Associate Manager, Category Management - Accessories & Footwear

Associate Manager, Category Management - Accessories & Footwear Full-time Business Segment: Universal Products & Experiences Compensation: USD 75,000 - USD 95,000 - yearly The Associate Manager, Fashion & Living Category Management supports Universal Products & Experiences’ North American licensing business within the Fashion & Living category. Reporting to the Senior Manager, this role is responsible for managing key licensee relationships, supporting category strategy development, and driving execution against business goals. This position plays a critical role in growing the category through account management, financial oversight, and new business development. The Associate Manager partners cross‑functionally to deliver impactful product assortments and retail strategies that align with franchise priorities and maximize revenue. The ideal candidate combines strong business acumen, understanding of licensing and retail dynamics, and a proactive approach to identifying growth opportunities. 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. Key Responsibilities Manage day‑to‑day relationships with licensing partners, ensuring alignment to brand strategy and revenue objectives Support negotiation and execution of licensing agreements in partnership with Legal and Contract Operations Monitor business performance, including forecasting, reporting, and ongoing financial tracking Contribute to category strategy by identifying growth opportunities across product categories, channels, and partnerships Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and consumer insights to inform decision‑making Drive new licensee recruitment efforts, including prospecting, pitching, and business case development Partner with Product Development, Retail, Franchise, and Marketing teams to bring cohesive, market‑relevant assortments to life Align on key retail strategies to optimize product placement and maximize brand visibility Collaborate internally to unlock cross‑category and cross‑franchise opportunities Drive execution of key initiatives from concept through launch Identify and support new business models, partnerships, and emerging opportunities to fuel incremental growth Ensure timely delivery of projects while managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment Perform other related duties assigned to support the needs of the team Qualifications / Requirements 3+ years of experience in licensing, consumer products, retail, or a related field (Fashion & Living preferred) Strong understanding of licensing, product development, and retail environments Experience managing external partners and cross functional stakeholders Foundational experience in contract review and negotiation support Strong analytical skills, including financial reporting and forecasting Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables) and presentation tools (PowerPoint/Keynote) Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence across teams Ability to manage multiple workstreams with strong attention to detail and organization Willingness to travel as needed Desired Characteristics Ownership mindset with strong accountability and follow‑through Ability to influence without direct authority and build trusted relationships Comfortable navigating ambiguity and shifting priorities Collaborative, solutions‑oriented approach Curiosity and passion for fashion, lifestyle, pop culture and consumer trends Balance of strategic thinking and hands on execution High level of professionalism and organizational discipline Team Culture / Working Style Our team values creativity, curiosity, and a proactive mindset. We operate with a blend of strategic thinking and executional excellence, and we prioritize collaboration, transparency, and shared ownership of results. We encourage diverse perspectives, continuous learning, and a willingness to step in where needed to deliver best‑in‑class product and retail experiences. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Nbcuniversal Media, LLC