Director, Category Management (UP&E)

Company Description

ABOUT US

and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Here you can be your authentic self. As a company uniquely positioned to educate, entertain and empower through our platforms, Comcast NBCUniversal stands for including everyone. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, coupled with our Corporate Social Responsibility work, is informed by our employees, audiences, park guests and the communities in which we live. We strive to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where our employees feel supported, embraced and heard. Together, we’ll continue to create and deliver content that reflects the current and ever-changing face of the world.

Universal Products & Experiences Overview:

Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal’s iconic collection of brands, intellectual properties, characters, and stories based on the company’s extensive portfolio of properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this through innovative physical and digital products, engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and 3rd party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative, UP&E’s three lines of business include Consumer Products, Games and Digital Platforms, as well as Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP&E is a division of Universal Destinations & Experiences, part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. https://www.universalproductsexperiences.com/

Universal Products & Experiences is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce of the highest caliber. We are committed to fostering equitable and inclusive environments that honor the experiences, perspectives, and uniqueness of each colleague.

It is the policy of NBCUniversal and NBCUniversal's affiliated businesses to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy) sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Job Description

The Director, Category Management (Apparel) will lead the development and execution of strategic plans, achieving revenue targets, and ensuring results-driven outcomes. The Director will play a key role in elevating our retail presence and working collaboratively with Universal stakeholders and licensees to execute these strategies.

The ideal candidate is a driver of business, possess established relationships with manufacturers, and have a proven track record in growing a fashion or licensing business, with an entrepreneurial spirit. They will demonstrate a collaborative mindset, excellent communication and influencing skills, and the ability to navigate complex licensing agreements.

This position is eligible for company-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website.

Salary range: $130,000 - $160,000 (bonus and long-term incentive eligible)

Qualifications

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with leadership to develop and implement long-term strategies.
• Plan and monitor quarterly forecasts and annual budgets, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Oversee the management of licensees, establishing product assortments and retail distribution plans that align with brand and revenue goals.
• Act as the primary relationship manager with senior-level licensee executives, fostering strong partnerships and collaboration.
• Partner with Franchise, Creative, and Retail teams to drive franchise initiatives and ensure cohesive brand representation across fashion categories.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders (PD, Retail, Franchise) and key apparel licensees, focusing on strategic partners.
• Interface with Senior Management to provide business updates, internal and external presentations and participate in strategy discussions.
• Maintain knowledge of the retail landscape and monitor retail sales performance of key licensees and programs.
• Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and industry needs to develop strategies for growing the fashion business in North America.
• Identify and apply competitive and industry key learnings and trends to maintain a competitive edge in the apparel market.
• Mentor and grow best-in-class talent within the team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 10 years of experience in apparel licensing or fashion, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• BA/BS degree in related field preferred.
• Proven success in developing and executing licensing strategies and achieving revenue targets.
• Strong financial acumen in budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Strong deal negotiation skills and the ability to navigate complex license agreements.
• Excellent planning, organizational and attention-to-detail skills.
• Outstanding presentation and communication skills, capable of influencing senior leadership and external partners.
• In-depth understanding of the apparel market, industry trends and brand positioning.
• Strong collaboration and partnership skills with a flexible and adaptable mindset suited to a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of product development lifecycle, merchandise planning, retail: buying cycles, set dates, etc.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, focused on mentoring and developing talent.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with exceptional relationship-building and business development abilities.
• Innovative, entrepreneurial, and strategic creative thinker

• Fluent in Microsoft Office Excel, PowerPoint as well as Keynote
• Must be able to travel

Additional Requirements:

• Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week.

Additional Information

NBCUniversal's policy is to provide 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.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories,
or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal
requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring
Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the
right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your
ability to use or access nbcunicareers.com as a result of your disability. You can
request reasonable accommodations by emailing [email protected].