Fashion Manager

Fashion Manager

Location: Burbank, CA (Hybrid) Duration: 5+ Months

Role: 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:

• 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.
• Analyze and understand the Licensed Apparel competitive landscape and market trends.
• Formulate strategies based on market insights and retailer performance.
• Cultivate relationships within Client 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.
• Assists 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

Must Have Skills:

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

Nice to Have Skills / Preferred Requirements:

• BA/BS preferred
• Media and Entertainment experience (especially in Licensing)

Soft Skills:

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