📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Brand Manager
🔹 Company: Crunchyroll, LLC
🔹 Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (2 days on-site)
🔹 Category: Entertainment
🔹 Date Posted: July 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Los Angeles)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving marketing collaborations with brands and licensors
- Overseeing brand likeness exploitation and approvals
- Compiling viewership data and reporting metrics for content partners
- Supporting the Brand Management team with administrative tasks
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong partnership management skills and an understanding of Japanese business culture. Familiarity with content delivery software and CMS backend systems is a plus.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Know assigned brands thoroughly to ensure strong marketing collaborations
✅ Serve as the key point of contact for licensors, providing periodic updates and coordinating approvals
✅ Oversee the exploitation and use of brand likeness by coordinating internal and external approvals
✅ Coordinate marketing promotions for respective licensors and their associated talent at events/conventions
✅ Pull and compile viewership data and other reporting metrics for content partners
✅ Support the Brand Management team with various administrative and operational tasks
ASSUMPTION: This role involves working closely with licensors, internal teams, and external partners. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: 2+ years of work experience, including 1+ years in partnership management and cross-functional department experience
Required Skills:
- Strong time management skills
- Understanding of Japanese business culture
- Problem-solving skills
- Proficient in Mac or PC
- Experience using content delivery software (Aspera, SFTP) and CMS backend systems (a plus)
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in Japanese
- Experience working with Japanese-speaking partners
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English is likely required for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $69,000 - $80,000 USD per year
Benefits:
- Performance bonus earning potential
- Flexible time off policies
- Generous medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, and life insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) program
- Health care and dependent care FSA
- 401(k) plan, with employer match
- Employer-paid commuter benefit
- Support program for new parents
- Pet insurance
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the Los Angeles area.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Entertainment, specifically anime and manga streaming
Company Size: Medium (501-1,000 employees)
Founded: 2006 (as a joint venture between US-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex)
Company Description:
- Crunchyroll connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories with the content and experiences they love
- Offers free ad-supported and subscription premium content, as well as events, theatrical releases, games, consumer products, collectibles, and manga publishing
- Available on over 15 platforms, including all gaming consoles
Company Specialties:
- Media
- Technology
- Video streaming
- Subscription services
Company Website: Crunchyroll
ASSUMPTION: Crunchyroll is a well-established company in the anime and manga streaming industry, with a strong focus on connecting with its global fanbase.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Brand Manager
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days on-site in Los Angeles)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential career progression within the Brand Management team or related departments
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and events
- Chance to develop skills in partnership management, cross-functional collaboration, and brand strategy
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (2 days on-site)
Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California
Geographic Context:
- Los Angeles is a major entertainment hub, with a vibrant anime and manga fan community
- The office is located in a bustling urban area with numerous amenities and public transportation options
- The city offers a diverse range of cultural experiences and attractions
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, fostering a flexible and inclusive work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the Brand Management team
- Final interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Understanding of Japanese business culture and partnership management skills
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Problem-solving abilities and adaptability
- Communication and collaboration skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience in partnership management and cross-functional collaboration
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences related to the key responsibilities and required qualifications
- Prepare examples of successful marketing collaborations or brand management projects
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Partnership Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Time Management, Japanese Business Culture, Problem Solving, Content Delivery Software, CMS Backend Systems, Japanese Language Proficiency
ASSUMPTION: Crunchyroll uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes, so including relevant keywords will increase the visibility of your application.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content delivery software (Aspera, SFTP)
- CMS backend systems
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is beneficial for this role, but specific proficiency may not be required.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Courage
- Curiosity
- Kaizen (continuous improvement)
- Service
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Data-driven and analytical
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I have strong time management skills and the ability to manage my deliverables without intervention?
- Am I comfortable working with partners from different cultural backgrounds, particularly Japanese business culture?
- Do I have a growth mindset and a willingness to take on new challenges and solve tasks outside of my comfort zone?
ASSUMPTION: Crunchyroll values employees who embody their core values and are a good cultural fit for the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple brands and licensors simultaneously
- Balancing the needs and expectations of licensors with internal teams and external partners
- Adapting to changes in brand strategy or exploitation plans
- Working with tight deadlines and competing priorities
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Brand Manager vs. Associate Brand Manager: Brand Manager roles typically involve more strategic decision-making and team leadership, while Associate Brand Manager roles focus on day-to-day execution and support
- Industry-specific context: The anime and manga streaming industry is competitive and rapidly evolving, requiring brands and licensors to adapt and innovate
- Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for career progression within the Brand Management team or related departments, such as Marketing, Communications, or Business Development
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between similar roles and the industry-specific context can help applicants tailor their applications and prepare for interviews.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a marketing campaign for a new anime series launch
- Coordinating a brand licensing event or convention booth
- Analyzing viewership data and trends to inform brand strategy and marketing efforts
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives an Associate Brand Manager might undertake in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Brand Management department?
- How does Crunchyroll support the growth and development of its employees in this role?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working with Japanese licensors, and how can I best prepare to address them?
- How does Crunchyroll measure the success of its brand collaborations and marketing efforts?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and career advancement within the Brand Management team or related departments?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the work environment and company culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare examples of successful marketing collaborations or brand management projects
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
