Manager, Category Management FBC (Licensing)
NBCUniversal · Universal City, CALIFORNIA, United States · Posted Jun 23, 2026
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The Manager is responsible for managing assigned categories in the Food and Beverage business, driving the overall category strategy for the specific assigned categories, and managing key licensee relationships in support of NBCUniversal’s brands across Film, Television, and other intellectual property.
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5+ years of experience in category management, brand management, consumer products, or retail business development, with a strong understanding of the retail landscape within Food, Beauty, and Consumables categories. Licensing experience is preferred.
Success in this role requires strong selling and relationship-building skills, as this individual will be responsible for developing and maintaining stable, productive partnerships with licensing partners in a highly competitive marketplace. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is well organized, proactive in follow-up, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. They should demonstrate leadership potential, strong conflict management and adaptability, and a positive, team-oriented approach, with the ability to take feedback well and contribute effectively across both strategic and detail-oriented work.
Salary range: $90,000 - $125,000 (bonus eligible)
Category Strategy & Growth
Develop and execute category strategies aligned to overall franchise and brand objectives
Identify opportunities and gaps across product categories, sub-categories, consumer segments, markets, channels, and age groups to drive incremental revenue
Manage the end-to-end business development cycle: from identifying target licensees and initial outreach to crafting pitch decks and closing partnerships.
Support category growth through expansion of existing licensees and onboarding of new partners
Licensing & Deal Execution
Lead negotiations and secure licensing deals, managing the contract process from initiation through execution
Evaluate and optimize licensee business plans to ensure alignment with category and financial goals
Manage ongoing licensee relationships to drive performance, accountability, and long-term growth
Cross-Functional Leadership
Partner with Retail Development, Product Development, Product Design, Finance, Legal, and Franchise teams to align category initiatives with brand strategy
Collaborate on retail programs, marketing initiatives, and product launches tied to current film releases and library properties
Champion product quality, storytelling, and innovation across licensed products
Financial Planning & Performance
Manage annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting for assigned categories
Track and analyze category performance, identifying opportunities to meet or exceed financial targets
Manage ongoing licensee relationships to safeguard business health, proactively addressing sales and distribution roadblocks to mitigate revenue risk.
Market Intelligence & Business Development
Maintain knowledge of industry trends, competitive landscape, licensee performance, and retail buying cycles
Identify and pursue new business opportunities by researching prospective partners, tracking industry trends, and translating consumer insights into actionable whitespace opportunities aligned with franchise priorities.
Additional Responsibilities
Support brand marketing initiatives, including sell-in processes and execution of category plans
Perform other duties as needed to support the business
Required Experience & Skills
5+ years of experience in category management, brand management, consumer products, or retail business development
Experience managing partner relationships, complex business initiatives, and cross-functional stakeholders in a fast-paced environment
Strong understanding of brand positioning, retail distribution, and the consumer products landscape
Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional partnerships and influence stakeholders
Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and financial planning skills (forecasting, budgeting)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Proficiency in Keynote
Willingness to travel 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.
Preferred
Experience in Food, Beauty, and Consumables categories, with exposure to partner-facing commercial or licensing-driven businesses
Licensing experience, including exposure to licensee management, deal execution, entertainment, consumer products, or brand-led partnership environments
Experience in a large matrixed working environment
Experience with licensing systems (e.g., Launchpad)
Strong project management skills
Bachelor’s degree preferred
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 …