Brand Manager

SUMMARYOverview of the position

Combine your passion for entertainment/pop culture with a fast-paced job in the collectibles industry. The Brand Manager role is ideal for a detail-oriented, self-motivated individual with passion and experience in the entertainment sector who strives to work as a centerpiece in building collectibles of some of the most recognizable properties in entertainment. The Brand Manager will be responsible for developing, integrating, and executing Upper Deck business and brand strategies, while heavily relied on managing specific trading card products, working closely with sales and marketing teams as well as a multitude of departments delivering innovative, authentic products to the end consumer. In sum, this position encompasses development and implementation of business plans, product line profitability analysis, evaluation of product marketplace and evaluation of new product opportunities in the collectibles space.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this job. Other duties may be assigned.

• Product Strategy: Implements business objectives in conjunction with supervisor, managing the process of Brand and Product team. Works closely with Product Development team in executing the full production of trading card products. Work closely with supervisor to identify products needed for maximum revenue while minimizing SKU proliferation and COGS.

• Licensed Property Product Portfolio Management: Manages timing and implementation of products associated with the licensor. Manage business relationships with Licensors. Works with licensing team to ensure rights are acquired as needed to maximize product profitability and look to create brand and product presentations for internal and external partners.

• Business Analysis and Planning: Develops short term and long-range plans for specific products and licenses; based on historical analysis, market trends, competition, and Upper Deck trading card product portfolio. Creates business plan, including product concept and design direction aligned with product development team. Responsible for department revenue, P&L management of brand, and looks to manage all brand aspects to ensure department maximizes profitability goals as well as contractual guarantees and forecasts.

• Communication: Looking for a natural leader who can be responsible in ensuring all business product goals get carried out through the production process and successfully launched to completion. Individuals will manage personnel and be a liaison with other departments that are tied to and work closely with Brand. Key role in managing all Brand initiatives, working day to day with product, operations, creative, sales and management teams, incorporating concepts from Brand team to product development team to ensure products being created follow Brand strategy. Interact with consumers, retailers, and distributors to understand market trends and drivers of product purchasing behavior. Will be responsible for keeping the company partners up to date with ranging developments. Recommends, communicates, and manages launch strategies, product calendars, talent signings, product promotions, creative product directions, and all other trading card brand initiatives.

• Product Determination and Selection: Works within Upper Deck trading card department and produces products that are commensurate to strategies specified in licensed product portfolio business plans. conducts research on market trends and takes team-leading role in all aspects of product definition, channel distribution strategy, brand, and marketing direction. Manage relationships with licensors to cultivate business dealings and identify new opportunities for growth and development.

• Marketing and Communications: Provides directions to Marketing/Advertising/Promotions/PR campaigns in line with corporate strategies and initiatives. Attend meetings and Trade Shows to communicate product plans and strategies. Will work closely with marketing and e-commerce team to ensure social media content, release calendars, ads, press releases, and all other department campaigns line up with department Brand initiatives.

INTERACTION

This position will interact closely with the Senior Brand Manager, Product Development Team, Project Manager, Operations, Finance, Sales, Legal, Design, and Senior Management, along with related Company staff members and external licensors.

EDUCATION/YEARS EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in Business, (Marketing preferred), Brand Management, Product Development, or related experience.
• 5+ years’ experience in product marketing or Brand Management with a strong desire to learn.

REQUIREMENTSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Brand management or product management experience
• Knowledge of budgeting, P&Ls, and product profitability analysis. Ability to communicate with Product Management in working on cost-cutting solutions to improve product profitability.
• Strong leadership skills and experience managing cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to apply creative thinking to product themes, content, and business solutions.
• Ability to lead focused meetings.
• Ability to communicate with external parties frequently to discuss brand strategies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Writing creative briefs for advertising, promotions, packaging, and web design for brands
• Motivated and proactive
• Proven ability to multi-task and effectively determine priorities.
• Strong presentation skills
• Motivated, proactive, and organized
• Team player orientation
• Retail and Hobby Sales knowledge a plus
• Interest and knowledge in entertainment and pop culture properties a plus
• Interest and knowledge in comics, especially Marvel a plus
• Ability to interface with internal and external parties.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally on behalf of Upper Deck
• Proficiency in MS Office a plus