Category Manager, Licensing - Hardlines

We take play seriously. We’re looking for curious adventurers ready to find their party, fueled by imagination and drive to build what’s never been built before. At Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast, you’ll collaborate with passionate teams to reimagine our iconic brands and create experiences that spark joy, connection, and community through the magic of play. This is your chance to shape legendary play that lasts a lifetime.

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.

The pay transparency range for this role is listed below. The hiring range will vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location and market conditions. Additionally, employees may be eligible for annual and long-term incentives as part of their overall compensation package.

Pay Range

$124,800 — $187,300 USD

Employees may be eligible for annual and long-term incentives as part of their overall compensation package, depending on role, location, and eligibility. Benefits and programs may include:

Health & Wellness

Time Off to Recharge

Financial Well-being

Life & Family Support

Volunteer and Community Initiatives

Learning & Development

Exclusive Perks

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