Associate Brand Manager Entertainment

SUMMARYOverview of the positionWorks closely with supervisor in managing specific trading card products, from initial conceptualization through completion. Develops business and product strategies, analyzing financial goals of the product, and works with sales/marketing to deliver the product to end consumer. Works closely with Product Development Team, executing initiatives while simultaneously managing scheduling and production goals. Communicates with key external partners on a regular basis, facilitating product strategy and sales discussions. In sum, this position encompasses development and implementation of business plans, product line profitability, analysis, and evaluation of product marketplace and new product opportunities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this job. Other duties may be assigned.Product Strategy: Implements business objectives in conjunction with production team, managing the process of Scoping, Business Case, initial Development with R&D and Creative, and Post-Mortem analysis. Works closely with Product Development team in executing the full product development production. Licensed Property Product Portfolio Management: Manages timing and implementation of products associated with the License. Manages business relationship with Licensor. Creates brand presentations for internal and external partners. Business Analysis and Planning: Develops short term and long-range plans for a specific Brand based on history analysis, market trends, competition, and UDC product portfolio. Creates initial business plan, including product concept and design direction. Responsible for P&L management of brand and works with Product Manager to reach profitability goals. Communication: Responsible for keeping the company partners up to date with ranging developments. Liaison with other departments. Key role in working closely with Product Management team, incorporating concepts from Brand Team to Product Development team for production. Recommends, communicates, and coordinates launch strategies and calendars, product promotions, creative product directions, etc. Product Determination and Selection: Works within UDC department and produces products commensurate to strategies specified in licensed product portfolio business plans. Conducts research on market trends and takes team-leading role in all aspects of product definition, channel distribution strategy, and marketing direction. Marketing and Communications: Provides direction into Marketing/Advertising/Promotions/PR campaigns in line with corporate strategies and initiatives. Attends meetings and Trade Shows to communicate product plans and strategies. Develops website strategy to review with Marketing Manager for final direction and execution. Product Display: In conjunction with the packaging design team and external parties, develops ways to best display and promote product for consumers of varying distribution channels.INTERACTIONThis position will interact closely with the Director of Trading Cards, Product Development Team, Project Manager, a core R&D team, Finance, Sales Management, Legal, Design, and Senior Managements along with related Company staff members and external parties.EDUCATION/YEARS EXPERIENCEBachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in Business, Marketing, Product Development or related experience3+ years’ experience in product marketing, licensing or product development with a strong desire to learnREQUIREMENTS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESBrand management or product management experienceBasic knowledge of budgeting, P&Ls, and product profitability analysis. Ability to communicate with Product Management in working on cost cutting solutions to improve product profitability.Strong leadership skillsAbility to apply creative thinking to product themes, content and business solutionsAbility to lead focused meetingsAbility to communicate with external parties frequently to discuss product strategiesExcellent oral and written communication skillsWriting creative briefs for advertising, promotions, card design, packaging, and web design for brandsMotivated, proactive and organizedTeam player orientation Retail and Hobby Sales knowledge a plusInterest in trading cards and trading card games a plusInterest and knowledge of contemporary and historical pop culture a plusInterest and knowledge of comic book story lines and characters a plusExperience with consumer products licensing a plusStrong presentation skillsAbility to interface with internal and external partiesAbility to travel domestically and internationally on behalf of Upper DeckProficiency in the following software: MS Office, MS Project and Sharepoint a plus