National Account Manager, Alt Channels

CA EMPLOYEE PRIVACY RIGHTS: https://www.mgae.com/ca-employee-privacy-rights

MGA Entertainment is on a mission to inspire imagination and creativity through innovative toys, entertainment, and experiences that transform play into limitless possibilities. As the largest privately held toy and entertainment company in the U.S., MGA is a global leader in designing and delivering world-class consumer products that spark wonder and drive play forward. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices worldwide, MGA’s portfolio spans a dynamic range of original and licensed brands — from toys, dolls, games, and electronics to fashion, home décor, and entertainment content including hit movies and TV series. The company is recognized for its bold approach to storytelling, trendsetting design, and deep commitment to quality. The award-winning MGA family includes fan-favorite brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!™, Little Tikes®, Rainbow High™, Bratz®, MGA’s Miniverse™, Yummiland™, CarTuned™, Wonder Factory™, BABY born®, and Zapf Creation®.  To learn more, visit www.mgae.com and follow MGA on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. 

Mission:    Maximize sales, profitability and promotional activity within corporate margin expectations.

Key Area and Results    Time Utilization

1.    Account Management & Development    30%

2.    Collaborative Forecasting/Planning    30%

3.    Analysis (POS, Competition, Adjacent Opportunities)    30%

4.    Communication    10%

TOTAL TIME UTILIZATION    100%

Alternative Channels

-    All retail distribution in USA except Walmart, Target & Amazon.

Position Requirements

Education/Experience:

-    7+ years or more of sales management/sales experience within the toy industry.

-    Superior relationships with retailer management, buyers, marketing managers, replenishment & planning personnel.

-    A proven track record of building sales and profitability in a competitive business environment.

-    Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Marketing is required. (Master’s Degree preferred).

Skills/Knowledge/Ability:

-    Possess elevated financial acumen - Margin/Forecast Planning/ Budget Management.

-    Excellent strategic and disciplined planning skills.

-    Well-developed sales, people, communication, administration, sales policy, planning and leadership skills.

-    Ability to think on your feet and contingency plan.

-    Formal knowledge customers’ communicative/administrative/planning tools 

-    Complete knowledge of FOB Import and Domestic shipping procedures.

-    Exceptional computer skills (Microsoft office – Excel, Word, PPT, Teams).

-    Ability to travel, roughly 2X quarterly or as needed to meet with Customers

Key Result Areas and Activities

1.         Account Management & Development

-        Create rapport with the retailer’s entire buying team, including all executives, buyers, planners, and replenishment team.  

-        Work with buying teams to understand their needs, performance metrics, time tables, etc.

-        Respond or acknowledge all customer requests in timely manner.

-        Be the expert on the products, categories, and competition in and outside your areas of responsibilities.

-        Manage day to day service issues between marketing, product, customer marketing, and retailer buying teams.

2.        Collaborative Forecasting/Planning

-        Establish and present timelines for line reviews, item conformation time lines, "set" and other relevant dates.

-        A bottom-up (item level) forecasts must be built in adherence to Global Forecast time line.  

-        Collaborative base-line and promotional forecast must be executed with all buyers. 

-        Seasonal Business Plans for each buyer (per category/brand) will be created. Elements of this plan will consist of the following:  SAP Plan, confirmed promotional activities (ads, end caps, shelf space, other feature space, catalog, POP Signage etc.). 

-        Review Business Plans (SAP/Promotional Plan/Forecasts) with each buyer on a monthly basis.  Adjust and communicate all adjustments to Head of Alt Channel Sales Team Leader/Marketing/and Supply Chain.

3.        Analysis (POS, Competition, Opportunities)

-        Must analyze POS data on a weekly basis.  Look for trends, planned promotional lifts and outcomes, competitive challenges, etc.  -  and incorporate details with each buyer in the same Monthly Business Plan meeting.

-        Be in front of “Early Reads” - anticipating challenges to first of season POS.  

4.        Communication/Meetings

-        Provide weekly updates by Buyer - State of business/New initiatives, placement/promotional updates etc. to Head of Alt Channel Sales.

-        Follow through recaps of buyer meetings (in season and placement feedback/conformation).

-        Monthly retail stores checks to review MGA product placement & competitive landscape 

-        Will participate in all National Sales and Show meetings/events.

-        Post Line Show Meeting:  Provide detailed responses to product offerings to Head of Alt Channel Sales Team Leader.

5.          Prospect & Open New Customers

-    Expand Toy distribution by opening new customers and increasing POD’s

-    Prospect new channels outside of traditional Toy retailers to secure new customers ie: Home Depot, Lowes, Auto Zone

Salary: 

$120,000.00 - $160,000.00