Associate Manager, Inventor Relations

Company Description

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.

Job Description

The Opportunity: 

The Associate Manager Inventor Relations supports the design organization by identifying emerging innovation, exploring new play patterns, and cultivating strong, collaborative relationships with external inventors. This role works closely with cross-functional partners to evaluate concepts, advance product opportunities, and help bring innovative ideas to market.

The Associate Manager will participate in product sweeps, present concepts and insights in executive-level meetings, and contribute to the ongoing development of the inventor network. Success in this role requires a balance of creative curiosity, strategic thinking, and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong strategic and creative problem-solving skills, effective project management and organizational abilities, and exceptional written and verbal communication. They are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and have a proven ability to deliver measurable results while collaborating across teams.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Manage and oversee the pipeline of new concepts and ideas submitted to the toy and game department.
• Schedule and coordinate in-person and virtual inventor meetings throughout the year, including pitching, conferences, and special innovation events.
• Lead the full lifecycle of partner communications, from initial concept evaluation through material tracking, acceptance or return, and ongoing correspondence.
• Negotiate mutually beneficial agreements and deal terms with external partners.
• Pitch and present concepts, insights, and opportunities to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all contractual obligations related to toy and game partnerships and licensing agreements.
• Review and approve royalty payments with our legal team across all toy and game contracts.
• Plan, coordinate, and support industry events, inventor engagements, and related initiatives.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• 5+ years of relevant experience in product development, licensing, design, or a related field within the consumer products industry; a bachelor’s degree is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to support presentations, documentation, and day-to-day communications.
• Good organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage tasks, track information, and meet deadlines with guidance.
• A positive, curious, and collaborative attitude, with a willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities.
• Interest in innovation, play patterns, and the toy and game development process.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, including basic presentation building, data tracking, and reporting support.
• Attention to detail and the ability to follow established processes related to submissions, approvals, and administrative tasks.
• Ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team and support senior team members.
• Openness to occasional travel for inventor meetings, product sweeps, or industry events.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strategic & Creative Thinking: Demonstrates strong creative and analytical thinking skills, with the ability to support storytelling and help connect insights across projects and initiatives.
• Impact-Oriented Mindset: Motivated to contribute meaningful impact both individually and as part of a team. Willing to take ownership of assigned tasks, support cross-functional discussions, and follow through to help move projects forward.
• Adaptability & Learning Agility: Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities. Eager to learn, receptive to feedback, and able to maintain a positive, flexible attitude amid change.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and levels of experience. Able to collaborate, listen, and contribute constructively in grou