Senior Category Manager, Toys & Hardlines - France & Benelux at NBCUniversal

Paris, Ile-de-France, France -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

07 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

08 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Category management, Strategic planning, Contract negotiation, Business development, Retail sell-in, Data analysis, Financial forecasting, Brand management, Product development, Market analysis, Relationship management, Sales strategy, Budget planning, Team leadership, Communication, Presentation skills

Industry

Entertainment Providers

Description

Company Description NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit www.nbcuniversal.com for more information. Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world. About Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) At Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E), we don’t just create products—we create a universe that fans can hold in their hands, wear, play, read, and experience every day. From Jurassic World’s roaring adventures to the playful charm of Minions and the timeless wonder of Back to the Future, we transform stories into unforgettable moments that spark joy across the globe. UP&E has grown rapidly while keeping the energy, agility, and inventive spirit of a start‑up. Our mission is bold: to take imagination beyond the screen and into the real world through innovative products, immersive retail moments, and extraordinary theme park destinations. We bring both Universal-owned and third‑party worlds to life across expansive theme park destinations, e‑commerce platforms, live entertainment venues, and global retail partnerships—fueling fandom everywhere it lives. Whether it's iconic toys, fashion collaborations, books, collectibles, lifestyle products, or cutting‑edge video games, we work with world‑class licensees and creators to make our universe tangible. Here, creativity meets technology, and strategy meets storytelling. We connect design, commercial excellence, and fan passion to deliver experiences that millions cherish—inside the parks and far beyond them. As part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, you’ll join a global team that thrives on collaboration, imagination, and the power of culture‑shaping ideas. Your work will inspire fans, uplift communities, and leave a lasting mark on entertainment history. We believe in a workplace where every voice matters, every perspective is valued, and every colleague can shine. That’s how we strive to be an employer of choice for talent and a partner of choice for retailers, licensees, and creators who share our passion for world‑class storytelling. If you’re ready to bring imagination to life and create moments that resonate worldwide—your next adventure starts here. Join us and help create moments that matter. https://www.universalproductsexperiences.com/ Job Description This role is a maternity leave replacement, starting in July. You will be responsible for developing and executing a long-term business strategy for the France & Benelux Toys & Hardlines category that leverages the richness of NBCUniversal’s entertainment content to build a sustainable business that achieves annual revenue targets. This role will develop and execute annual growth strategies that leverage the strength of the NBCUniversal’s franchise portfolio, category and consumer priorities. The role will be responsible for identifying the best French, Belgium and Dutch licensees to partner with (not just for its market but for EMEA or even Global), negotiating agreements, driving innovative and quality product ranges, providing France & Benelux specific input into Global deals, accurate quarterly forecasting and promoting retail sell-in of ranges. KEY RESPONSIBILITES Develop category strategies for Toys & Hardlines (including toys, publishing, gaming and stationery) in conjunction with the Regional Director by identifying opportunities and fill gaps by product sub-category, age segment, market channel and franchise. Lead contract negotiations for key licensees, analyse and vet business plans and brand manage to ensure contract deliverables are met. Drive joint business planning with key licensees and retailers to deliver plans. Manage bi-annual top to tops. Licensee base to include regional partners based in France & Benelux. Undertake category analysis and performance via data insights (POS and Circana) and analytics, industry trends, competitors, business opportunities. Curate data led targeted presentations to pitch, support or launch licensing programs. Partner with the PD team to drive quality and champion innovation in local product development. Ensure timely product approvals in line with industry needs. Fiscal responsibility to include annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting Analyse business performance across category by licensee and retailer and develop growth objectives and strategies. Integrate licensee base into cross-category brand and marketing plans in coordination with the Retail & Marketing team. Develop and maintain relationships with key buyers and decision makers across France & Benelux retailers. Develop line and segmentation strategy for key licensees driving innovation and quality Regular attendance of trade shows and social industry functions where applicable – e.g. Nuremberg Toy Fair, Deauville Toy Fair, etc. Collaborate with category teams and UP&E stakeholders - Legal, Finance, GBS to ensure partner optimisation. Accountable for day-to-day management of the Assistant Category Manager, Toys & Hardlines, France & Benelux. Coach, inspire and retain a high performing team setting clear annual objectives and measuring individual performance. Qualifications ABOUT YOU Results driven – own the numbers, be invested and be hungry to grow the business with solid analytical/financial skills. Influential - Proven ability pitching and negotiating skills with the ability to close deals. Entrepreneurial – a self-starter, who is tenacious, independent, driven and proactive. Resilient – not afraid to fail, getting back up and keep putting in the effort. Global and holistic thinker – understand the wider context. Confident being self – brings full personality and interests to work. Light-hearted – a sense of humour, dealing patiently with frustrations. Passionate – energetic, engaged, positive and desiring to make a difference. Adaptable, agile and flexible – able to pivot quickly, adapt strategies and deal with change. Good communicator – honest, transparent, and flexible depending on the audience. The ability to influence stakeholders. Willing to get stuck in – hard worker, who is not rigid with the ability to prioritise, manage own time and respond quickly and efficiently. Sociable – actively develops relationships, making time to get to know people. Easy-going and fun. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE Toys and Hardlines background in either buying, sales or business development (retail or industry). A passion for toy and hardlines categories and ideally in-depth knowledge. Strong understanding of the EMEA region from a cultural, commercial, retail and brand and property positioning. Current network of strong relationships with licensees, distributors and retailers within the territory. Proven track record delivering growth and solid analytical/financial skills. Self-motivated professional with ability to work independently and take charge. Relationship builder. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Strong sales and negotiation skills. Able to work in a matrix organization. A brand builder and commercial thinker. Proven track record of hitting targets and delivering growth. Fluent in French and English, Dutch a plus. 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 prior to a hiring decision. 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. 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. You can submit your request to [email protected]. Business Segment: Universal Products & Experiences

Responsibilities

Develop and execute long-term business strategies for the Toys & Hardlines category in France and Benelux to achieve revenue targets. Manage licensee relationships, negotiate agreements, and drive innovative product ranges while overseeing quarterly forecasting and retail sell-in.