JOB SUMMARY:

The Sr. Manager, Merchandise Licensing is responsible for overseeing Location Based Entertainment (LBE) branded merchandise across the full portfolio of branded LBE locations including hotels/resorts, theme parks, attractions, licensed exhibitions, live stage tours, and other new ventures. This individual will develop, in collaboration with partners, a merchandise strategy inclusive of product assortment, IP mix and pricing. They will ensure that each project is connected and aligned with an overall LBE merchandise strategy that reflects UDX brand priorities and will monitor sales performance and trends to make recommendations to improve overall performance to increase LBE merchandise revenue. The role also manages LBE merchandise licensing partnerships and collaborates cross-functionally with Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E), Franchise, Legal, and external licensing partners to maintain brand integrity and operational excellence. This position will report into the LBE team with a dotted-line reporting to (UP&E) to ensure alignment with Consumer Products (CP) and leverage licenses relationships when appropriate/applicable.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Merchandise Strategy & Planning
  • Develop LBE retail and merchandise strategies by segment or portfolio cluster and create partner-facing presentations to support alignment.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to drive revenue growth and enhance merchandise program performance.
  • Identify consumer trends, market opportunities, and strategic initiatives to support merchandise growth across LBE locations.
  • Source and manage preferred vendors to support merchandise initiatives and product development.
  • Work with partners to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with UDX brand priorities and business objectives.
  • Ensure merchandise strategies reflect appropriate IP mix, assortment planning, and pricing architecture aligned with brand positioning.
• Performance Management & Reporting
  • Review quarterly merchandise performance, provide insights, and recommend actions to improve program performance and profitability. Track and audit royalty and financial reports, including per cap metrics and line performance.
  • Provide regular performance updates and insights to senior leadership.
  • Maintain ongoing communication with the LBE team through quarterly sales tracking and annual performance reporting. Conduct annual merchandise line reviews to evaluate prior-year results and inform future merchandise strategies.
  • Monitor sales trends across the LBE portfolio to identify opportunities to improve assortment performance and revenue growth.
• Product Development & Approvals
  • Oversee global custom merchandise submissions and ensure partners and vendors have access to required creative assets.
  • Manage all stages of product development, including concept approval, product design, sample review, safety compliance, and final product approval.
  • Ensure merchandise development aligns with Universal brand standards, approved creative guidelines, and licensing requirements.
  • Provide timely feedback on merchandise submissions and monitor progress against established development timelines and key milestones.
• Retail Execution & Partner Support
  • Serve as retail merchandising advisor to LBE partners, providing guidance on store layout, product assortment, and branded retail execution.
  • Conduct annual onsite inspections of major retail operations to ensure brand standards and merchandising strategies are properly executed.
  • Facilitate placement of UP&E merchandise within LBE attractions and retail locations. Share ongoing UP&E initiatives, product launches, and retail updates with partners to support alignment and maximize merchandise opportunities.
  • Provide strategic guidance to partners on optimizing retail environments to enhance guest engagement and merchandise sales.
• Licensing & Compliance
  • Provide contractual oversight to ensure adherence to licensing agreements in partnership with Legal and Business Affairs.
  • Maintain strong relationships with global licensing partners to ensure consistency with international licensing standards and practices.
  • Coordinate with Account Managers to support execution of licensed merchandise strategies across LBE distribution channels.
  • Partner with UP&E teams to align licensed product distribution through LBE licensee networks.
  • Ensure licensed merchandise programs are executed in alignment with UP&E licensing frameworks and brand governance standards.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is required.

EXPERIENCE:

• 7+ years of experience in merchandising, retail, or project management is required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Demonstrates strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record of supporting licensee merchandise product development approval processes and related tools, including MediaBox, in accordance with milestone timelines and under tight deadlines.
• Strong business acumen. Keen focus on P&L levers, resourceful and creative in achieving financial metrics.
• Excellent understanding of maintaining brand and property positioning, licensing, and partner management.
• Exceptional communications, organizational and project management skills with strong ability to collaborate across the business.
• Preferably possesses prior experience working with creative partners, licensed intellectual property (IP) within the entertainment industry.
• Experience in comparable industries is a plus.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Consistent attendance is a job requirement.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

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