Category Manager, F&L and FBC, ANZ

Company Description

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, as well as a rich portfolio of classic films such as E.T., JAWS and Dracula.

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 APAC, we are proud of our unique culture.

We are inclusive, curious and creative; channeling a growth mindset in order 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

Job Description

You will be responsible for developing and executing a long-term business strategy for the Fashion and Living (F&L) and Food Beauty and Care (FBC) category, ANZ that leverages the richness of NBCUniversal’s entertainment content to build a sustainable business that achieves annual revenue targets. This role will develop and execute annual growth strategies that leverage the strength of the NBCUniversal’s franchise portfolio, category and consumer priorities. The role will be responsible for identifying the best licensees to partner with, negotiating agreements, driving innovative and quality product ranges, providing ANZ specific input into global deals, accurate quarterly forecasting and promoting retail sell-in of ranges.

Develop category strategies for F&L & FBC in conjunction with the Category Director by identifying opportunities and fill gaps by product sub-category, age segment, market channel and franchise.
Lead contract negotiations for key licensees, analyze and vet business plans and brand manage to ensure contract deliverables are met.
Drive joint business planning with key licensees and retailers to deliver plans.
Undertake category analysis and performance via data insights (POS and Circana) and analytics, industry trends, competitors, business opportunities. Liaise with external stakeholders to deliver accurate records and reports on launch collections and retail placement.
Curate data led targeted presentations to pitch, support or launch licensing programs.
Partner with the PD team to drive quality and champion innovation in local product development. Ensure timely product approvals in line with industry needs.
Fiscal responsibility to include annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting.
Manage time effectively to ensure prompt deal memo entry via CRM system and tracking critical path with Team Manager to Fully Executed contract status, complying to Company timelines and procedures.
Analyse business performance across category by licensee and retailer and develop growth objectives and strategies.
Integrate licensee base into cross category brand and marketing plans.
Develop and maintain relationships with key buyers and decision makers across ANZ retailers.
Develop product lines and segmentation strategy for key licensees driving innovation and quality.
Regular attendance of trade shows and social industry functions where applicable – e.g. Brand Licensing Europe.
Collaborate with category teams and UP&E stakeholders - Legal, Finance, GBS to ensure partner optimisation and compliance.

Qualifications

5-10 years + commercial experience; industry experience favourable.
Experience in the F&L or FBC Category would be an advantage.
A passion for FBC and ideally in-depth knowledge in either Food or Beauty & Care.
In possession of /ability to build a strong network and robust contacts to marketing leaders at FBC A-Brands and retailers.
Strong understanding of brand and property positioning, retail business development, retail distribution and the retail environment.
Strong sales and negotiation skills.
Strong understanding of the EMEA region from a cultural, commercial, retail and brand and property positioning.
Network of strong relationships with licensees, distributors and retailers within the territory.
Proven track record delivering growth and solid analytical/financial skills.
Self-motivated professional with ability to work independently and take charge.
Relationship builder.
Excellent communication & presentation skills.
Able to work in a matrix organization.
A brand builder and commercial thinker.
Proven track record of hitting targets and delivering growth.

About you:

Results driven – own the numbers, be invested and be hungry to grow the business with solid analytical/financial skills.
Influential - Proven ability pitching and negotiating skills with the ability to close deals.
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.
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.

Universal Pictures

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Category Manager, F&L and FBC, ANZ