Associate Manager, Inventor Relations

The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate's work location, skills and experience.

Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER.It's our heritage and it's also our future. Because we don't just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard-when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Opportunity:

The Associate Manager Inventor Relations supports the design organization by identifying emerging innovation, exploring new play patterns, and cultivating strong, collaborative relationships with external inventors. This role works closely with cross-functional partners to evaluate concepts, advance product opportunities, and help bring innovative ideas to market.

The Associate Manager will participate in product sweeps, present concepts and insights in executive-level meetings, and contribute to the ongoing development of the inventor network. Success in this role requires a balance of creative curiosity, strategic thinking, and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong strategic and creative problem-solving skills, effective project management and organizational abilities, and exceptional written and verbal communication. They are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and have a proven ability to deliver measurable results while collaborating across teams.

What Your Impact Will Be:

• Manage and oversee the pipeline of new concepts and ideas submitted to the toy and game department.
• Schedule and coordinate in-person and virtual inventor meetings throughout the year, including pitching, conferences, and special innovation events.
• Lead the full lifecycle of partner communications, from initial concept evaluation through material tracking, acceptance or return, and ongoing correspondence.
• Negotiate mutually beneficial agreements and deal terms with external partners.
• Pitch and present concepts, insights, and opportunities to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all contractual obligations related to toy and game partnerships and licensing agreements.
• Review and approve royalty payments with our legal team across all toy and game contracts.
• Plan, coordinate, and support industry events, inventor engagements, and related initiatives.

What We're Looking For:

• 5+ years of relevant experience in product development, licensing, design, or a related field within the consumer products industry; a bachelor's degree is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to support presentations, documentation, and day-to-day communications.
• Good organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage tasks, track information, and meet deadlines with guidance.
• A positive, curious, and collaborative attitude, with a willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities.
• Interest in innovation, play patterns, and the toy and game development process.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, including basic presentation building, data tracking, and reporting support.
• Attention to detail and the ability to follow established processes related to submissions, approvals, and administrative tasks.
• Ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team and support senior team members.
• Openness to occasional travel for inventor meetings, product sweeps, or industry events.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strategic & Creative Thinking: Demonstrates strong creative and analytical thinking skills, with the ability to support storytelling and help connect insights across projects and initiatives.
• Impact-Oriented Mindset: Motivated to contribute meaningful impact both individually and as part of a team. Willing to take ownership of assigned tasks, support cross-functional discussions, and follow through to help move projects forward.
• Adaptability & Learning Agility: Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities. Eager to learn, receptive to feedback, and able to maintain a positive, flexible attitude amid change.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and levels of experience. Able to collaborate, listen, and contribute constructively in group settings.
• Professional Presence: Communicates clearly and professionally with peers, managers, and partners, and is developing confidence in presenting information to broader audiences.

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate's work location, skills and experience.Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

Don't meet every single requirement?At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receivingexciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

How We Work:

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate:Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate:At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute:We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences.Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel's award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us athttps://jobs.mattel.com/andwww.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy