Manager, Retail Development

Sony Corporation; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule (2 days in NYC)

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with company match

Employee discounts on Sony products

Job summary

Sony Corporation, in partnership with Peanuts Worldwide, seeks a Manager of Retail Development in New York, hybrid with 2 days in the NYC office. Lead retail development strategy for Specialty, Off-Price, and Craft channels, strengthening direct retailer relationships and securing brand initiatives and marketing tentpoles.

The role requires 7+ years in licensing/retail, a related bachelor's degree, and strong MS Office skills for compelling pitches and presentations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in Licensing and/or Retail Development working with Character or Entertainment IP in a retail environment
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Experience managing Specialty key accounts preferred
• Exceptional presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with PowerPoint and Excel required
• Self-starter with strong organizational, interpersonal, and collaboration skills
• Excellent attention to detail, follow-through, and follow-up
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Collaborative team player who is eager to support and contribute to a strong, growing business
• Strong sense of urgency with the ability to prioritize effectively
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for the role

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement consumer product strategies across Specialty, Off-Price, and Craft channels to drive category growth
• Create and implement comprehensive Specialty, Off-Price and Craft retail strategies that maximize growth opportunities
• Partner with North America Category Managers and licensees to align retail strategies and deliver pitches
• Build and maintain relationships with key buyers and senior retail executives
• Conduct regular store visits and prepare competitive analysis reports
• Monitor licensee retail distribution, promotional activity, and sales results
• Identify whitespace product categories and new product opportunities
• Represent the brand at industry trade shows, retailer meetings, and networking events
• Adhere to honesty, trustworthiness, and ethical conduct

Skills

Licensing & Retail Development

Presentation skills

Relationship building

Communication

PowerPoint

Excel

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Join our Peanuts Worldwide team to make us part of your story! The characters of Peanuts and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide, which is 80% owned by the Sony Group, and 20% owned by the family of Charles M. Schulz. First introduced to the world in 1950 in the Peanuts comic strip, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the gang have made an indelible mark on popular culture. In addition to enjoying beloved Peanuts shows and specials on Apple TV, fans of all ages celebrate the brand around the world through thousands of consumer products, as well as amusement park attractions, cultural events, social media, and comic strips available in all formats, from traditional to digital.

Peanuts recently celebrated its 75th Anniversary with unprecedented worldwide exhibitions and activities, collaborations, digital marketing campaigns, and more.

POSITION SUMMARY

Peanuts Worldwide LLC is seeking a Manager, Retail Development to join our team. This role will lead retail development strategy, communication, and relationship management across key U.S. and Canadian retail channels, including Specialty, Off-Price, and Craft. Serving as a brand champion for Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gangs, the Manager will build and strengthen direct retailer relationships, secure support for brand initiatives and marketing tentpoles, and partner closely with category executives and licensees to identify, develop, and drive compelling programs at retail. This position will be on a Hybrid schedule with 2 days per week in the NYC office.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Architect and implement consumer product strategies across Specialty, Off-Price, and Craft channels to drive category growth, strengthen retail opportunities and create meaningful consumer touchpoints.
• Create and implement comprehensive Specialty, Off-Price and Craft retail strategies that maximize growth opportunities and elevate the Peanuts brand within these channels.
• Partner with North America Category Managers and licensees to align retail strategies, develop compelling pitches, and deliver effective retailer presentations.
• Build, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with key buyers and senior-level retail executives in above channels.
• Conduct regular store visits and prepare competitive analysis reports to evaluate the retail landscape and support strategic positioning against competitors.
• Monitor licensee retail distribution, promotional activity, and sales results; provide analysis and insights to inform business decisions.
• Identify whitespace product categories and new product opportunities through research, retail landscape analysis, and licensee performance insights.
• Represent the brand at industry trade shows, retailer meetings, and relevant networking or social functions, as applicable.
• Honesty, trustworthiness, and ethical conduct are material requirements for the responsibilities outlined above.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR POSITION

• 7+ years of experience in Licensing and/or Retail Development working with Character or Entertainment IP in a retail environment
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Experience managing Specialty key accounts preferred
• Exceptional presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with PowerPoint and Excel required
• Self-starter with strong organizational, interpersonal, and collaboration skills
• Excellent attention to detail, follow-through, and follow-up
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Collaborative team player who is eager to support and contribute to a strong, growing business
• Strong sense of urgency with the ability to prioritize effectively
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for the role

Benefits:

Peanuts Worldwide participates in the Sony Corporation of America (SCA) benefits program and offers benefits‑eligible employees (generally regular employees scheduled to work 20 or more hours a week) a comprehensive benefits program that offers coverage and support for employees and their family’s physical, emotional, and financial well‑being.

What we offer you:

• Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage with coverage for spouses/domestic partners and child dependents, including access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee assistance plan and comprehensive behavioral health benefits
• Fertility benefits, including, surrogacy, and adoption assistance programs
• Basic and supplemental life insurance for employees as well as supplemental life insurance coverage for their spouses/domestic partners and children
• Voluntary benefits such as group legal, identity theft protection, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Short-term & long-term disability plans
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental and caregiver leave
• 401(k) Plan with pre-tax, Roth, and after‑tax options and company match with immediate vesting
• Education assistance and student loan programs
• Flexible Work Arrangements, including hybrid work schedules
• Time off to include vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, Summer Fridays (early release), and a winter break between Christmas and New Year’s Day (based on business needs)
• Referral bonuses (subject to eligibility)
• Matching gift program
• A wide variety of employee business resource groups (EBRGs)
• Special discounts on Sony products, offered exclusively to Sony employees
• Employee stock purchase plan (Sony covers commissions and fees for your Sony stock purchases made through after‑tax payroll deductions)

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $85,000 to $100,000. In addition to the annual base salary, this role has an annual bonus target of 10%. This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Sony Corporation of America

Sony Corporation of America provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures.

For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at [e-mail] or by mail to: Sony Corporation of America, People Experience Department, 25 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010. Please indicate the position you are applying for.

Right to Work (English/Spanish) E-Verify Participation (English/Spanish) Purpose Fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology.

Values Dreams & Curiosity Pioneer the future with dreams and curiosity.

Diversity Pursue the creation of the very best by harnessing diversity and varying viewpoints.

Integrity & Sincerity Earn the trust for the Sony brand through ethical and responsible conduct.

Sustainability Fulfill our stakeholder responsibilities through disciplined business practices.