Franchise & Retail Marketing Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Franchise & Retail Marketing Manager

🔹 Company: NBCUniversal

🔹 Location: Tokyo, Tōkyō, Japan

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Activating global franchise strategies at a market level
• Managing events such as tradeshows and consumer-facing events
• Developing and executing digital and retail programs
• Collaborating with various stakeholders across different business units
• Building and maintaining consumer relevance of our most important brands

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of both global franchise strategies and local market dynamics to ensure relevance and success.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Franchise Marketing: Develop and execute territory-specific franchise marketing activations, cross-divisional support programs, brand website and SNS management, brand integrity reviews, property presentations, and retail/licensee meetings.

✅ Events Marketing: Support and coordinate events in Japan, conceptualize and organize events, manage invitations and RSVPs, collaborate with stakeholders, and manage on-site event logistics.

✅ Retail Marketing: Manage relationships with key retail accounts, develop retail marketing programs, maintain competitor catalogs, stay updated on retail trends, and proactively conceptualize cross-promotions.

✅ Retail Planning & Execution: Identify core retail marketing concepts, coordinate with global marketing teams, create sales and marketing materials, and manage retail marketing submissions.

✅ Post Analysis: Maintain examples of best-in-class programs to drive the planning process and close the loop.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in brand marketing, retail/digital/trade marketing, promotions, or packaged goods

Required Skills:

• Excellent presentation skills
• Comprehensive experience with retail/digital/trade marketing, promotions, or packaged goods
• Deep knowledge of retail business, including retail marketing tactics, promotional partners/packaged goods, home entertainment, and consumer products
• Experience in digital marketing, including creative direction, SNS post/account management, and EC site management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with supervisor, colleagues, and cross-divisional stakeholders
• Strong English skills (written and verbal)

Preferred Skills:

• Proven record of working cross-functionally with colleagues
• Ability to identify key priorities within a heavy workload and execute on them
• Strong interest in entertainment contents/characters and their business
• Intellectually strong and creative thinker
• Sense of humor and practical attitude
• Personable and outgoing personality
• Proactive and resourceful
• Agency management

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the entertainment industry or working with entertainment brands may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a mid-senior level marketing role in Tokyo, the estimated salary range is ¥8,000,000 - ¥12,000,000 per year. This is an estimate and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Employee discounts on NBCUniversal products and services
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard Japanese business hours (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday - Friday) and occasional overtime as needed.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: NBCUniversal is a leading media and entertainment company, creating and distributing world-class content across various platforms and bringing it to life through theme parks and consumer experiences.

Company Size: NBCUniversal is a large company with over 10,000 employees globally, offering a wide range of opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: NBCUniversal was founded in 2004 through the acquisition of Universal Studios by General Electric's NBC unit. It became a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation in 2011.

Company Description:

• NBCUniversal creates and distributes content across its portfolio of film, television, and streaming services, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock.
• The company produces and distributes premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and operates world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences.
• NBCUniversal is committed to improving communities and ensuring its employees have the opportunity to serve their communities through various initiatives and programs.

Company Specialties:

• Content creation and distribution
• Theme parks and consumer experiences
• News and entertainment programming
• Brand management and licensing

Company Website: NBCUniversal.com

ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal's diverse portfolio of brands and businesses offers a wide range of career opportunities for marketing professionals.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-senior level, requiring a significant amount of experience and expertise in marketing, particularly in brand marketing, retail marketing, and digital marketing.

Reporting Structure: The Franchise & Retail Marketing Manager will report directly to the Senior Director, Franchise & Retail Marketing and work closely with various stakeholders across different business units.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role based in Tokyo, Japan, with occasional domestic and international travel required.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior or director-level role within the marketing department
• Expansion into other business units or regions within NBCUniversal
• Development of leadership and management skills through mentorship and training programs

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their skills and advance their career within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: NBCUniversal's Tokyo office is a modern, collaborative workspace with a casual dress code and a focus on work-life balance.

Office Location(s): Atago Green Hills Mori Tower, 2-5-1 Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Geographic Context:

• Tokyo is the capital and largest city of Japan, with a population of over 13 million people
• The city is known for its bustling neighborhoods, historic temples and shrines, and vibrant entertainment scene
• Tokyo is a major hub for the global entertainment industry, with numerous production studios, film festivals, and music events

Work Schedule: Standard Japanese business hours (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday - Friday) with occasional overtime as needed.

ASSUMPTION: Tokyo offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culture, providing a stimulating work environment for marketing professionals.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final round interview with senior leadership
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Marketing and brand strategy expertise
• Retail and digital marketing experience
• Presentation and communication skills
• Collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with NBCUniversal's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and skills
• Provide specific examples of your achievements in brand marketing, retail marketing, and digital marketing
• Demonstrate your understanding of the entertainment industry and NBCUniversal's portfolio of brands
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to showcase your interest in the role and the company

ATS Keywords: Brand Marketing, Retail Marketing, Digital Marketing, Franchise Marketing, Event Management, Stakeholder Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Entertainment Industry, NBCUniversal

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's marketing expertise, communication skills, and cultural fit with NBCUniversal.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's experience and the needs of the team.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Respect and inclusion
• Integrity and accountability
• Creativity and innovation
• Excellence in all we do
• Collaboration and teamwork

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
• Focus on results and delivery
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Friendly and supportive work culture

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with NBCUniversal's core values, particularly in the context of this role?
• How do you approach working with diverse stakeholders and managing multiple projects simultaneously?
• How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in marketing, particularly in brand marketing, retail marketing, and digital marketing?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong understanding of NBCUniversal's values and a commitment to working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment will be well-suited to this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously may be challenging for some candidates
• Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment may require strong time management and prioritization skills
• Occasional travel may be required, which may present challenges for candidates with personal or family commitments
• The entertainment industry can be competitive and demanding, with long hours and tight deadlines

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of the potential challenges associated with this role and be prepared to manage their time and priorities effectively.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on franchise and retail marketing for entertainment brands in the Japanese market
• Compared to other marketing roles, this position requires a strong understanding of both global franchise strategies and local market dynamics
• Career progression in this role may lead to senior or director-level positions within the marketing department or other business units within NBCUniversal

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware that this role is unique in its focus on franchise and retail marketing for entertainment brands in the Japanese market and may require specific skills and experience.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a marketing campaign for a new film release, including event planning, retail activations, and digital promotions
• Managing a trade show or consumer event, including vendor management, logistics, and on-site execution
• Creating and implementing a retail marketing strategy for a key account, including in-store marketing, promotions, and cross-promotions with other Universal divisions

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role and may vary depending on the specific needs of the business.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
• How does this role collaborate with other business units within NBCUniversal, particularly Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role and the marketing department?
• How does NBCUniversal support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company and the team.

📌 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 marketing experience and skills
• Prepare for the interview by researching NBCUniversal's portfolio of brands and the entertainment industry in Japan
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to showcase your interest in the role and the company
• Follow up with the hiring manager within 24 hours after the interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.