Category Manager, Licensing - Hardlines

The North America Licensed Consumer Products (LCP) team is seeking a strategic and results-driven Category Manager to lead and grow key Hardlines/Toy categories across the Hasbro portfolio. This role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies, managing fully out-licensed partnerships, and delivering financial targets aligned to brand and business objectives.

The Category Manager owns the day-to-day management of assigned categories and licensees while partnering cross-functionally to bring innovative, trend-right products to market and maximize long-term brand value.

A Day in the Life as a Category Manager, Licensing:

Category Strategy & Partner Management

• Develop and execute category strategies for assigned Hardlines categories across the Hasbro brand portfolio.
• Identify whitespace opportunities, emerging trends, and credible partners to drive category growth and expansion.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the North American merchandise licensing landscape, including retail dynamics, consumer insights, and competitive trends.
• Own day-to-day relationships with licensees, serving as the primary point of contact across line planning, product development, approvals, and go-to-market execution.
• Review, analyze, and support negotiation of business terms and contracts in partnership with Legal and Finance.
• Proactively identify risks, challenges, and performance gaps, and work with partners to implement solutions.

Financial Planning & Performance

• Support annual budgeting, long-range planning, and quarterly forecasting for assigned categories.
• Deliver financial targets aligned to brand and category objectives, with accountability for revenue and royalty performance.
• Track and analyze category and licensee performance to inform business decisions and optimize the portfolio.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Brand, Creative, Retail, Sales, Legal, and Operations teams to ensure cohesive execution of category strategies.
• Support creative direction and product innovation, leveraging manufacturing knowledge and trend insights to elevate product quality and relevance.
• Collaborate with Sales and Retail teams on promotional programs, retail marketing initiatives, and key customer moments.

What You'll Bring:

• 6 years' experience in merchandise licensing, consumer products, and category management; Hardlines/Toy experience preferred.
• Strong business and financial acumen, with experience supporting budgets, forecasts, and performance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple licensees and priorities in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-management skills.
• Collaborative, inclusive team player with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.