Manager, Toys

This job is with Warner Bros. Discovery, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

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...

The Category Manager is responsible for managing sub categories within Toys including Trading Card Games and Collectibles businesses.

Provides input in the overall category strategies and manages key licensee relationships in support of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) brands, across our Theatrical, Film, TV, Animation and other IP.

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five (5) years of experience with Category / Licensee Management and knowledge of the licensing and retail landscape in Toys, Trading Card Games, Trading Cards and Collectibles. The candidate should have experience in building solid relationships with major brand partners, an entrepreneurial spirit, engaging with external and internal partners, and the breadth of skills required to help execute key initiatives and overall growth of Warner Bros. Consumer Products Business. This role will be accountable for day-to-day management of key licensees including overseeing licensee and internal business reviews, as well as building strong relationships with WBCP Finance, Creative, Franchise and Retail Business Development.

Your Role Accountabilities...

Responsible for managing specific product categories within Toys including, but not limited to, Trading Card Games, Trading Cards and Collectibles

Identifies Licensee prospects, evaluates opportunity and executes long-term new business initiatives

Negotiates and outlines key deal terms for licensed partnerships including new as well as modifying and extending existing licensing agreements

Assists in development and execution of medium and long term category strategies (1-3 years out)

Owns annual initiatives, revenue plans and execution of product categories managed

Plans and monitors quarterly forecast and annual budget for categories of responsibility

Drives licensee relationships in partnership with Product Development counterparts

Partners with Licensees, Franchise, Creative and Retail Business Development to drive key initiatives

Participates in business updates, internal and external formal presentations and strategy discussions

Partners with Insights to identify and apply competitive and industry key learnings and trends

Qualifications & Experience...

Work Experience

5 or more years of experience in Licensing industry with background in Toys, Trading Card Games, Trading Cards and Collectibles required

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification

BA / BS degree in business or related field preferred

Knowledge / Skills

Strong licensing acumen and relationship skills

Proven ability to execute strategic and operational plan

Solid negotiating skills with ability to participate in complex retail and licensee agreements

Proven financial responsibility and accountability for category – revenue and expenses

Strong business development skills with robust experience analyzing data from different sources to identify business opportunities and lay out business plans

Strong collaboration and partnership skills

Proven ability to communicate and collaborate effectively cross-functionally and with senior management

Effective written and oral communication skills. Ability to create & deliver pitches, presentations; solution-selling oriented

Strong organizational / leadership and planning skills required

Strong and varied computer software knowledge required (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Ability to create and deliver pitch / presentations

Knowledge of retail landscape : key retailers, set dates, buying cycles, sell-in process, etc.

Strong and varied computer software knowledge required (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Zoom etc)

Ability to work in a team environment with changing priorities; possess flexibility and adaptability skills in addition to strong project management

Exceptional time management and prioritization skills with ability to multi-task with a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy

Well organized with effective and proven planning and follow-through skills

Self-starter, optimistic and dependable

Management has the right to add or change duties and job requirements at any time.

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at

www.wbd.com / guiding-principles /

along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and / or recruitment process, please visit our

accessibility page

for instructions to submit your request.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and / or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery’s total compensation package for employees. Pay Range : $82,670.00 - $153,530.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

If you’re a qualified candidate with an arrest or conviction record, please know that your application will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

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