Publishing Manager EMEA

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly strategic, results-driven Publishing Manager to lead and expand the publishing business within the Franchise - Consumer Products division at Mattel EMEA. This pivotal role will champion the growth of publishing opportunities across our world-renowned portfolio of brands—including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, Fireman Sam, and more—across the EMEA region.

The position plays a key role in shaping the EMEA Publishing business strategy, with direct responsibility for managing publishing partnerships across the region.

Key Responsibilities: 

Reporting to the Head of Consumer Products, Publishing & Location-Based Entertainment (LBE), EMEA, the successful candidate will play a key role in driving business development, overseeing licensee relationships, and guiding end-to-end execution—from initial pitch through to creative development and go-to-market activation.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Lead the Publishing business across EMEA, with full accountability for commercial growth, strategic planning, and operational execution.
• Define and implement the EMEA Publishing strategy across all formats—including magazines, partworks, books, audiobooks, and digital content—across Mattel’s brand portfolio.
• Manage and mentor a regional team (currently two direct reports), fostering high performance and professional development.
• Lead all aspects of partner engagement: identify and pitch to potential licensees, negotiate and finalize contracts, and coordinate creative approvals in partnership with Mattel’s global creative teams.
• Develop and roll out the Mattel Press catalogue within EMEA in alignment with global publishing strategies.
• Represent Mattel at key industry events, including the Bologna Book Fair, ensuring brand visibility and alignment with global priorities.
• Collaborate closely with regional and local Consumer Products (CP) and Franchise Marketing teams to ensure successful licensee activation in local markets.
• Partner with internal marketing and communication teams to build impactful promotion strategies for publishing partners.
• Monitor the performance of high-revenue projects, sharing insights and best practices to optimize regional success.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree required (BA/BS); advanced degree a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in publishing or within relevant industries such as fashion, entertainment, toys, or consumer products.
• Proven track record of successfully managing publishing partnerships and launching high-impact content programs.
• Strong commercial instincts with experience managing multi-million-euro initiatives and complex negotiations.
• Minimum 2 years of experience leading teams, with demonstrated ability to inspire and develop talent.
• Deep understanding of the publishing ecosystem and evolving media consumption trends.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential; additional European languages are a plus.
• Highly proactive, self-starter mindset with the ability to drive initiatives independently.

Skills

• Strategic Leadership – Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long-term strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Entrepreneurial Drive – Proactive, results-oriented mindset with a strong bias toward action and innovation.
• Collaborative Mindset – Strong interpersonal and team-building skills to work cross-functionally across a global matrix organization.
• Exceptional Communication – Excellent presentation and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Operational Excellence – Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Emotional Intelligence – High level of self-awareness, adaptability, and relationship management.
• Problem-Solving – Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to develop practical, creative solutions to business challenges.

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process, and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.