Manager Corporate Development

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Team:

The Global Licensing & Entertainment Partnerships Group defines and drives Mattel's key strategic initiatives in high-impact areas such as in-licensing acquisitions, strategic partnerships, new business model explorations and emerging markets expansion. The group partners with executive management at both the corporate and divisional level, leading high-profile cross-functional teams as we expand our rented brand portfolio and coordinate the global commercial execution of our licensed properties.

The Opportunity: 

Mattel, Inc. is seeking a Manager of Corporate Development & License Acquisitions to join the Global Licensing & Entertainment Partnerships team based at our global headquarters in El Segundo, CA. This person will work both externally with our Licensor partners and internally with our Global Brands Team to identify strategic opportunities to source licensed properties across our toy category portfolio; as well as source and evaluate new business opportunities (including IP, brands, category, etc.) and assist in deal structuring, negotiation, and financial evaluation of such opportunities. This role will provide the opportunity to work with cross-functional teams (inclusive of Marketing, Finance, Legal, and Commercial) in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Reports into the Director of Corporate Development. 

What Your Impact Will Be: 

Corporate Development

• Work with partnership teams to create opportunities and validate strategic rationale and financial propositions with a primary focus on our Fisher-Price division in the infant/preschool category
• Provide quantitative, qualitative, and analytical support for deal evaluation 
• Build valuation models
• Identify risks and opportunities to long range strategies and develop mitigation strategies
• Engage and support teams across a range of offices to understand business proposals and reconcile gaps with standard deal structure.
• Deal negotiation and documentation
• Mobilize internal resources across multiple teams to validate partnership rationale and proposed deal terms 
• Develop innovative deal structures to address partnership sensitivities while protecting Mattel short and long-term interests
• Prepare materials for discussion and approvals at the executive management level, as appropriate

License Acquisition

• Own and manage Licensor relationship; ongoing relationship management, including issue resolution, and forecasts
• Vet and evaluate new opportunities with Global Brands Team
• Debrief Corporate Development team on upcoming opportunities in prep for DPD draft and negotiations, or when relevant conversations with Licensor happen; support contract negotiations when necessary
• Attend Tradeshows, Summits, Meetings with Licensors

What We’re Looking For:

• At least 3-5 years of experience in in-house strategic/business development, strategy consulting, private equity, and/or investment banking role; preferably within the toy/entertainment industry
• BA/BS in a relevant analytic-oriented field
• Strong financial analysis and modeling background
• Impeccable project management and organizational skills, with proven ability to deliver measurable results in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, leadership, and communications skills
• Strong client relationship ability
• Pulse on pop culture and entertainment
• A high degree of curiosity around business processes, translating strategy to execution and a passion for continuous improvement
• Strong Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills and familiarity in/with Tableau

Preferred Requirements:

• MBA from top-tier program
• Licensing experience a plus
• Experience with theatrical, television, and/or mobile/video game production, publishing and/or distribution, a plus
• Passion for toys, gaming, kids/family entertainment and/or early childhood learning & development

Key Characteristics:

• Must be a strong leader, able to lead cross functional teams and meetings with stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Problem solver and intellectually curious
• Self-starter/able to get things done in an entrepreneurial fashion
• Ability to turn analysis into actionable objectives and act with passion and perseverance to achieve desired outcomes
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy