Global Licensing Category Manager, KitchenAid Small Appliances

Whirlpool Corporation

Chicago (IL)

Hybrid

USD 75,250 - 150,500

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Whirlpool employee discount

Fitness reimbursement programs

Educational reimbursement programs

Sabbatical after five years

Job summary

A leading home appliance manufacturer is seeking a Global Licensing Category Manager for KitchenAid Small Appliances. This mid-senior level role drives business growth by assessing new product categories and partnerships. Responsibilities include managing relationships with licensees, developing product strategies, and overseeing compliance. Located in Chicago with weekly attendance required in Michigan, this full-time position offers a generous benefits package and opportunities for career advancement.

Qualifications

5+ years of product marketing or brand/category marketing experience.
3+ years of project management experience.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

Lead communication with external licensing partners.
Develop long-term product strategy for categories.
Utilize development processes to drive projects.
Conduct consumer insights analysis for decisions.
Review and approve marketing assets for alignment.
Develop cross-functional relationships for project success.
Support the licensing team in product exploration.
10-15% travel, including internationally.

Skills

Product marketing

Project management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Degree in Marketing or Engineering

Job description

Global Licensing Category Manager, KitchenAid Small Appliances

Whirlpool Corporation provided pay range

This range is provided by Whirlpool Corporation. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$75,250.00/yr - $150,500.00/yr

Requisition ID: 69766

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

The team you will be a part of

The Global Licensing business team manages and leverages our company's intellectual property to generate revenue and expand market reach through strategic partnerships. Creates and executes a global licensing strategy aligned with the company's overall business objectives and brand positioning. Scouts, evaluates, and selects suitable licensees (partners) who can effectively produce, market, and distribute products or services under the KitchenAid brand. Ensures all licensed products and related marketing materials meet strict brand guidelines and quality standards, maintaining brand integrity and consistency worldwide.

This Role In Summary

Currently, KitchenAid Small Appliances is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a critical Global Licensing Category Manager position located at our Global Headquarters in Benton Harbor, MI. The Global Licensing Category Manager for KitchenAid Small Appliances will help to drive the business’s growth strategy by supporting the initiative to assess new product categories and licensing partners. They will also be the main day‑to‑day point of contact with licensees and internal process partners. They will be responsible for the development of the product roadmap from idea generation to commercialization and launch across the categories in which those partners are licensed. The position will work collaboratively with our external licensees and internal cross‑functional teams.

This role is a 5‑day in‑office position. For Chicago‑based candidates, we are open to offering a split work arrangement between our World of Whirlpool location in downtown Chicago and our Global Headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan, with weekly attendance in Michigan required (2 days per week). A comprehensive relocation package to Benton Harbor, Michigan, is available for eligible candidates.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

Lead all communication and day‑to‑day business relationships with external licensing partners. This includes facilitating regular meetings, in‑person visits, joint design reviews/signoffs and approvals, and ensuring compliance with our licensing contracts.
Develop long‑term product strategy for the categories and licensed partners you lead, including driving growth from both new and existing products.
Utilize the Licensed Product Development Process & Whirlpool Product Development (WPD) process to drive projects from idea to commercialization.
Leverage consumer insights to drive fact‑based, consumer‑centric decisions that support our premium brand positioning and brand strategy.
Develop, review, and approve marketing assets (ex: messaging/copy, photography, videos, packaging, etc) across the products of responsibility, ensuring they are aligned with KitchenAid brand strategy and guidelines.
Accomplish results through strong and collaborative cross‑functional relationships with internal and external process partners, including: licensees, regional marketing teams, brand and category marketing, design, engineering, procurement, sales, finance, legal, etc.
Support the larger licensing team in identifying new potential products and categories to explore for licensing as a way to drive continued growth in the overall licensing business.
10‑15% travel, including internationally.
Bachelor’s Degree.
5+ years of product marketing or brand/category marketing experience.
3+ years of project management experience.

Preferred Skills And Experiences

Degree in Marketing or Engineering.
Prior global business experience.
Firm grasp of product development processes and ability to launch successful new products.
Proven success working and leading in a fast‑paced environment.
Proven organizational skills and ability to manage a team without direct authority.
Exceptional communicator with impeccable interpersonal skills.
Excellent presentation skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Embody Whirlpool’s values of inclusion and diversity.

What We Offer

Generous benefits package, Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more! Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, barista bar, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required).

Additional Information

Whirlpool’s Ways of Working

Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. While employees in this role work in‑person Monday through Friday. We offer flexibility and industry‑leading time‑off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including:

Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside‑of‑work commitments as needed.
Two‑Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one‑week increments for a total of two weeks per year.
Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.

Compensation Data

$75,250 - $150,500 + Annual Bonus

Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Seniority level