Associate Marketing Manager

There are over 2,000 employees working in El Segundo, and it is their creativity and talent that enables them to design, develop, and market our innovative toys. Much like our brands, our people also need development and growth opportunities. We believe that as our employees grow professionally, so will Mattel. Our comprehensive people development program addresses training, professional development, reward, and promotion.At Mattel, we have a vision to be The World's Premier Toy Brands - Today and Tomorrow. We will achieve this vision because our people are creative and energetic, thriving on innovation and passion for the business. Mattel is committed to supporting and developing employees and their career goals with a host of meaningful advantages and opportunities, including development through our global Leadership Development Center, tuition reimbursement, on-site childcare, and a fitness and recreation center. As the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, American Girl® and Fisher-Price®, Mattel is not only one of the best places to work, it's also a lot of fun. If you're as excited about the future as we are, consider this opportunity.
Responsibilities:
Provide leadership for marketing and product development activities for assigned business segment or product line in order to achieve financial growth and profit targets.
KEY RESULTS AREAS
1. Consumer and Customer Insights
2. Strategic Thinking
3. Licensor management and communication
4. Marketing Plan Development and Execution
5. New Product Development
6. Analysis and ActionSPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESConsumer and Customer Insights
' Applies to marketing plan and product thorough understanding of global consumer, shopper, customer and channel insights for segment, brand and category' Assists research team in execution of research studies
' Evaluates competitive set for category, brand and segments
' Analyzes retail placement and positioning
Strategic Thinking
' Communicates positioning and relevance for product, segment, brand and price point
' Collects and analyzes data to support Brand Directional Outline development. Formulates implications based upon analysis. Partners with team to develop worldwide slots and rationale
Licensor management and communication
' Proactively identify hot properties to target as brand partners' Develop financial targets and appropriate royalty targets' Manage licensor relationship, including all details of product, packaging, and POP approvalsGames development
' Understand key customer base to create new and innovative games, products and marketing plans.Marketing Plan Development and Execution
' Analyzes results of marketing programs to support development and on-going refinement of marketing plans' Clearly articulates brand objectives and strategies to maximize the contributions of internal and external partners
' Creates presentations and may partner with Design to present at internal line reviews and customer toy shows
' Observes and provides input when applicable on media plan development
' Observes national and account-specific promotions, PR, content, in-store and online plans and assists team in execution of tactics
' Tracks annual non-media spending vs. budget on an on-going basis
New Product Development
' Partner with Marketing Manager to lead product development process and team
' Shares thorough understanding of competitive set for category, brand and segment around the world with product development team. Works with team to achieve target cost, margin contribution, retailer margin and schedule
' Prepares volume rationale for product. Prepares product planning memo before issue
' Partner with Marketing Manager to evaluate and approve packaging concepts and provide inputAnalysis and Action
' Updates monthly line lists and merchandising outlines
' Partners with Sales, Finance and Demand Planning to identify distribution gaps and incremental shipping opportunities. Provide input for pre-quota review
' Evaluates results of marketing programs, including POS, shipping and brand attributes, to support development and on-going refinement of marketing plans
' Monitors retail pricing (including competitors), margin contribution, retailer margin and consumer value delivered throughout product development process
' Conducts ad hoc promotional lift, share trend, and other real-time performance analysesRequirements:
COMPETENCIES REQUIREDIn addition to MAT PICS the following functional competencies apply:' General understanding of the business objectives related to marketing/brand management
' Demonstrated understanding of standard marketing techniques
' Basic understanding of research methodologies and when they are used
' Ability to differentiate and create compelling positioning statements and relevance for our consumers and customers' Basic understanding of annual financial plans
' Ability to provide insights to product and packaging development teams and give feedback on concepts in an effective and constructive manner
' Strong interpersonal and communication skills
' Detail oriented
REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION REQUIRED:
Bachelor's degree in marketing, business or related field; MBA preferred
EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS REQUIRED:
' Minimum 4 years (2 years with MBA) experience in consumer or brand marketing
' Thorough understanding of standard marketing techniques
' Demonstrated leadership ability
' Demonstrated strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
' Excellent written/verbal, time management and quantitative/analytical skills requiredPERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED:
' Proven ability to drive change and results through influential leadership skills
' Demonstrated strong facilitation skills and ability to identify common ground amongst individuals with divergent opinions and perspectives
' Demonstrated strong presentation skills with a persuasive nature
' Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment' Demonstrated positive attitude, sees challenges as opportunities and translates them into actionable items
Mattel is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity EmployerM/F/V/D