Manager, Category Management (Toys & Hardlines)

Working closely with the Senior Manager, Toys & Hardlines North America, the Category Manager will drive growth across designated Toys & Hardlines categories, including Infant/Preschool, Construction, and select franchise programs. This role manages licensing partners, supports new business development, aligns product strategies with franchise priorities, and tracks financial performance to drive revenue growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage a portfolio of strategic and category-specific licensing partners, including day-to-day account management and business planning.
• Partner with licensees to develop consumer products programs that support brand objectives and revenue growth.
• Negotiate licensing agreements and amendments from proposal through execution in partnership with Legal and Finance.
• Identify and evaluate new business opportunities, partner prospects, category extensions, and product trends.
• Collaborate with Franchise, Category Management, and Product Development teams to align product line plans with brand strategy.
• Lead marketing approval workflows and submission processes for assigned categories, including Construction.
• Manage forecasts, budgets, and financial tracking for assigned licensing partners and categories.
• Partner with the North America Retail Sales team to maximize retail opportunities and strengthen consumer-level execution.
• Coordinate across Legal, Finance, Franchise, Retail, Product Development, and Marketing to ensure alignment and execution.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to meet the evolving needs of the team and business.
• Ability to travel as required to support business and operational needs.