Job Title: Manager, Retail Development
Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid – Onsite 3 days/week: Tues/Wed/Thurs; Remote Mon/Fri until September, then full-time onsite)
Position Overview
This role supports retail development initiatives focused on driving sales and distribution of licensed consumer products across key retail partners. The position will cover an existing team member on leave and will focus on managing ongoing retail projects, supporting sell-in strategies, and collaborating cross-functionally to execute retail programs.
The ideal candidate brings experience in retail, consumer products, or entertainment licensing, with the ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, less process-driven environment. This individual should be proactive, solutions-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day relationships with major retail partners and licensees to drive product sell-in and sell-through
- Execute retail strategies across multiple product categories
- Monitor retail performance and identify opportunities to increase sales and distribution
- Partner with internal category and licensing teams to support product launches and retail activations
- Ensure brand consistency and compliance across all retail placements
- Conduct store visits and retail audits to assess merchandising standards and identify opportunities
- Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitive activity to inform decision-making
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, category, franchise) to support campaigns and initiatives
- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including presenting to clients
Required Qualifications
- 4+ years of experience in retail, consumer products, licensing, or business development
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently with strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Experience managing retail partnerships and/or licensed brands preferred
- Strong understanding of retail environments and merchandising strategies
- Proven ability to manage relationships and influence stakeholders
- Analytical mindset with experience using sales data to drive decisions
- Bachelor’s degree required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with major retailers
- Background in entertainment, licensing, or consumer products industries
What Success Looks Like
- Ability to independently manage projects and deliver results with minimal oversight
- Strong collaboration and communication across teams
- Proactive problem-solving and solution development
- Polished and professional representation of supported brands
