Category Manager, Licensing - Hardlines

Hasbro; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time Off to Recharge

Financial Well-being

Life & Family Support

Volunteer and Community Initiatives

Learning & Development

Job summary

Hasbro in Boston is seeking a Category Manager for Licensing to lead strategic category development across Hardlines and Toys. You will manage licensees, partner with cross-functional teams, and drive growth and profitability for key licensed products.

The role focuses on category strategy, partner management, and delivering financial targets aligned to brand objectives in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• 6 years' experience in merchandise licensing, consumer products, and category management; Hardlines/Toy experience preferred.
• Strong business and financial acumen, with experience supporting budgets, forecasts, and performance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple licensees and priorities in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for assigned Hardlines categories across the Hasbro brand portfolio.
• Own day-to-day relationships with licensees, serving as the primary point of contact across line planning, product development, approvals, and go-to-market execution.
• Review, analyze, and support negotiation of business terms and contracts in partnership with Legal and Finance.
• Proactively identify risks, challenges, and performance gaps, and work with partners to implement solutions.
• Deliver financial targets aligned to brand and category objectives, with accountability for revenue and royalty performance.

Skills

Merchandise licensing

Category management

Financial acumen

Negotiation

Communication

Job description

Wetake play seriously. We’re looking for curious adventurers ready to find their party, fueled by imaginationand driveto build what’s never been built before. At Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast, you’ll collaborate with passionate teams to reimagine our iconic brands and create experiences that spark joy, connection, and community through the magic of play. This is your chance to shape legendary play that lasts a lifetime.

The North America Licensed Consumer Products (LCP) team is seeking a strategic and results-driven Category Manager to lead and grow key Hardlines/Toy categories across the Hasbro portfolio. This role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies, managing fully out-licensed partnerships, and delivering financial targets aligned to brand and business objectives.

The Category Manager owns the day-to-day management of assigned categories and licensees while partnering cross-functionally to bring innovative, trend-right products to market and maximize long-term brand value.

A Day in the Life as a Category Manager, Licensing:

Category Strategy & Partner Management

• Develop and execute category strategies for assigned Hardlines categories across the Hasbro brand portfolio.
• Identify whitespace opportunities, emerging trends, and credible partners to drive category growth and expansion.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the North American merchandise licensing landscape, including retail dynamics, consumer insights, and competitive trends.
• Own day-to-day relationships with licensees, serving as the primary point of contact across line planning, product development, approvals, and go-to-market execution.
• Review, analyze, and support negotiation of business terms and contracts in partnership with Legal and Finance.
• Proactively identify risks, challenges, and performance gaps, and work with partners to implement solutions.
• Support annual budgeting, long-range planning, and quarterly forecasting for assigned categories.
• Deliver financial targets aligned to brand and category objectives, with accountability for revenue and royalty performance.
• Track and analyze category and licensee performance to inform business decisions and optimize the portfolio.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Brand, Creative, Retail, Sales, Legal, and Operations teams to ensure cohesive execution of category strategies.
• Support creative direction and product innovation, leveraging manufacturing knowledge and trend insights to elevate product quality and relevance.
• Collaborate with Sales and Retail teams on promotional programs, retail marketing initiatives, and key customer moments.

What You'll Bring:

• 6 years' experience in merchandise licensing, consumer products, and category management; Hardlines/Toy experience preferred.
• Strong business and financial acumen, with experience supporting budgets, forecasts, and performance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple licensees and priorities in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-management skills.Collaborative, inclusive team player with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.

The pay transparency range for this role is listed below. The hiring range will vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location and market conditions. Additionally, employees may be eligible for annual and long-term incentives as part of their overall compensation package.

Pay Range

$124,800 - $187,300 USD

Employees may be eligible for annual and long-term incentives as part of their overall compensation package, depending on role, location, and eligibility. Benefits and programs may include:

• Time Off to Recharge
• Financial Well-being
• Life & Family Support
• Volunteer and Community Initiatives
• Learning & Development

Please review our Applicant Privacy Notice to learn how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in connection with the application process.

This is a hybrid role, requiring you to work onsite three days per week in Boston, MA.

Are you legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located without sponsorship or visa transfer now or in the future?

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As set forth in Hasbro’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

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