Senior Licensing Manager, Toys＆Hardlines, Japan

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 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/

Job Description

JOB OVERVIEW

The Senior Licensing Manager, Toys & Hardlines is responsible for leading a business growth in the Japan Hardlines category that leverages the richness of NBCUniversal’s entertainment content (past & present) to build a sustainable business that achieves annual revenue targets. The successful candidate will be responsible for building short and long term growth strategy in Hardlines category by approaching the best licensees in Japan and Global, also by partnering with the best retail, driving innovative and quality product ranges, providing Japan specific input into Global deals, accurate quarterly forecasting and promoting retail sell-in of ranges, leveraging Japanese licensee to contribute Global business growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Category and licensee management:

• Manage the Japan Hardlines category team (reporting to the Director, Hardlines Category Japan)

• Identify licensing opportunities across the category and fill market gaps, considering age groups, segments, markets, channels, and franchises

• Lead contract negotiations with key licensees, analyze and evaluate business plans, and conduct brand management to ensure contractual obligations are met throughout the agreement term

• Be accountable for the day-to-day management of both domestic and global licensees, including conducting business reviews

• Identify opportunities where DTR (Direct to Retail), pop-up, or other business models can enhance the business, and negotiate/manage terms in coordination with the Design Manager

• Partner with the Japan creative team to drive quality and innovation in product development, ensuring commercial viability in Japan and alignment with retailer needs

• Ensure timely product approvals in line with industry requirements

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, competitive landscape, business opportunities, risks, and market dynamics for the category and key licensees

• Develop strategy and make presentations to licensees and partners

Brand and Content Management:

• Lead brand marketing initiatives including the development and execution of category plans

• Define and integrate licensees within wider brand and marketing plans

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Has people management experience and skillset whether this be a group or individual

• Understanding of brand and property positioning, retail business development function, retail distribution and the retail environment.

• Comprehensive knowledge of licensees' production and creative capabilities/limitations

• Flexible/ability to adjust to changing business environment

• Relationship builder

• Solid communication & presentation skills

• Sales and negotiation skills

• Team Player

• Professional working proficiency of Japanese and English

• Travel is required (Both International and Domestic)

Desired Characteristics:

• Driven, passionate and highly motivated

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Enjoys entertainment whether this be toys, digital gaming or contents

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].