Softlines Product Category Manager

Riot Games Consumer Products wants every fan of Riot IP - past, present, and future - to feel proud to express their love of our IP through physical merchandise. We aim to build phenomenal products that legitimize that expression. From cute collectible figurines that brighten up any desk, to an exclusive hoodie that is only available to players at an Esports event, we look to create meaningful product experiences that fit into our players’ lifestyle and passions.

As the Softlines Product Category Manager, you’ll support passionate, diverse teams in making product dreams come true. You’ll operate in a highly entrepreneurial environment to drive the Softlines business, strategically guiding both our Riot-made products as well as licensed products and partner collaborations in meeting player demand across our full portfolio. You’ll take the lead in working cross-functionally with internal and external partner teams to ensure products are intentionally aligned, developmentally on track, and creatively merchandised and presented to players. From apparel to accessories to homegoods and beyond, you’ll play a dynamic role in delivering thoughtful physical product experiences for players around the globe all year long. 

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Vision: Support the development of the annual global category plan by setting strategic direction for OEM and licensed merchandise across Riot’s portfolio of intellectual property
• Category & Merchandising Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies that align with brand and game objectives while meeting product lifecycle and merchandising goals
• P&L Management: Manage OEM P&L to ensure product lines meet budget and profitability targets while identifying opportunities for growth
• Licensee Management: Oversee licensee relationships from contract negotiation to execution, including onboarding, product line planning, marketing followthrough, and reporting retrospectives
• Market Analysis & Forecasting: Drive category growth by conducting detailed analyses of market trends, player feedback, and sales forecasts to inform product selection and inventory planning
• Marketing & Distribution Strategy: Partner with regional partners, eCommerce, and game teams to develop marketing plans and distribution plans
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with game teams, licensees, product development, regional teams and retail partners to create tailored product assortments and deliver on player needs
• Product Lifecycle Management: Strategically manage product lifecycle planning, ensuring timely launches, future product planning, and opportunities that align with player and market trends
• Industry & Market Insight: Research and monitor industry trends, player behavior, competitive landscape, and licensee performance to identify growth opportunities and white space for innovation

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or equivalent work experience
• Passion for building meaningful product experiences for our players
• Minimum of 5 years of experience developing consumer products programs for entertainment and/or game IP
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product or category management, product marketing, business development, or licensing roles preferred
• Proven success in cultivating strong relationships with a global network of licensees by category, manufacturers, and retailers
• Experience with project management tools (such as AirTable, Trello, or Asana) and spreadsheet programs (such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets) 
• Comfort with ambiguity and managing changing situations
• Highly organized and detail oriented

Desired Qualifications:

• Gaming experience with one or multiple of Riot's games
• Experience working on product development in a licensee or licensor capacity 

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this could be your role!

Our Perks:

Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.

At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you’re working directly on a new player-facing experience or you’re supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we’re better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we’re looking forward to your application.

It’s our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

• Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
• Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
• Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
• Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.