Manager, Strategy and Corporate Development

Job Description

Director, Sales | Mattel, Inc.

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Mattel, Inc., located in El Segundo, CA. Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company, where creativity is the superpower, driving innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences, and develop children through play. The company values respect, inclusion, and diverse ideas, fostering an environment where every team member can thrive. This Manager position within the small and elite Strategy and Corporate Development team is crucial, sitting at the forefront of Mattel’s next chapter of growth by shaping overall corporate strategy and leading key strategic priorities.

The TL;DR
• Role: Manager, Strategy and Corporate Development
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, El Segundo, CA

• Team: A small and elite Strategy and Corporate Development team that reports into the Chief Strategy Officer, driving corporate strategy, M&A, and strategic projects.
• Mission: To shape Mattel’s corporate strategy, lead the annual strategic planning process, and support critical M&A and corporate development priorities to ensure the company’s future growth and business impact.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Strategic Planning Leadership: Work closely with the Chief Strategy Officer and broader Mattel leadership team to define and shape Mattel’s overarching corporate strategy, while also leading the comprehensive annual strategic planning process.
• Business Impact Driving: Partner directly with senior executives across the company on a range of critical strategic projects, taking the lead on cross-functional teams to ensure the realization of significant business impact.
• Corporate Development Support: Actively support key merger and acquisition (M&A) activities and broader corporate development priorities throughout the company, contributing to strategic growth initiatives.
• Cross-functional Project Management: Oversee and navigate complex stakeholder groups while managing cross-functional projects that involve various teams, including marketing, sales, finance, supply chain, digital, and studios.
• Executive Communication: Maintain access to Mattel’s executive leadership team, leveraging superior communication skills to partner with senior executives, convey strategic insights, and influence decisions that drive business outcomes.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a top-tier university, suitable for a Manager-level position within the corporate Strategy and Corporate Development function.
• Experience: Possess a minimum of 7 years of total professional experience, which can be reduced to 5 years with an MBA, including at least 2 years of post-MBA or equivalent work experience specifically gained in management consulting, investment banking, private equity, or in-house strategy roles. A proven track record of significant impact is also required.
• Skills: Demonstrate robust strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, proven ability to work successfully within cross-functional teams, proficiency in managing complex stakeholder groups, and superior communication skills essential for high-level interaction.
• Bonus: An MBA or an equivalent advanced degree, and professional experience gained within the Consumer, Tech, and/or Entertainment industries.