Consumer Products Lead

Job Description

As EMEA Consumer Products Lead you will promote development and strategy for the EMEA consumer products business. You will determine distinct and mutually supportive strategies for both licensing and in-house direct-to-consumer businesses. You will oversea the management of licensing agencies, agency selection, licensee relationships and vendor management and oversight of direct-to-player business. You will oversee hardlines and softlines categories and help build all aspects of partner management, new business development, and go-to market strategies while working with Riot's global Consumer Products and Regional teams to ensure strategic alignment. You will report to the Head of Global Consumer Products.

You will report to the Director, Consumer Products, you will be based within the office in Reading, UK.

Responsibilities:

LICENSING:
• Evaluate EMEA licensing business including assigned licensing agent and determine best strategy and approach to expand across key EMEA markets.
• Manage the implementation of strategies for licensed hardlines and softlines categories in EMEA.
• Identify and negotiate deals with category leaders, understanding product and design capabilities, manufacturing and distribution strengths, and pricing models to support key company initiatives.
• Manage the complex Riot ecosystem of esports sponsorship, game co-marketing, and consumer products licensing that support and maximize communication and reach of consumer products and partnership projects.
• Support Licensees and Agents on retail development and promote cross-category initiatives. Foster relationships with buyers / merchandise managers and understand buying calendars and timelines associated with decision making.
• Collaborate with global Licensees to improve businesses in EMEA markets.
• Work with existing partners to ensure they have the resources needed to secure and maintain placement at retail
• Conduct quarterly business and finance reviews with Agents & Licensees to ensure that all business opportunities are being discussed and explored.
• Travel in market and meet Riot, Agent and Licensee local offices to assess gaps and identify opportunities
• Partner with the Finance / Operations teams to ensure royalty reporting and financial payments are received.
• Keep current with industry trends and developments through networking, attending trade shows and other industry functions

DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER:
• Vendor management of our outsourced warehouse facility
• Collaboration with global Direct to Consumer (DTC) business to build product programs to complement the licensing program
• Manage inventory levels including reviews of order quantities and sales

Required Qualifications:
• 10+ years of experience in International licensing, retail and consumer marketing
• 3+ years of people management experience
• Strategic Agency management
• The ability to extend brand management into consumer relevant CP strategies
• Clear knowledge of key licensees by category, manufacturers and retailers, and full supply chain understanding
• Solid relationships with top licensees and global agents across essential territories
• Experience working with the retail trade to develop comprehensive and creative cross-merchandising programs
• Experience establishing strategic partnerships with superior negotiation skills and experience building mutually beneficial partnership
• Experience working within international matrix structure with multiple partners
• Working knowledge of EU competition law

Desired Qualifications:
• Prior experience building consumer products programs for video game IP
• You can travel to US home office and local markets

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and choices that focus on your fellow Rioters, who are the customers of your work. Being a dedicated fan of games is not necessary for this position!
Our Perks:

We offer medical, dental, and vision plans that cover you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children. Life insurance, parental leave, plus short-term and long-term disability coverage are also available. Riot will support your retirement benefits with a company match, and double down on your donations of time and money to non-profit charitable organizations. Balance between work and personal life is encouraged with open paid time off, and a play fund so you can broaden and deepen your personal relationship with games.

Let's Thrive Together:

Because together we are better, we know that fresh, equal and varied perspectives will make us better at what we do, so however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, we're excited to hear from you.

Don't be discouraged if you feel you don't meet every one of the requirements for a particular role, there's always room for growth at Riot. If you spot a role to make you want to jump out of bed in the morning, we are waiting to hear from you! Don't forget to include a resume. We receive many applications, but we'll notice a fun, well-written intro that shows us you Dare to Dream and Execute with Excellence

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rzmomn-3-144-102-239-42 in your application.