Category Manager

About Nintendo: Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, has created franchises that have become household names worldwide, including Mario, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Pikmin and Splatoon, through its integrated hardware and software products. Nintendo aims to deliver unique, intuitive entertainment experiences for everyone, manufacturing and marketing video game devices such as the Nintendo Switch family of systems, developing and operating applications for smart devices, and collaborating with partners on a range of other entertainment initiatives like visual content and theme parks. Nintendo has sold more than 5.8 billion video games and over 850 million hardware units globally. From the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System more than 30 years ago, through today and into the future, Nintendo's continuing mission is to create unique entertainment that puts smiles on the faces of people all over the world. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at https://www.nintendo.com/.

Nintendo is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other.

• Leads business development and partner management for assigned licensing business
• Researches information relating to product categories and makes recommendations to management on the applicability of Nintendo's portfolio to such category
• Evaluates competitive landscape for category, brand and age segmentation while identifying gaps and opportunities across all lines of business
• Identifies potential partnerships with top consumer products companies
• Oversees the negotiation and execution of partner contracts
• Monitors commitments for partner companies quarterly and tracks compliance with contract terms.
• Acts as a liaison with partners and internal departments to support licensee sales efforts, including marketing, brand assurance, retail distribution, and public relations
• Lead development of global pitch materials for licensees and retail sales
• Partner with internal and global stakeholders to define direction for CP licensing and commercialization
• Leads projects with diverse scopes, ensuring critical information is communicated timely to meet production timelines
• Develops and maintains relationship with partners and internal stakeholders
• Evaluates requests for license and/or contract renewals and makes recommendations to management and the global team.
• Provides on-going oversight of business relationship with partners including distribution channels, retail placement, volumes (sales & units), financial, reporting and payments, escalation and resolution of issues and concerns, and matters of contractual enforcement and compliance.
• Lead discussions with internal marketing partners to integrate merchandise into programs that drive awareness for the Nintendo brand
• Analyzes and understands market trends, consumer behaviors, and retailer and industry needs.
• Identifies new product and collaboration opportunities.
• Liaises with international teams on product strategy
• Works cross-department to ensure partners are applying proper compliance and customs requirements Set-up and lead business reviews with licensees/partners
• Prepares comprehensive / compelling presentations and present to retail/customers as needed
• Drives Continuous Process Improvements to optimize systems and processes and increase productivity
• Lead, develop and mentor teams; create an environment where opportunities encourage employees to develop new capabilities and maximize growth.