Senior Manager, Merchandising-Live Entertainment & Licensing

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Universal Orlando Resort
Job ID: 659487
Category: ManagementAdministration, Business Development, Management, Merchandise,
Career Type: Regular (Full-Time)
Location: Orlando, FL

Orlando – Professional Generic

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Here you can
innovate.

Be part of a team that is proud to collaborate, develop, and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences imaginable – both in our parks and behind the scenes!

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Job Description & Requirements

JOB SUMMARY:

The Sr. Manager, Merchandise Licensing is responsible for overseeing Location Based Entertainment (LBE) branded merchandise across the full portfolio of branded LBE locations including hotels/resorts, theme parks, attractions, licensed exhibitions, live stage tours, and other new ventures. This individual will develop, in collaboration with partners, a merchandise strategy inclusive of product assortment, IP mix and pricing. They will ensure that each project is connected and aligned with an overall LBE merchandise strategy that reflects UDX brand priorities and will monitor sales performance and trends to make recommendations to improve overall performance to increase LBE merchandise revenue. The role also manages LBE merchandise licensing partnerships and collaborates cross-functionally with Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E), Franchise, Legal, and external licensing partners to maintain brand integrity and operational excellence. This position will report into the LBE team with a dotted-line reporting to (UP&E) to ensure alignment with Consumer Products (CP) and leverage licenses relationships when appropriate/applicable.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Merchandise Strategy & Planning
- Develop LBE retail and merchandise strategies by segment or portfolio cluster and create partner-facing presentations to support alignment.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to drive revenue growth and enhance merchandise program performance.
- Identify consumer trends, market opportunities, and strategic initiatives to support merchandise growth across LBE locations.
- Source and manage preferred vendors to support merchandise initiatives and product development.
- Work with partners to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with UDX brand priorities and business objectives.
- Ensure merchandise strategies reflect appropriate IP mix, assortment planning, and pricing architecture aligned with brand positioning.
Performance Management & Reporting
- Review quarterly merchandise performance, provide insights, and recommend actions to improve program performance and profitability. Track and audit royalty and financial reports, including per cap metrics and line performance.
- Provide regular performance updates and insights to senior leadership.
- Maintain ongoing communication with the LBE team through quarterly sales tracking and annual performance reporting. Conduct annual merchandise line reviews to evaluate prior-year results and inform future merchandise strategies.
- Monitor sales trends across the LBE portfolio to identify opportunities to improve assortment performance and revenue growth.
Product Development & Approvals
- Oversee global custom merchandise submissions and ensure partners and vendors have access to required creative assets.
- Manage all stages of product development, including concept approval, product design, sample review, safety compliance, and final product approval.
- Ensure merchandise development aligns with Universal brand standards, approved creative guidelines, and licensing requirements.
- Provide timely feedback on merchandise submissions and monitor progress against established development timelines and key milestones.
Retail Execution & Partner Support
- Serve as retail merchandising advisor to LBE partners, providing guidance on store layout, product assortment, and branded retail execution.
- Conduct annual onsite inspections of major retail operations to ensure brand standards and merchandising strategies are properly executed.
- Facilitate placement of UP&E merchandise within LBE attractions and retail locations. Share ongoing UP&E initiatives, product launches, and retail updates with partners to support alignment and maximize merchandise opportunities.
- Provide strategic guidance to partners on optimizing retail environments to enhance guest engagement and merchandise sales.
Licensing & Compliance
- Provide contractual oversight to ensure adherence to licensing agreements in partnership with Legal and Business Affairs.
- Maintain strong relationships with global licensing partners to ensure consistency with international licensing standards and practices.
- Coordinate with Account Managers to support execution of licensed merchandise strategies across LBE distribution channels.
- Partner with UP&E teams to align licensed product distribution through LBE licensee networks.
- Ensure licensed merchandise programs are executed in alignment with UP&E licensing frameworks and brand governance standards.
Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is required.

EXPERIENCE:

7+ years of experience in merchandising, retail, or project management is required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Demonstrates strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
Proven track record of supporting licensee merchandise product development approval processes and related tools, including MediaBox, in accordance with milestone timelines and under tight deadlines.
Strong business acumen. Keen focus on P&L levers, resourceful and creative in achieving financial metrics.
Excellent understanding of maintaining brand and property positioning, licensing, and partner management.
Exceptional communications, organizational and project management skills with strong ability to collaborate across the business.
Preferably possesses prior experience working with creative partners, licensed intellectual property (IP) within the entertainment industry.
Experience in comparable industries is a plus.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Consistent attendance is a job requirement.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

Universal Orlando Resort. Here you can.

