Retail Development Director - EMEA

Job description

The Regional Retail Director will partner with EMEA Retail, Franchise, Category and E-commerce teams to deliver incremental revenue growth through best-in-class retail execution, shopper activation, strategic retailer partnerships and channel development. The role will define, lead and evolve the EMEA Retail Development strategy, increasing product placement, visibility and sell-through, driving media value and delivering measurable Return on Investment (ROI) on marketing spend. The role will drive a consistent EMEA retail approach, creating alignment across markets through a deep understanding of local market dynamics and balancing regional priorities with market-specific needs. Working closely with all teams, the Regional Retail Director will foster collaboration, operational excellence, scale best practices and deliver sustainable growth across the region. KEY RESPONSIBLITIES Working in partnership with the EMEA Leadership and HUB teams, the Regional Retail Director , will identify and unlock opportunities across existing and emerging retail channels, developing regional strategies and market-specific action plans, including the following key responsibilities: Drive Retail Growth and Shopper Activation Develop and lead annual retail activation plans, in partnership with the HUB teams, tied to global opportunities, driving alignment across the region to enhance sell through and ROI. Identify, share and scale high-performing retail programmes and best practices across EMEA to maximise impact and efficiency. Establish clear retail performance measures, in partnership with EMEA Finance, to evaluate activity effectiveness and inform investment decisions. Continuously review retail execution to ensure EMEA organization remains focused on the high impact opportunities. Support building stronger partnerships through expertise and collaboration. Prioritize key retailers, with an aligned regional approach, where appropriate. Team Leadership, Collaboration & planning Manage, coach, and develop the Regional Retail Manager. Setting clear objectives, providing ongoing feedback, and supporting their professional growth and performance. Build a collaborative, commercially focused EMEA retail culture that promotes accountability, best practice adoption and consistent communication. Provide leadership, direction and strategic alignment for EMEA Retail Development across Retail, Franchise, Category and E-commerce teams. Ensure retail, shopper and trade marketing are integrated, with consistent measurement, prioritisation and ROI assessment. Partner closely with the E-commerce team to develop integrated retail and digital strategies, ensuring aligned priorities, execution and performance measurement. Foster global collaboration across regions, representing EMEA Retail Teams and leveraging shared learning, successful programs and retail trends. Partner with Franchise team to develop early, adaptable and insightful selling tools. Drive Channel-Led Category Optimisation Partner with category teams to identify and unlock under-served consumer segments, categories and price points, maximising opportunities across channels and key retailers. Partner with regional category teams to develop relationship with key regional and master toy partners on joint activity, spend and overall alignment. Partner with category teams and retailers to leverage exclusive product, activation and differentiation strategies that strengthen retailer relationships and drive incremental growth. Leverage retailer loyalty programmes and consumer insights to strengthen engagement, drive conversion and support broader Consumer Products objectives. Create Operational Efficiencies and Clear Communication Create alignment across Retail, Franchise, Category and E-commerce teams through shared objectives, planning frameworks, governance and performance measures. Drive effective communication and information sharing across EMEA, enabling stronger cross-market collaboration, visibility and decision-making. Develop and implement best-in-class retail frameworks, tools and playbooks that improve consistency, capability and execution across EMEA. Enable cross market sharing of retail concepts, pitches and learnings. Upskill organization on retail KPIs, buyer's requirements and tailor UP&E pitches & solutions. Establish clear regional and Hub roles, responsibilities and governance to improve decision-making, accountability and execution. Monitor and share relevant local, regional and global retail trends. Translate insights into actionable recommendations to inform commercial planning and decision-making. Ensure EMEA DTR & Regional Category Teams have timely access to insights. ABOUT YOU Results driven – own the numbers, be invested and be hungry to grow the business. Collaborative leader - ability to influence and align stakeholders across a matrixed organization. Team player - ability to collaborate and work for mutual benefit to deliver success across a matrixed organization. Commercial - with the ability to make changes to maximise return on investment. Influencer - Exceptional influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to align and inspire teams across a complex matrix organization. Good communicator – honest, transparent, flexible. Creative problem solver – universally creative and pro-actively seek solutions. Trusted to deliver – autonomous, taking on ownership and responsibility for tasks. Adaptable, agile & flexible – able to pivot quickly, adapt strategies and deal with change. Curious – continuously seeking to understand the market. Resilient – not afraid to fall, getting back up and keep putting in the effort. Passionate – energetic, engaged, positive and desiring to make a difference. Strategic thinker - ability to balance long-term vision and near-term commercial delivery. QUALIFICATIONS Basic Requirements: Experience within a fast-paced and dynamic commercial organization. Knowledge of retail marketing including trade marketing, social media and digital marketing. Experience leading cross-functional teams, stakeholder management and influencing skills across a complex, matrixed organization (ideally regional). Strategic leadership experience, with the ability to define and execute regional commercial, retail or go-to-market strategies. Excellent presentation skills and strong communicator with the ability to build effective internal and external relationships. Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive organisational alignment. Excellent skills in Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint. Confidence and ability to work independently, representing and driving regional growth. Strong analytical capability, with experience using data and insights to drive decision-making. Strong financial/ commercial acumen and budget management experience. Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Desired Characteristics: Licensing or retail experience preferred. Bachelor’s degree or relevant marketing experience desirable. Additional language skills a bonus. As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to . NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit for more information. Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world. UP&E has grown rapidly while keeping the energy, agility, and inventive spirit of a start‑up. Our mission is bold: to take imagination beyond the screen and into the real world through innovative products, immersive retail moments, and extraordinary theme park destinations. We bring both Universal-owned and third‑party worlds to life across expansive theme park destinations, e‑commerce platforms, live entertainment venues, and global retail partnerships, fueling fandom everywhere it lives. Whether it's iconic toys, fashion collaborations, books, collectibles, lifestyle products, or cutting‑edge video games, we work with world‑class licensees and creators to make our universe tangible. Here, creativity meets technology, and strategy meets storytelling. We connect design, commercial excellence, and fan passion to deliver experiences that millions cherish, inside the parks and far beyond them. As part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, you’ll join a global team that thrives on collaboration, imagination, and the power of culture‑shaping ideas. Your work will inspire fans, uplift communities, and leave a lasting mark on entertainment history. We believe in a workplace where every voice matters, every perspective is valued, and every colleague can shine. That’s how we strive to be an employer of choice for talent and a partner of choice for retailers, licensees, and creators who share our passion for world‑class storytelling. If you’re ready to bring imagination to life and create moments that resonate worldwide—your next adventure starts here. Join us and help create moments that matter. /