of owned franchises across Walmart/Sam’s Club within all licensed categories.
• Engages and develops compelling brand pitch materials and presentations, including Entertainment Council presentations, while cultivating influentials relationships with key merchants
• Leads retail marketing/media campaign coordination for cross category program support leveraging media agency and internal partners
• Collaborates with CP category leads, licensees, and Franchise team to support the sell in of IP while assisting with the coordination of secured cross category space/pallets
• Proactively disseminates retail updates and program opportunities to internal and external stakeholders
• Drives collaboration with commercial sales business units to coordinate cross-category (CP and Toy) brand pitch presentations, including participation in Joint Business planning
• Upholds knowledge of respective retailers’ corporate and buying level strategies to identify business opportunities, including “white space” areas, and develop solutions using owned franchises
• Studies and incorporates learnings of retail trends and consumer shopping habits to stay at the forefront of industry trends
• Travel required (approximately 10%)

What We’re Looking For:

• 5+ years of experience in Retail Development, Franchise Development, Consumer Products, or at top U.S. retail accounts. Walmart and Sam’s Club experience preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of retail business including multiple merchandise categories across hardlines and Softlines consumer products categories. Experience in licensing a plus.
• Strong presentation and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail; capable of managing multiple projects and retail accounts simultaneously in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative team player with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships across all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving self.