Sr Manager, Apparel, Accessories & Footwear Licensing

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: 

• Lead licensing strategy and business development across Apparel, Accessories, Footwear, and strategic collaborations to expand Mattel's brands, audience, and revenue
• identify, pitch, secure, and execute licensing programs across Fashion and adjacent categories, as relevant
• Build and manage high-impact licensing partnerships and collaborations from prospecting through execution

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Lead and develop a high-performing team while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented culture
• Develop multi-year growth strategies that achieve short- and long-term revenue objectives across brands and categories
• Identify whitespace opportunities and develop strategic partnerships through compelling pitches, deal negotiations, and innovative licensing programs
• Partner with Retail Development to expand distribution opportunities while leveraging consumer, retail, and marketplace insights to identify emerging trends and growth opportunities
• Lead cross-functional execution with Franchise, Creative, Retail Development, Marketing, Legal, Finance, and Licensees to deliver successful product launches and marketing programs
• Analyze and summarize licensee forecasts by identifying change drivers, explaining material variances, and highlighting risks and growth opportunities
• Partner with regional teams to align global strategy, scale successful programs, and manage market exclusivity
• Build strong relationships with other key business units to accelerate program execution and unlock new business opportunities

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• 10+ years experience in licensing and/or franchise management
• Deep expertise across apparel, accessories, footwear, and the broader licensing landscape
• Proven success negotiating licensing agreements with strong knowledge of contracts, royalties, and intellectual property rights
• Strong analytical/category research and assessment skills
• Proven team management and leadership skills
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented leadership style
• Excellent presentation, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple complex initiatives in a fast-paced environment
• A passion for storytelling, brands and the power of play
• Demonstrates curiosity, continuous learning, and a growth mindset
• In-office presence following Mattel’s current policy
• MBA preferred but not required

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Additional Information

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: