Director Franchise, Retail & Marketing - UK & IE (FTC)

You will be responsible for two distinct job responsibilities Franchise Management and Retail Marketing. You will be responsible for developing and executing franchise and retail marketing plans with retailers and key licensees, that leverages the richness of NBCUniversal’s entertainment content to build a sustainable business that achieves annual revenue targets. You will activate the global franchise strategies at a market level by ensuring local relevance and partnering across other business units within the company with the goal of building or maintaining consumer relevance of our most important brands (IP). Managing events such as tradeshows, key partner meetings and consumer facing events. Additionally, this role will develop and execute short and long term retail channel strategies delivering annual growth strategies that leverage the strength of the NBCUniversal’s franchise portfolio, category and consumer priorities. The role needs a strong leader who can be the voice of the brand, consumer, and retail, balancing the demands of delivering marketing activations that drive ROI within a defined budget and promoting retail sell-in of ranges. Key Responsibilities Execute and lead the UK&I FRM team, execute account plans with the team in line with franchise priorities and fiscal goals. Line Management Management of up to 3x direct reports. Senior Franchise, Retail and Marketing Manager; Franchise, Retail and Marketing Manager; and the Assistant Franchise, Retail and Marketing Manager. Ensure clear communication and transparency of career development for all team members Franchise Marketing Partner with retailers, licensees, and internal Universal/global teams on the development and execution and amplification of marketing programs to build brand awareness, engage consumers and ultimately drive commercial revenues Develop and execute territory specific franchise marketing activations, to support UP&E while creating demand value and awareness Focus on supporting the growth of all key categories through investment on key retail and marketing activity Be the cross-divisional liaison for internal business departments - local retail and category teams, regional creative and franchise teams plus Global Comms, Location Based Events, HE, digital, TV and theatrical teams Partner with Franchise Management (Global and Regional) to guide implementation of franchise strategies and local needs Be the brand and marketing expert in local market Attend top-tier retail and licensee meetings (i.e. master toy partner) in region, to share brand and retail plans Drive the LBE (location based events) business: Manage mall activations and costume character appearances in markets where required Responsible for overseeing presentation support and coordination of all events in region (summits, KPM’s, trade shows,) from conceptualisation to execution Collaborate with global events team to secure required event assets via the events tool kit, including invitation templates, banners, etc. Work with global marketing team to secure required presentations Stay up to date on marketing trends across the region utilising key data. Share insights and lead arena with local marketing leads across UP&E. Work closely with Global Communication team and local agency to deliver the trade PR plans based on the priority brands and tent pole moments Work with key licensees and retailers on consumer and trade PR planning and approval Excellent industry knowledge and the ability to have commercial conversations and strategy setting with partners at all levels Retail Marketing, planning and execution Develop retail marketing plans for defined, prioritised franchises to ensure alignment of Global, EMEA and UK&I strategies. Management of the local retail team to achieve G&Os, sharing ‘best practice’ across the other regions and apply synergy where appropriate Manage execution and account management of team for assigned marketing partnerships with retail accounts; includes in-store marketing, promotions, sweepstakes, out-of-home, print, online/mobile content, packaging, premiums, etc. Develop, maintain, and drive relationships across marketing and buyers in conjunction with category teams to drive product placement and sell through Build relationships and develop retail marketing programs with key retail accounts across Hardlines, F&L & FBC categories in line with brand guidelines and individual retailer expectations - events, digital, print, radio, TV, cinema, social, trading banners, POS etc Proactively conceptualize and develop cross promotions with other Universal divisions Sharing of best practice with Franchise and Retail & Marketing teams in US to ensure creative is consistent and on brand Remain competitively aware of competitors’ retail programs & share best practices/results Managing the retail, franchise and trade marketing budget ensuring all activity drives ROI Approve all marketing submissions from licensees, agencies or retailers Provide comprehensive marketing program recaps and post analysis including measurable results, ROI, and how we compare to competitive programs and maintain examples of best in class programs to help drive the planning process Regular attendance of trade shows and social industry functions where applicable – e.g London Toy Fair, Brand Licensing Europe