Associate Manager, Inventor Relations

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.