VP, Toys & Publishing

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

Your New Role...

WBDGCP seeks a Vice President, Toys & Publishing. The position is responsible for developing and implementing a licensing strategy focusing on Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) brands in all channels of distribution. You will be expected to drive growth in key categories to maximize revenue, identify untapped licensing opportunities, focus on the ongoing development of a multi-tiered retail strategy and collaborate with senior management within WBD, as well as key corporations.

Your Role Accountabilities...

• Develops, implements and communicates long-term global licensing strategy and in partnership with Global Franchise Management, marketing plans for all Toys and Publishing categories in all channels of distribution.
• Responsible for broad partner portfolio and licenses top manufacturers for a wide variety of Warner Bros. Discovery properties.
• Evaluates competitive landscape for Toys and Publishing categories by brand and consumer demo, while identifying gaps and opportunities to gain market share in all lines of business.
• Drives a global toys & publishing center of excellence and operational process that incorporates regional business needs.
• Manages global RFPs and master toy / publishing agreements against balanced partner portfolio and business future state in mind.
• Defines and drives toys & publishing short- and long-term financial planning goals and growth ambition.
• Manages experienced team and ensures development plans for every employee for consistent expansion of skill sets and clear succession planning.
• Drives a culture of growth ambition, high performance, speed and efficiency, results orientation, innovation, inclusion and fun.
• Drives best in class planning and collaboration with key partners to drive product innovation, industry leading marketing campaigns, in store execution and sales.
• Leverages consumer and retail data analytics (Consumer Panel, Retail POS, Shopper Data, Brand Tracker) to define category expansion and retail sales growth. Understands and keeps pace with the evolving digitally driven retail landscape and consumer mindset.
• Partners with business leadership team to drive licensing business and go to market strategies for entire North America region.
• Collaborates across One WBD and drives synergy in support of overarching WBD and WBDGCP’s initiatives.
• Communicates and collaborates with Sales & Retail Business Development and Marketing Team to develop and maintain relationships with retailers to support licensees through retail promotions and marketing programs.  
• Partners with Global Creative and Product Development, identifies new trends and products innovation that will drive business opportunities and market share gain.
• Supports the efforts of Publicity & Communications and Global Franchise Management & Marketing by aligning key licensees with these departments to help execute WBD events, celebrity seeding and brand marketing initiatives.
• Communicates key property events and updates to licensees to create excitement, support, and brand growth.
• Attends tradeshows, retail business planning meetings and visit licensees as needed to update property activities and drive strategic direction.

Qualifications & Experience...

Work Experience

15+ years of proven track record in Brand Licensing with background in Toys & Publishing category management preferred

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification

BA/BS degree in business or related field required

MBA Preferred

Knowledge/Skills

• Exceptional licensing acumen and relationship skills
• Established long-term business relationships with key stakeholders at all major retailers and manufacturers
• Strong team leadership and personnel management experience with ability t