Title:  Director of Retail Activations and Licensing

As Director of Retail Activations and Licensing you will lead the planning, negotiation, and management of licensed properties within the USA, focusing on expanding the brand’s presence and revenue through strategic partnerships. This role will also lead the ideation, development, and execution of National Tentpoles and Commercial Activations while managing partners. It will follow the Integrated Commercial Process to develop and execute full funnel plans for promotions.

You will be working across the entire Kellanova portfolio. We are seeking a leader with the ability to work across categories and sales, who can influence and guide the organization towards optimal outcomes. This individual must also have the courage to innovate for improved business performance. This hybrid role is in Chicago, IL, Naperville, IL or Battle Creek, MI.

A Taste of What You’ll Be Doing  
 

• Drive Omni-Retail Promotions – Develop omni-retail promotions to drive activation and demand during key shopping weeks. Align sales priorities with category objectives to create programs that win share and boost NSV.
• Develop Selling and Activation Tools – Develop the full suite of selling and activation tools to accompany each of the scale retail events. These would include merchandising materials for display, on pack artwork, retailer selling tools using shopper insights, promotional and offer based tools, media plans, creative and content development across the full experience. 
• Design Seasonal Activation Tools – Design evergreen seasonal and occasion events. Create activation tools that provide incremental resources for the sales team to present shopper ideas to retailers for key events.
• Align Goals and Develop Licensing – Align sales and category on program goals and tools. Provide expertise to shape programs for success, especially during retail power weeks. Develop and coordinate licensing programs with brand objectives and global partnerships.
• Post-Program Insights – Create fact basis post program analysis across the team’s responsibility for best practice sharing, learning for future events and stewardship within the organization on performance. 

We’re Looking for Someone With 
 

• Bachelor’s Degree or experience working in brand licensing or related field
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and strategic thinking skills. Excellent communication, leadership, and project management abilities
• Ability to drive results, including effective time management and ability to drive timely resolution of potential obstacles
• Ability to work effectively across diverse cross-functional teams
• In-depth knowledge of the US legal and regulatory landscape related to licensing. Familiarity with intellectual property rights and contract law
• Ability to drive results, including effective time management and ability to drive timely resolution of potential obstacles
• Project management, licensing and contract management experience

What’s Next

After you apply, your application will be reviewed by a real recruiter, so it may take us a few weeks to get back with you by email or phone. Visit our How We Hire page to get insights into our hiring process and more about what we offer.

Need assistance throughout the application or hiring process? Email USA.Recruitment@Kellanova.com.

If you join our team, you’ll be rewarded for the difference you make. Our comprehensive benefits offer you the support you need through your life events, big or small. Visit our benefits page & be sure to ask your recruiter for more specific information.

Get to Know Us

At Kellanova, we are driven by our vision to be the world’s best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our portfolio of iconic, world-class brands include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Crunchy Nut, among others.

Kellanova’s Culture of Best means we bring our best to all that we do in pursuit of our vision to be the world’s best performing snacks-led powerhouse. Our culture celebrates boldness and empowers our people to challenge the status quo, achieve results, and win together.

Our focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) enables us to build a culture of belonging where all employees have a place at the table and are inspired to share their passion, talents and ideas to work.

Mars has agreed to acquire Kellanova in a combination that will shape the future of snacking! The transaction is anticipated to close within the first half of 2025 (subject to Kellanova shareowner approval and other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals). The companies remain separate until closing.

You can learn more at www.futureofsnacking.com, and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.

Let’s shape the future of snacking.

Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, please visit our website here.