Retail Manager (Fixed-Term Contract)

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…

As part of the Warner Bros. Discovery Consumer Products team, the Retail Manager will support the promotion of key IP and franchises with our retail partners. This is an external facing role which will drive our retail accounts to deliver revenue targets through strategic planning, relationship & account management with retailers and licensees, analysis of market and retailer data and identifying retail trends and opportunities.

Please note – this is a maternity cover contract for 12 months, starting in September 2024.

Your Role Accountabilities…

Operational responsibilities:

• Driving the Retail accounts to deliver revenue targets.
• Management of sales operations to bring new ideas and innovative propositions regarding:
  • The promotion of WBDCP franchises
  • The development of exclusive products, programmes, promotional handles, and partnerships for key clients
• Conduct activation reviews to measure efficiency and profitability of the actions implemented.
• Recommend subsequent strategies & action plan – both internally and externally.

Strategic planning:

• Managing and planning your account at their pace - accounts planned ideally for the next 12- 24 months.
• Compile trade marketing budget for all accounts with the Marketing Manager and Retail Director, with return-on-investment front of mind.
• Support the Retail Director by inputting retail insights into the annual strategic plan for the territory.
• Analyse Circana and other reports and market data to support sell in and future plans.
• Optimise the company’s marketing plans and key beats by adapting them to the unique needs of the retailers identified as priorities.

Cross-divisional and licensees’ coordination:

• Federate the resources of other WBD divisions and departments within the Retail accounts to maximise retail opportunities.
• Work with internal stakeholders and external partners to provide activation solutions to increase presence in-store, on and off fixture, for WBDCP 365 and event-driven business.

Retailer management:

• Management of defined retail contact base, across all levels of their business.
• Regular reviews with Retail Account stakeholders to assess past success and plan for future growth.
• Negotiate with retailers to acquire and improve visibility in physical and digital stores and on their different promotional tools (catalogues, owned magazines, social media...)
• Gather retail specific EPOS and wholesale figures to inform decision-making.
• Plan and implement retail roadshows / presentations with key retailers, to support 365 and event-driven franchises/properties.
• Set up Joint Business Plans with key Retail accounts

Qualifications & Experience…

• Retail literate: sound grasp of the UK retail market with a clear understanding of how branded product works at retail.  Retail marketing or buying experience would be very beneficial.
• Commercial Acumen: A sound understanding of how to translate brand & product creatives / visuals into a meaningful commercial proposition to retail partners.
• Financial Planning: An ability to build revenue forecasts ‘bottom up’, aiding the budgetary planning process.  
• Retail Operational Experience: A sound understanding of retail operations; sales, stock & margin importance to retailers – and how licensed product and executions fit within these parameters.  
• Strategic Planner: Ability to develop plans and strategies and to follow them.  A methodical approach and attention to detail are also important. Proven ability to organise and analyse data and information and develop actionable recommendations.
• Self-Starter:   Solid degree of personal energy, motivation, and ‘push’. Ambition and drive to succeed and to progress within the company
• Excellent interpersonal skills:  A strong communicator able to influence people at all levels within organisations.
• Operational excellence: must have the ab