Category Manager, Softlines - EMEA

6000 Warner Bros. Entertainment UK Limited; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a Category Manager for Softlines in EMEA based in London. The role focuses on strategy implementation, revenue generation, and relationship management with licensees. The ideal candidate will have solid experience in licensing or retail, strong financial awareness, and excellent communication skills. Join to foster innovation and collaboration while managing a dynamic team within a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in regional licensing or retail buying.
• Experience in the licensing industry preferred.
• Graduate calibre education.

Responsibilities

• Manage Home category strategy and revenue targets.
• Lead relationships with licensees and negotiate deals.
• Support Director with Softlines strategy execution.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Relationship Management

Financial Awareness

Education

Graduate Degree or Equivalent

Job description

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Category Manager, Softlines - EMEA, London

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Client:

6000 Warner Bros. Entertainment UK Limited

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

82905b180467

Job Views:

13

Posted:

17.06.2025

Expiry Date:

01.08.2025

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Job Description:

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the bringing our characters to life, the bringing them to your living rooms and the creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

ROLE TITLE: Category Manager, Softlines - EMEA

DEPARTMENT NAME: Category – EMEA Hub

LOCATION: London

The Category Manager– Softlines supports the Director – Softlines with the management and execution of the Home category strategy across EMEA, and is responsible for achieving Home category revenue targets for the region. The Category Manager facilitates connectivity and meaningful collaboration for the Home categories across the region and has operational responsibility for assigned regional/multi-territory licensees. This position also supports the Director – Softlines with the management and execution of the broader Softlines business for the EMEA region.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES :

Contribute to setting the strategic direction and priorities for the Home category Support the Director Softlines with the development of long-term strategies against consumer segments and sub-categories Ensure consistent approach with other regional and global Teams for the Home category, including parity of commercial terms

Operations & Relationship management

With the support of the Director – Softlines, devise and execute category strategic plan for the Home categories Support the Director Softlines in executing Softline categories tactics where relevant Lead the relationship with assigned regional/multi-territory licensees in the Home categories, including negotiation and execution of licensing deals, onboarding, business plans, range creation and management, distribution, marketing plans, forecasting, reporting and performance management Support the Director – Softlines with the management of the EMEA Softlines community, with specific focus on the Home categories. Facilitate regional sharing and collaboration, through regular Category meetings, information and best-practise sharing, new partner intros and support with problem solving Build relationships with relevant Home category peers and colleagues across the regions. Channel information in and out of the region to drive communication efficiencies. Support the Director – Softlines with regional inquiries regarding Home categories and opportunities Manage the development of regional Category pitch materials aligned to category priorities, priority tentpole / consumer moments, audiences, and distribution channels

Invent what’s new

Be curious about new business models, to future-proof WBD licensing business. Trial, test, measure, adapt business models Identify new trends and product innovation to meet consumer demand and image-enhance WBD brands in the market

Revenue responsibility for the Home categories by category and by brand for EMEA Support the Director – Softlines with the regular forecasting cycles, budget setting, performance analysis, and Long-Range Plan

One WBD

Support objectives of other divisions to ensure WBD consumer products benefit from broader, cross-divisional initiatives – revenue, fan engagement, new business Continue to educate other divisions on Consumer Products

Team management

Support and nurture team spirit – be active contributor to Regional Franchise and Category team and the virtual Toys and Publishing teams across the region, including Agents

Other duties

Occasional travel to EMEA markets for licensee meetings/trade fairs Input into strategic projects as required

Work Experience

• 2 -3 years previous regional Home or Fashion licensing and/ or retail buying experience required
• Experience in/of the licensing industry and matrixed, international environments preferable

Education/Qualifications

• Ideally educated to graduate standard or be of graduate calibre.

Core Competencies

• Convey key messages clearly and apply active listening skills.
• Is comfortable presenting to small/medium groups of individuals and internal stakeholders, using stories, examples and facts when communicating.
• Makes clear points, building coherent arguments that are tailored to the audience and fit the situation at hand.
• Applies some consultative selling skills to the way business is conducted

Innovation, Adaptability & Change Management

• Displays creativity and innovation in work and encourages it in others.
• Proactively develops new approaches to challenges.
• Exhibits curiosity, bringing new thoughts and ideas to the team.
• Is responsive, flexible and solution oriented in all interactions.
• Develops knowledge of the industry and competitors.

Building & Maintaining Relationships

• Establishes effective interpersonal relationships with peers and immediate stakeholders.
• Generally nurtures relationships within the division and with immediate third parties
• Champions collaboration in all projects and demonstrates respect for all team members; sharing credit with others when appropriate.
• Pro-actively responds to team needs and issues.
• Shares information, soliciting ideas and suggestions from others to accomplish mutual goals.
• Demonstrates awareness of cultural and national differences when engaging with global teams

Commercial Terms & Budgeting

• Very good numeracy skills and good overall understanding of commercial parameters prioritised internally and externally by business partners.
• Demonstrates financial awareness by connecting cause and effect internally and externally.
• Limited budget management.
• Shows an ability to successfully close / complete negotiations.
• Very limited direct responsibility in devising strategic plan. Focusing on operational element of the plan.
• Independently identifies gaps and revenue generating or cost saving opportunities.
• Displays understanding of business frameworks and process dependencies impacting their role (e.g. forecasting, foresight on expiring deals, retail planning calendars, etc.).
• .

People Management & Development

• Understands CHAT and applies its principles to interactions with others.
• Identifies opportunities for formal and informal training they might benefit from; taking responsibility in driving these forward.
• Provides day-to-day informal management of others as appropriate.
• Provides honest and constructive feedback to others when prompted.

Accountability

• Manages own performance.
• Celebrates success and is resilient in the face of set-backs.
• Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality and good judgement.
Hybrid Working - This role is advertised as a Hybrid work model, that combines remote and in-office work, following our current company policy and to be agreed with your Line Manager. Subject to any applicable laws, WBD / your Line Manager reserves the right to change this working agreement where this is essential to business needs and upon reasonable notice to you.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the bringing our characters to life, the bringing them to your living rooms and the creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

ROLE TITLE: Category Manager, Softlines - EMEA

DEPARTMENT NAME: Category – EMEA Hub

LOCATION: London

REPORTS TO (Title): Director – Softlines EMEA

The Category Manager– Softlines supports the Director – Softlines with the management and execution of the Home category strategy across EMEA, and is responsible for achieving Home category revenue targets for the region. The Category Manager facilitates connectivity and meaningful collaboration for the Home categories across the region and has operational responsibility for assigned regional/multi-territory licensees. This position also supports the Director – Softlines with the management and execution of the broader Softlines business for the EMEA region.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES :

Strategy

Contribute to setting the strategic direction and priorities for the Home category Support the Director Softlines with the development of long-term strategies against consumer segments and sub-categories Ensure consistent approach with other regional and global Teams for the Home category, including parity of commercial terms

Operations & Relationship management

With the support of the Director – Softlines, devise and execute category strategic plan for the Home categories Support the Director Softlines in executing Softline categories tactics where relevant Lead the relationship with assigned regional/multi-territory licensees in the Home categories, including negotiation and execution of licensing deals, onboarding, business plans, range creation and management, distribution, marketing plans, forecasting, reporting and performance management Support the Director – Softlines with the management of the EMEA Softlines community, with specific focus on the Home categories. Facilitate regional sharing and collaboration, through regular Category meetings, information and best-practise sharing, new partner intros and support with problem solving Build relationships with relevant Home category peers and colleagues across the regions. Channel information in and out of the region to drive communication efficiencies. Support the Director – Softlines with regional inquiries regarding Home categories and opportunities Manage the development of regional Category pitch materials aligned to category priorities, priority tentpole / consumer moments, audiences, and distribution channels

Invent what’s new

Be curious about new business models, to future-proof WBD licensing business. Trial, test, measure, adapt business models Identify new trends and product innovation to meet consumer demand and image-enhance WBD brands in the market

Financial

Revenue responsibility for the Home categories by category and by brand for EMEA Support the Director – Softlines with the regular forecasting cycles, budget setting, performance analysis, and Long-Range Plan

One WBD

Support objectives of other divisions to ensure WBD consumer products benefit from broader, cross-divisional initiatives – revenue, fan engagement, new business Continue to educate other divisions on Consumer Products

Team management

Support and nurture team spirit – be active contributor to Regional Franchise and Category team and the virtual Toys and Publishing teams across the region, including Agents

Other duties

Occasional travel to EMEA markets for licensee meetings/trade fairs Input into strategic projects as required

Work Experience

2 -3 years previous regional Home or Fashion licensing and/ or retail buying experience required

Experience in/of the licensing industry and matrixed, international environments preferable

Education/Qualifications

Ideally educated to graduate standard or be of graduate calibre.

Core Competencies

Verbal & Written Communication

Convey key messages clearly and apply active listening skills.

Is comfortable presenting to small/medium groups of individuals and internal stakeholders, using stories, examples and facts when communicating.

Makes clear points, building coherent arguments that are tailored to the audience and fit the situation at hand.

Applies some consultative selling skills to the way business is conducted

Innovation, Adaptability & Change Management

Displays creativity and innovation in work and encourages it in others.

Proactively develops new approaches to challenges.

Exhibits curiosity, bringing new thoughts and ideas to the team.

Is responsive, flexible and solution oriented in all interactions.

Develops knowledge of the industry and competitors.

Building & Maintaining Relationships

Establishes effective interpersonal relationships with peers and immediate stakeholders.

Generally nurtures relationships within the division and with immediate third parties

Collaboration

Champions collaboration in all projects and demonstrates respect for all team members; sharing credit with others when appropriate.

Pro-actively responds to team needs and issues.

Shares information, soliciting ideas and suggestions from others to accomplish mutual goals.

Demonstrates awareness of cultural and national differences when engaging with global teams

Commercial Terms & Budgeting

Very good numeracy skills and good overall understanding of commercial parameters prioritised internally and externally by business partners.

Demonstrates financial awareness by connecting cause and effect internally and externally.

Limited budget management.

Shows an ability to successfully close / complete negotiations.

Strategy & Planning

Very limited direct responsibility in devising strategic plan. Focusing on operational element of the plan.

Independently identifies gaps and revenue generating or cost saving opportunities.

Displays understanding of business frameworks and process dependencies impacting their role (e.g. forecasting, foresight on expiring deals, retail planning calendars, etc.).

.

People Management & Development

Understands CHAT and applies its principles to interactions with others.

Identifies opportunities for formal and informal training they might benefit from; taking responsibility in driving these forward.

Provides day-to-day informal management of others as appropriate.

Provides honest and constructive feedback to others when prompted.

Accountability

Manages own performance.

Celebrates success and is resilient in the face of set-backs.

Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality and good judgement.

Hybrid Working - This role is advertised as a Hybrid work model, that combines remote and in-office work, following our current company policy and to be agreed with your Line Manager. Subject to any applicable laws, WBD / your Line Manager reserves the right to change this working agreement where this is essential to business needs and upon reasonable notice to you.

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.