Partnership Strategy Manager - Lifestyle Consumer Products

As one of the world’s top award-winning 100 licensors, The Smiley Company works with over 260 licensees and best-in-class retail partners globally, to launch the iconic Smiley brands across fashion, home and entertainment sectors. We are a collective of fun-loving people with a passion for creating and storytelling. As part of our commitment to diversity, we cultivate a workplace of learning and inclusiveness. For nearly 50 years, Smiley has shaped the way, sharing optimism and happiness, expressing itself through iconic and creative products. Today, Smiley has become more than just an icon, Smiley is a brand and a lifestyle, reminding people just how powerful a smile can be.

Sitting alongside the Fashion Division, the Lifestyle Consumer Products Division covers a vast array of product categories, from Food & Beverage to Health & Beauty and even Home & Gift. Join our dynamic team as a Partnership Strategy Manager, pivotal in overseeing global licensees.

We seek a highly adaptable and proactive individual capable of managing a fast-paced workload and excelling at multitasking. A passion for strategy and analytics based work is crucial. Key responsibilities include developing both short-term and long-term business strategies, managing complex budgets, and driving business growth.

We are a small, dedicated team doing big things - positivity, agility and adaptability are critical for this fast-paced role.

Responsibilities:

• Development of both business level and partner level strategy, identifying joint objectives with internal stakeholders and external partners to build business plans and maximise mutual growth.
• Yearly and quarterly forecast budgeting ownership. Analysing complicated data and partner feedback to form commercial financial plans.
• Maintain complex, international partner relationships, understand their goals and assess ongoing needs for additional services to drive growth.
• Product Development on a strategic level; size of ranging, pricing analysis/architecture, retail buy in support.
• Support sales team in target partner research, collating analysis for decision making and pitch deck development.
• Support marketing team in campaign strategy and execution, using partner plans and business direction to develop commercial activations. Propose weighted marketing budget prioritisation in alignment with the opportunity.
• Liaise with the Finance team to support key business initiatives as well as partner requirements. Work closely to analyse and build reports for lessons learnt.
• Line management responsibility for Product Manager, ensuring brand goals and guidelines are upheld through delivery of high levels of partner communication and service.
• Work closely with the Legal team on contract negotiation, maintenance and analysis for new deals as well as the renewal of existing contracts.

Requirements:

• Demonstrates strong organisational skills, effectively manages time and tasks independently, is a collaborative team member, and excels in a team environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with an analytical and business-savvy mind is essential.
• Proven ability to understand market trends, analyse data, and make informed decisions that drive business growth.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing successful partnership strategies that align with overall company objectives.
• Highly skilled in identifying potential partnership opportunities and gaps, negotiating agreements, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Adept at creating and presenting compelling business cases, forecasts, and reports to senior management.
• Exceptional understanding of financial principles and the ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Keen insight into competitive landscapes and the ability to adapt strategies to maintain a competitive advantage.
• This is a global role, so languages are an added advantage.
• 10 years in partner relationship management role,

Benefits include:

• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Pension scheme
• Perkbox and Vitality health insurance after successful completion of probationary period