Job Description
The EMEA Category Manager Fashion & Living is responsible for developing and executing a long‑term business strategy for the Fashion & Living sub‑categories (Accessories, Footwear, Infant & Homeware). They will identify whitespace opportunities, select the best partners (Licensees / Collaboration Brands), collaborate with EMEA market teams to pitch new business, negotiate agreements, and deliver innovative, quality product ranges. They will provide accurate quarterly forecasting and support active retail sell‑in of cohesive product ranges.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead EMEA business development & management for Accessories, Footwear, Infant & Homeware.
- Collaborate closely with local market teams to identify whitespace and support best‑in‑class pitch building, ensuring alignment with existing business.
- Lead contract negotiations with new regional licensees and brand collaborators; analyze forecasts & business plans.
- Drive the Evergreen strategy and maximize film‑tent pole moments.
- Serve as the category expert, staying abreast of industry trends, competitors, opportunities, and threats; share regularly with DTR & Hub category teams.
- Partner with regional DTR teams & hub category managers to build cohesive commercial product ranges and land credible assortments for the assigned categories.
- Collaborate across the matrix to drive business forward among category, product design, franchise, finance, legal, e‑commerce & HR.
- Provide dedicated account management to ensure contract deliverables are met throughout the contract term.
- Lead the EMEA brand collaborations arm of the total Fashion & Living category strategy; research, connect, and pitch relevant halo and collaboration brands.
- Act as the EMEA conduit for in‑theatre license premiums with global partners such as Snapco & Zinc.
- Attend trade shows and events where relevant (e.g., Brand Licensing Europe).
Finance and Business Planning
- Manage fiscal responsibility for the sub‑categories, including quarterly revenue forecasting and annual budget planning.
- Identify whitespace opportunities using data to guide decisions.
- Gather and analyze business performance across the category by licensee and partner/retailer; build action plans to drive business momentum.
Brand and Content Management
- Support brand marketing initiatives, including the development and execution of category plans.
- Assist in delivering creative assets and refreshes.
- Secure support for partners within broader brand strategies and retail plans (tent‑pole & evergreen).
Retail Development
- Identify new retail business opportunities and whitespace for EMEA regional partners.
- Develop and nurture strong relationships with key buyers across EMEA DTR & specialty retail.
- Maintain knowledge of key seasonality and buying cycles to maximize opportunities.
- Partner with the e‑commerce team to drive product penetration and merchandise excellence for assigned categories.
Strategy
- Support the EMEA Senior Director in developing sub‑category strategies for Accessories, Footwear, Infant & Homeware; assist with rollout and monitoring.
- Gather data, market & competitor insights; evaluate the size of the prize.
- Collaborate with local market category managers to identify and maximize key partners and whitespace opportunities across age, segment, market, channel, and franchise; support local pitch builds.
- Research, pitch, and onboard new regional partners.
- Lead and represent the EMEA brand collaborations arm on global task forces.
- Identify, target, and pitch Fashion & Living brands to collaborate on key franchises per the EMEA franchise priority grid.
- Support EMEA Senior Directors of F&L & PD in developing collaboration strategy and driving action.
- Assist Fashion & Living market leads with their collaboration strategy and pitch efforts where relevant; manage global collaboration tracker input.
- Attend global collaboration task force meetings and presentations; manage EMEA input.
Qualifications
- Comprehensive knowledge of the licensing industry, including timelines, production and creative capabilities/limitations; ideally with Fashion & Living category experience.
- Experience in the Fashion & Living industry from a brand or retailer background is advantageous.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Collaboration and influencing skills; a team player capable of operating in a matrix and building relationships.
- A synergistic approach to deal making is essential.
- Proven strategic ability, influencing skills, and creative thinking.
- Strong data‑analysis capabilities and robust financial acumen.
- Flexible and agile, able to operate in a dynamic business environment.
- Strong sales and negotiation skills with a proven track record of hitting targets and driving growth.
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in‑person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations before a hiring decision. NBCUniversal provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Required: If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.
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