Category Manager, Merchandized licensing

Company: Nintendo of America Inc.
Location: Redmond
Posted on: May 20, 2023

Job Description:

Nintendo of America Inc.






The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch system and the Nintendo 3DS family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo has sold billions of video games and hundreds of millions of hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS family of systems, Super NES, Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, and Wii U systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokemon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at .


Nintendo is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other.







DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

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• Management of all aspects of the merchandise licensing business for assigned categories
  
• Identifies potential partnerships with top consumer products companies
  
• Sources new trends and product innovation to drive business opportunities and increase market share.
  
• Evaluates competitive landscape for category, brand and age segmentation while identifying gaps and opportunities across all lines of business.
  
• Monitors commitments for partner companies quarterly and tracks compliance with contract terms.
  
• Acts as a liaison with licensees and internal departments to support licensee sales efforts, including marketing, brand assurance, retail business development, and public relations
  
• Lead development of global pitch materials for licensees and retail sales
  
• Partner with Nintendo Japan and developers to define direction for CP licensing and commercialization
  
• Present to licensees and retailers as required.
  
• Provides leadership and vision to artwork approval team
  
• Manages projects with diverse scopes, ensuring critical information is communicated timely to meet production timelines
  
• Develops and maintains relationship with our licensing partners and internal stakeholders
  
• Interacts with licensees top management
  
• Evaluates requests for license and/or contract renewals and makes recommendations to management and the NCL licensing team.
  
• Oversees the negotiation and execution of licensee contracts
  
• Researches information relating to product categories and makes recommendations to management on the applicability of Nintendo's portfolio to such category
  
• Directs international agency representatives to establish and maintain a consistent brand presence on a worldwide scale
  
• Provides on-going oversight of business relationship with current partners including financial and royalty reporting and payments, escalation and resolution of issues and concerns, and matters of contractual enforcement and interpretation
  
• Oversees internal analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and develops strategy for building awareness
  
• Provides quarterly reports including projections, retail placement, royalties and category growth
  
• Lead discussions with internal marketing partners (PR, Sales, Channel Marketing, Merchandising, DCC, etc.) to integrate licensed merchandise into programs that drive awareness for the Nintendo brand
  
• Updates licensees regarding software and hardware releases and assists with planning
  
• Drives Continuous Process Improvements activities, to optimize systems and processes, to increase productivity
  
• Manages day to day relationship with licensees
  
• Manages a product category or categories and licensing relationship to meet or exceed strategic objectives.
  
• Analyzes and understands market trends, consumer and retailer and industry needs. Identifies new product opportunities.
  
• Manages licensees for assigned categories, which includes contract negotiation, resolving issues, and promotion/advertising initiatives
  
• Liaises with international teams on product strategy for global contracts
  
• Set-up and lead licensees business reviews
  
• In conjunction with Nintendo development partners, communicate new product initiatives and strategies to licensees
  
• Prepares comprehensive / compelling presentations and present to retail/customers as needed
  
• Manage and develops submission approval team
  
• Perform all functions of "Contract Owner" for a selection of licensees
  
• Makes recommendations regarding report formats, processes, and procedures
  
  SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:
  
  
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  • Five to seven years of industry related experience
    
  • Program and Account Management experience preferred
    
  • Experience in market analysis and research, retail management, brand/product development and consumer products marketing
    
  • Sales and marketing background preferred
    
  • Familiarity with licensing structure or previous relations with licensees preferred
    
  • Management and leadership skills
    
  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent
    
    
    
    
    
    This position includes a base salary range of $111,835 - $167,753 annually, potential for a semi-annual discretionary performance bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off. Please see our for more benefits information. Fixed term employees are eligible for all listed employee benefits except tuition reimbursement.
    
    
    
    #LI-Hybrid
    
    
    

Keywords: Nintendo of America Inc., Redmond , Category Manager, Merchandized licensing, Executive , Redmond, Washington