DESCRIPTION

Please apply directly to Sanrio for this role.

The Retail Business Development team at Sanrio, Inc. is responsible for driving everyday placement and building unique programs at retailers for all character properties. We develop cross-category retail programs that include all lines of business such as Apparel, Accessories, Beauty, Home Goods, Toys, Collectibles, Food & Beverage and Tech categories. Our strategic planning helps drive product placement, marketing, engagement, and sales. Retail Business Development liaises with all departments within the Sanrio ecosystem.

We are searching for a dynamic Retail Business Development Associate who has personality plus, is polished and professional. Essential attributes for this role include:

• A passion for product, entertainment, trends, fashion, and culture
• Entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to contribute sharp insight and creative ideas to build programs
• Capable of captivating an audience with the creation and expert delivery of exciting PowerPoint presentations
• A keen eye for detail and project management expertise that will help drive business

Success in these areas will help us deliver on our mission by working alongside the Head of Retail Business Development in creating, pitching, executing, and building out programs. The position will primarily focus on providing administrative and sales support for the Retail Business Development team, also serving as the key liaison with retailers/vendors/partners.

If these attributes sound like you, AND you are ready to hit the ground running to make an impact from day one, then please read on to discover more about this opportunity. Interested, qualified candidates, please apply. We are excited to meet you!

Essential Functions:

• Build and manage relationships, field requests, and keep key retailers informed
• Field requests from and provide updates to all the key internal teams on an ongoing basis
• Build and lead all team documents and calendars. Placement grids, program tracking documents, end-of-year placement summary
• Work with marketing for approval and promotion of retail marketing elements, including instore and online promotions tracking
• Routinely follow up on requests with retailers and business partners on various requests, including business updates, quarterly forecasts and program initiatives
• Compile and update retail/licensee lists for internal reference
• Provide administrative support to Head of Retail to assist with sales prospecting, pitches, preparation of sales materials, presentations / decks and ad-hoc reports/requests
• Work with Head of Retail, licensing partners, and retailers to pitch and sell in cross-category retail programs
• Contribute to new business development recruitment: Blue sky ideation, incremental business opportunities, and character-specific programs as told by Japan
• Opportunity identification, trend research, and overall market analysis
• Assist with planning and coordinating meetings, trade shows, and retail activations
• Support Retail Business Development by analyzing and interpreting sales data & recommending changes to current sales techniques, or promotional efforts based on market research and new trends
• Constant, timely and consistent communication with licensees to ensure they have the latest retail placement and upcoming program information
• Monitor industry trends (read trade publications, attend trade shows, etc.), competitive franchises and current economic conditions that may affect sales and industry competitiveness. Communicates trend information to Sanrio, Inc. internal team
• Visits stores on a monthly basis – reports observations, opportunities and competitive landscape
• Attendance of trade shows and social industry functions where applicable
• Perform other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

• BA (Business Administration, Marketing & International Business or related field preferred)
• 2+ years' experience in a Consumer Product environment with some sales and/or marketing experience
• Proficient in Excel, MS-Office, PowerPoint/Keynote, Outlook
• Basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator a plus
• Strong organization and prioritization skills, attention to detail and analytical skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must be solution-minded and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, managing several projects at once
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently and proceed with objectives without supervision
• A team player and able to be flexible and take direction
• Enthusiasm for the Sanrio brand and characters

*This is a hybrid position with 2 days per week spent in our Torrance office. Candidates must be located in Southern California.

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