Associate Manager, Category Management (Toys)

NBCUniversal; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

NBCUniversal, a leading media and entertainment company, seeks an Associate Manager for Toys within Universal Products & Experiences. You will manage infant/preschool core toys segments in North America, coordinating licensee partnerships, approvals, and on-going revenue initiatives.

You will negotiate complex licensing agreements, analyze financials, and collaborate with Legal, Finance, Franchise, and Retail teams to drive growth and brand alignment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of category management experience.
• Ability to negotiate complex licensing agreements.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration across Legal, Marketing, Product Development and Retail Sales.

Responsibilities

• Lead specific licensing partnerships in core toys, aligning with property objectives.
• Negotiate licensing agreements from proposal to execution.
• Support senior leadership in management of construction category.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities with partners.
• Coordinate product line plans with brand strategies across teams.
• Manage detailed financial forecasting, budgets and P&L reporting.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical thinking

Tools

Microsoft Office

Keynote

Job description

Associate Manager, Category Management (Toys)

• Full-time
• Business Segment: Franchise, Products, and Partnerships
• Compensation: USD 75000 - USD 95000 - yearly

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.

Universal Products & Experiences Overview:

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.

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.

The Associate Manager, Toys will be responsible for managing specific segments of the Infant/Preschool Core Toys business for North America by managing licensee partnership, streamlining approval and contract processes, financial analysis, and new business development to contribute to the overall team objectives and drive revenue.

Responsibilities include:

• With Sr. Manager's guidance, the Associate Manager will lead specific licensing partnerships in the core toys space including collaborating on consumer products programs that align with each property’s set objectives in order to drive revenue.
• Successfully negotiate complex licensing agreements from initial proposal through execution
• Support the Sr. Director with the management of the construction category
• Partner with Sr. Manager to establish new business opportunities and pitch to new partners
• Partner with the franchise and CP teams to align product line plans and product development with overall brand strategies.
• Manage detailed financial forecasting, budget allocations, and profit-and-loss (P&L) reporting to inform strategic decisions
• Work closely with the North America retail sales team to maximize opportunities at theconsumer level.
• Collaborate regularly with various teams across the organization including Legal, Finance, Franchise, and Retail.
• Manage product approval, marketing approval and contract systems.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to meet the evolving needs of the team and business.

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: $75,000 - $95,000

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3+ years category management experience
• Effective communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across departments and with external partners
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks concurrently, and remain adaptable to shifting priorities
• Strong cross-functional collaboration experience, with the ability to manage processes and workflows across multiple departments such as Legal, Marketing, Product Development, and Retail Sales
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities, driving category growth and innovation
• Experience in brand building, selling brands, and an understanding of the licensing, retail, and product development landscape
• Proficient in reviewing licensing contracts and experienced in negotiating key business terms
• Thorough knowledge of the product development lifecycle and retail merchandise planning
• Strong organizational skills and project management capabilities, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion
• Analytical and strategic thinker with the ability to analyze market trends, contribute new perspectives, and drive meaningful contributions to team objectives
• Proficiency in Excel, including pivot tables, with strong financial reporting and analysis skills, contributing to budget planning and revenue forecasting
• Skilled in Microsoft Office suite and Apple Keynote software

Desired Characteristics

Additional Requirements:

• Hybrid: This position currently has a hybrid schedule, which requires contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time.
• 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.
• 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 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 [emailprotected] .