LeadStack Inc. is hiring: Category Manager - Fashion in Burbank

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, extends the Studio's powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on an award-winning range of toys, fashion, home decor, and publishing inspired by franchises and properties such as DC, Looney Tunes and Harry Potter.

The division's successful global themed entertainment business includes groundbreaking experiences such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, promotional partnerships and themed experiences, WBCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

To be successful at WBCP, you must have a willingness to model our values and behaviors, champion diversity and inclusion, leverage data and insights to maximize the legacy of our deep brands and franchises while maintaining a commitment to fostering best-in-class talent.

The Category Manager - Fashion, will assist the Director in shaping and executing short and long-term strategies for Apparel with a focus on collaborations. This role involves managing licensee relationships, identifying and pitching new partners, managing contract negotiations and deal execution, and overseeing category performance. You will work collaboratively within the Fashion and Home team to ensure strategies support our broader company goals. This role also oversees quarterly forecasts, budget reviews, and various category initiatives. Expect to present business updates and new initiatives to senior management, partner with various internal teams, and drive new business. Additionally, you will create pitches for internal and external partners and use competitive analysis and industry trends to identify fan-first business opportunities.

Job Responsibilities / Typical Day in the Role

• Contribute to the overall Apparel category strategy, focusing on Collaborations.
• Pitch and sell our brands to secure new business and revenue growth.
• Own and drive the annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting process, developing licensee objectives and initiatives to align with business goals.
• Lead and manage all aspects of licensee relationships, including deal negotiation, contract management, deal entry, approvals, renewals and serve as the primary point of contact for daily communication with licensees.
• Partner with Contract Ops and Legal teams to streamline and process contract-related needs in a timely and efficient manner.
• Collaborate with Retail Sales on presentations and sales meetings. Actively contribute to the creation and content of pitch decks.
• Work closely with Product Development Team to deliver compelling merchandise assortments across all retail channels that leverage strong creative direction and support UP&E brand goals.
• Forge a synergistic partnership with Retail Sales and PD to form a strong team, surpassing retailer goals and increasing earned revenue that exceed Budget goals.
• Collaborate with Franchise and Marketing teams to enhance brand presence and marketing initiatives.
• nalyze and understand the Licensed Apparel competitive landscape and market trends.
• Formulate strategies based on market insights and retailer performance.
• Cultivate relationships within WBD teams to explore cross-category opportunities.
• Support the Fashion team in everyday responsibilities essential to the business, including ad hoc reporting, financial analysis, pitch deck presentations and various projects.
• ssists Director in developing and executing long term category strategies
• Drives annual sub-category initiatives, revenue plan and execution
• Plans and monitors quarterly forecast and annual budget
• Directly manages select licensees to establish product assortment and retail distribution plans
• Independently negotiates and manages the entire contract and legal process for select licensees
• Partners with Franchise, Creative and Retail to drive Franchise initiatives
• Identifies, evaluates and executes new business initiatives
• Interfaces frequently with senior management providing business updates, internal and external formal presentations and participate in strategy discussions
• Utilizes key industry insights and trends to drive competitive advantage

1. Contract Negotiation Experience
   • 5+ years of experience; Negotiating licensing contracts with partners.
2. Excel Proficiency
   • 5+ years of experience; Proficient at creating and maintaining pivot tables.
3. Licensing and Consumer Products Experience
   • 5+ years of experience; Preferably for a Media or Entertainment company.

1. BA/BS preferred
2. Media and Entertainment experience (especially in Licensing)

1. Experience in brand building and positioning, selling brands, and providing a thorough understanding of the retail landscape as it relates to Licensed Apparel
2. Proficient in deal negotiation and in the contract management and legal process
3. Understands the Apparel product development lifecycle and retail merchandise planning.
4. Solid track record working with and managing licensees
5. Exceptional communication and presentation skills
6. Team collaborator with strong interpersonal abilities
7. Excellent organizational skills and project management capabilities, with a keen eye for detail
8. bility to manage multiple tasks concurrently and remain adaptable to shifting priorities
9. nalytical and strategic thinker, who provides new perspectives that drive meaningful contributions to the team
10. Proficient in Excel pivot tables, with a comprehensive understanding of financial reporting
11. Skilled in Microsoft Office suite and Apple Keynote software
12. Willingness to travel for business as needed.