Sr. Manager, Category Management (Apparel)

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit www.nbcuniversal.com for more information.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

Universal Products & Experiences Overview:

At Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E), we don’t just create products—we create a universe that fans can hold in their hands, wear, play, read, and experience every day. From Jurassic World’s roaring adventures to the playful charm of Minions and the timeless wonder of Back to the Future, we transform stories into unforgettable moments that spark joy across the globe.

UP&E has grown rapidly while keeping the energy, agility, and inventive spirit of a start‑up. Our mission is bold: to take imagination beyond the screen and into the real world through innovative products, immersive retail moments, and extraordinary theme park destinations. We bring both Universal-owned and third‑party worlds to life across expansive theme park destinations, e‑commerce platforms, live entertainment venues, and global retail partnerships—fueling fandom everywhere it lives. Whether it's iconic toys, fashion collaborations, books, collectibles, lifestyle products, or cutting‑edge video games, we work with world‑class licensees and creators to make our universe tangible.

Here, creativity meets technology, and strategy meets storytelling. We connect design, commercial excellence, and fan passion to deliver experiences that millions cherish—inside the parks and far beyond them. As part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, you’ll join a global team that thrives on collaboration, imagination, and the power of culture‑shaping ideas. Your work will inspire fans, uplift communities, and leave a lasting mark on entertainment history.

We believe in a workplace where every voice matters, every perspective is valued, and every colleague can shine. That’s how we strive to be an employer of choice for talent and a partner of choice for retailers, licensees, and creators who share our passion for world‑class storytelling. If you’re ready to bring imagination to life and create moments that resonate worldwide—your next adventure starts here.

Join us and help create moments that matter.

https://www.universalproductsexperiences.com/

Universal Products & Experiences is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce of the highest caliber. We are committed to fostering equitable and inclusive environments that honor the experiences, perspectives, and uniqueness of each colleague.

The Sr. Manager, Category Management – Apparel is responsible for leading and growing the U.S. Licensing Apparel business inclusive of collaborations, by creating and executing strategies and by working collaboratively with assigned licensees, internal stakeholders and retailers. The candidate should have a minimum of 8 years’ experience with licensing and category development and knowledge of the licensing and retail landscape in the fashion business. The candidate will have established relationships with manufacturers and / or retailers in this space, a successful track record developing and executing category strategies, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the breadth of skills required to execute key initiatives.

This role reports to the Director, Category Management- Apparel

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. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website.

Salary range: $125,000- $155,000 (bonus eligible)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute category strategy for the assigned categories, including collaborations, and develop merchandise plans by property for key retailers.
• Responsible for pitching and selling our properties to secure new business and revenue growth opportunities.
• Serve as the Apparel category ambassador across the organization, strategizing and cultivating new business opportunities.
• In partnership with Director, develop a compelling collaborations strategy across various IP with an emphasis in Fashion Apparel.
• Take ownership and drive the annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting, ensuring fiscal accountability for designated categories.
• Collaborate closely with the Finance team to collectively optimize earned revenue, delivering a strong financial outlook that surpasses yearly goals.
• Lead and manage licensees in all aspects of the business, including but not limited to, deal negotiation, contract management, oversee deal entry, approvals, amendment/renewals, and act as primary point of contact in daily communication.
• Lead onboarding of new partners across all functions (product development, factory compliance, royalty forecasting and reporting, franchise marketing, PR, etc.)
• Partner with Contract Ops and Legal teams to streamline and process contract-related needs in a timely and efficient manner.
• Partner with Retail Sales on presentations and sales meetings. Actively contribute to pitch deck creation and content.
• Work closely with Product Development Team to deliver compelling merchandise assortments across all retail channels that leverage strong creative direction and support UP&E brand goals.
• Forge a synergistic partnership with Retail Sales and PD to form a strong team, surpassing retailer goals and increasing earned revenue that exceed Budget goals.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Licensed Apparel competitive landscape. Review market trends and retailer performance and formulate strategies to effectively utilize these insights.
• Collaborate with Franchise and Marketing teams to bolster presence and marketing initiatives across all channels.
• Cultivate relationships within UP&E teams to explore cross-category opportunities and amplify companywide initiatives.
• Support Director in everyday responsibilities essential to the business, including ad hoc reporting, financial analysis, pitch deck presentations and various other projects.
• Manage and mentor Apparel team Coordinator, overseeing assigned duties, time sheet entries, workload prioritization across both Apparel and broader Fashion & Living team and ad hoc assignments.
• Perform other related duties assigned to support the needs of the team.

Required Qualifications & Skills 

• 8+ years of experience in Licensing, with a focus on Fashion or related field
• Demonstrated history in brand building and positioning, selling brands, and providing a thorough understanding of the retail landscape as it relates to Licensed Apparel
• Expert in deal negotiation and proficiency in the contract management process
• Understands the Apparel product development lifecycle and retail merchandise planning.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office suite and Apple Keynote software
• Proficient in Excel pivot tables, with a comprehensive understanding of financial reporting
• Solid track record working with and managing licensees
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Team collaborator with strong interpersonal abilities
• Excellent organizational skills and project management capabilities, with a keen eye for detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently and remain adaptable to shifting priorities
• Analytical and strategic thinker, who provides new perspectives that drive meaningful contributions to the team
• Willingness to travel for business as needed.

• 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.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Resourceful team player with high energy and a passion for product, entertainment, trends, fashion, culture, and marketing
• Self-motivated and adaptable individual that thrives in a fast-paced work environment
• Entrepreneurial spirit and creative mindset
• An analytical mind: able to provide insightful conclusions and recommendations based on trend data and market research Excellent planning and project management competencies
• Manage and navigate through complex processes
• Able to present to internal stakeholders, licensees, and external partners/retailer meetings and influence and persuade at all levels of an organization, both internal and external

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 [email protected].