Franchise & Retail Marketing Manager, Japan

Company Description
Company Description
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.
About Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E)
At Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E), we transform iconic stories into products and experiences fans can wear, play, collect, and enjoy every day. From the thrilling universe of Jurassic World to the fun of Minions and the timeless magic of Back to the Future, we bring beloved franchises to life far beyond the screen.
UP&E has grown rapidly while keeping the energy, agility, and inventive spirit of a start-up. Our mission is bold yet simple: to take imagination beyond the screen through innovative products, immersive retail, and unforgettable theme park experiences. Partnering with world-class licensees and creators, we deliver toys, fashion, collectibles, games, and lifestyle products across parks, retail, and digital platforms worldwide.
Creativity, technology, and storytelling are at the heart of everything we do. As part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, you'll join a collaborative, inclusive global team where every voice matters - helping us be an employer of choice for top talent and a partner of choice for retailers, licensees, and creators. If you're ready to bring imagination to life and create moments that matter, your adventure starts here.
Join us and help create moments that matter.
https://www.universalproductsexperiences.com/
Job Description
JOB OVERVIEW
The Franchise & Retail Marketing Manager for Japan will have the following job responsibilities:
Franchise Marketing
Activating 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 under the direction of Senior Director, Franchise & Retail Marketing
Digital and Retail Marketing
The development and execution of digital and retail programs in line with Brand guidelines and business objectives with the goal of delivering maximum value at point of sale with our Key Licensees. Digital and retail Marketing will range from BTL activities to sophisticated multi-level retail activation including ATL support.
This role will work as part of the local Consumer Products team, supporting the overall business objectives while also maintaining a strong tie to the Senior Director, Franchise and Retail Marketing. The job may require some travel (domestic and international).
We are open to appointing this role at Manager level or Assistant Manager level, depending on the candidate's experience, capabilities, and overall fit.
(Reference: https://nbcuni.co.jp/goods/ )
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Franchise Marketing:

• Work with Senior Director to develop and execute territory specific franchise marketing activations, to support consumer products while creating awareness for key properties
• Work with the Senior Director to develop cross-divisional support programs (both marketing and PR) with local market theatrical, TV/Digital distribution team, and USJ
• Under the supervision of the Senior Director, managing the brand websites and social
• accounts for the engagement with fans and products promotion while consulting with internal and external stakeholders
• Reviews and ensures brand integrity of all licensee marketing submissions in Japan (TV and other high-profile submissions to be vetted with global marketing team)
• Participate in "train the team" sessions to become experts in property presentations. Familiarize and train the local teams on property presentations
• Work with Senior Director, Franchise & Retail Marketing to localize property presentations and marketing materials for Japan
• Attend top-tier retail and licensee meetings (i.e. master toy partner) in region, as requested to support story beats and sensitive materials
• Plan screenings for licensees and retailers as required in territory
• Manage and develop costume character appearances and retail experience tools in market

Events Marketing:

• Support the Senior Director in overseeing presentation support and coordination of all events in Japan (summits, presence at trade shows, agent trade shows)
• Onsite management of events to ensure partners are providing all elements as outlined in the event contract (venue, A/V, catering, etc.)
• Work with the Senior Director to Conceptualize and organize publicity/consumer events and activities aligned to the business strategy and brand
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure event needs are clearly communicated and correctly coordinated

Retail Marketing:

• Manage relationships and develop retail marketing programs with key retail accounts
• Identify core retail marketing concepts/messages for each Franchise to create differentiation across key accounts
• Coordinate with global marketing teams in US to ensure creative is consistent and on brand
• Proactively conceptualize and develop cross promotions with other Universal divisions on behalf of licensees, retailers and digital partners
• Maintain a catalogue of competitors' retail programs & share best practices/results with broader team
• Stay up to date on retail and marketing trends across the region

Retail Execution:

• Manage execution and account management of assigned marketing partnerships with retail accounts through product lifecycle; includes in-store marketing, promotions, sweepstakes, out-of-home, print, online/mobile content, packaging, premiums, etc
  • Briefing external agencies (when appropriate) in the development of retail marketing concepts
  • Under supervision of the Senior Director, approving ALL retail marketing submissions from licensees, agents or retailers

• Responsible for organizing meetings and film/TV/Property presentations with the retailers and collaborating with the brand group on pitch materials and idea generation

Post Analysis:

• Maintains examples of best-in-class programs to help drive the planning process and close loop

Qualifications
Basic Requirements:

• Proven experience in brand, retail and digital marketing includes creative direction and social media post/account management.
• Excellent presentation skills with the ability to communicate ideas clearly with the ability to communicate ideas clearly.
• Proficiency in English and Japanese (both written and verbal) to communicate with regional and global teams.
• Passion for entertainment contents, characters and their business.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate effectively and consistently with supervisors, colleagues and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing deadlines.
• Creative thinker with a proactive mindset.
• Experience in managing external agencies and vendors.

Desired Characteristics:

• In-depth understanding of the retail industry, including marketing tactics, promotional partnerships, packaged goods, home entertainment, and consumer products.
• Experience in trade marketing, promotions, or packaged goods, with a history of developing large-scale marketing programs.
• Self-starter who is resourceful and takes initiative.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• A practical, solutions-oriented mindset with a good sense of humor.
• Personable, outgoing, and confident in building relationships.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.

Additional Information
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.
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].