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Universal Creative Internship Video Transcript

[Ariel] The Universal Creative internship program is full of extraordinary opportunities for interns to gain hands-on work experience. [Jeff] Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted to take part in designing spaces that creates some of the fondest memories for people. [Griffin] The idea of blending technology, engineering, and storytelling really spoke out to me. And I wanted to be an environment where I could learn for those who really know what they're doing. [Ariel] I looked and the job description was amazing. It was literally everything that I've ever wanted out of an internship. [Ana] Some of the cool things that I've been able to do is see a lot of behind the scenes about how the park is run, and just envisioning the future worlds of tomorrow. It's been a really cool experience just to see what's coming up. [Carey] I've done some really cool attraction walkthroughs. I've got to walk through Hulk and Kong Skull Island and Forbidden Journey, and those were really incredible experiences. [Griffin] I think the cool thing about the Universal Creative internship is, you have a lot of opportunities to work with others and do what you want to do. [Jeff] I never expected any sort of company to be like this. [Emily] I really feel like I can be myself here. Everyone's been so opening and welcome. I don't have to put on a mask. I don't have to be somebody that I'm not. I can just be my genuine, authentic self. [Carey] I would say the culture at Creative is really a community and teamwork based. [Ariel] Everyone's so invested into the interns, and that's something unique. [Ana] You can ask a question and you'll always get an answer. [Tyler] Everyone's always happy and I'm willing to help you out when you're trying to learn something new, or you don't know how to do something. [Griffin] And as a student, it's very important to get that career guidance as you go on through more classes, and it's been a really great opportunity to get that in a very open environment. [Carey] For future interns, I would just say network and learn as much as you can. It's a really incredible opportunity and everyone wants to help you out. [Emily] Embrace your time here. Take advantage of your time here because it goes by so fast. [Ana] There's no such thing as you're only doing one job here. [Griffin] You have a lot of opportunities to go outside of your scope of work as an intern. So use it as an opportunity to absorb everything like a sponge. [Ana] Join the Universal Creative team. The possibilities are endless.

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Team Member Journey

“Universal is always finding ways to improve and separate from the rest. A lot of the Chefs here are like family to me. We have a caring culture and a disciplined one as well. We set up systems to ensure we are ready for success no matter what comes our way. I love working here, and as I continue to grow I will never forget the feeling of the teamwork I had when I started here 13 years ago. I carry that everywhere I go.”

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Johnathan’s Career Journey

2006

Busser
Line Production Cook

2007
2008

1st Cook
Sous Chef

2015
2018

Restaurant Chef

Team Member Journey

“What has excited me to stay with Universal Orlando Resort is the opportunity for growth and the recognition I have received in the short amount of time I have been with the company. Universal is a great place to grow and develop. If you make your career goals clear to your management team, they will provide the assistance to guide you towards success.”

Chloe Barback

Chloe's Career Journey

2017

Service Line
Food Runner

2017
2018

Food and Beverage Cash Coordinator
Barista

2021
2022

Barback

Team Member Journey

“I was always a fan of Universal Orlando Resort and visited the parks frequently growing up, so when I was ready for my first job while in high school, I knew this was the place I wanted to be. But I never imagined that my part-time job would turn into an exciting career! The ability to grow within the organization is one of the things I love most about Universal Orlando. Growth is an important part of the culture and no matter where you begin your journey, there’s opportunity to explore different areas and find your passion. I also love that there’s always something new and exciting happening at our destination for guests, including new attractions, events and more. The constant rollout of innovative new experiences makes it extremely fun and rewarding to be a part of the team!”

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Director, Public Relations

Kristen's Career Journey

2001

Ride & Show Attendant (The E.T. Adventure)
Public Relations Intern

2006
Spring & Summer 2007

Event Management Temporary Assignment
Corporate Sales Coordinator

Fall 2007
2008

Public Relations Coordinator
Public Relations Representative

2010
2013

Manager, Public Relations
Sr. Manager, Public Relations

2019
2023

Director, Public Relations

Team Member Journey

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Jonathan’s Career Journey

2014

Electrical Tech II
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2016
2017

Technical Services – Utilities Coordinator
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2020
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Supervisor, Utilities

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LaQuindell's Career Journey

2011

Attendant, Park Services-Universal’s Wet n Wild
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2012
2017

Supervisor, Park Services-Grand Opening Team Universal’s Volcano Bay
Supervisor, Aquatics/ Park Operations-Universal’s Volcano Bay

2018
2020

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Anthony's Career Journey

2016

Intern, Engineering
Technical Coordinator

2017
2017

Associate Software Developer
Software Developer

2020

Team Member Journey

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Anisa

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Anisa's Career Journey

2005

Intern in Organizational Development
Assorted work around HR

2006
2007

Talent Acquisition Interviewer
Rep, Org Development

2008
2011

Sr Rep, Org Development
Specialist, Org Development

2013
2016

Manager, Org Development
Sr Manager, Org Development

2019

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A Universe of Global Opportunities

Universal Orlando Resort is an all-in-one entertainment destination that includes Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando Resort hotels. We bring unforgettable experiences alive for our guests, immersing them in legendary stories, fantastic journeys, exciting nightlife and more.