Sr. Manager IP Partnerships & Brand Assurance

This marketing role serves as the Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) liaison for overseeing IP partner relationships, integrating cross-functional marketing programs at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) as well as leveraging and complying with global brand guidelines. MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS (USJ) Develop and maintain relationships with international and domestic intellectual property (IP) and licensing partners for the review, approval and use of IP in the destination’s marketing creative, products and experiences. In partnership with Universal Creative strategy team, identify IP business opportunities and solutions for all destinations while always maintaining global alignment. Serve as the IP brand expert to review and advise the local marketing team in the preparation and submission of materials to IP and licensing partners. Coordinate with IP partners on presentations of their respective film/TV/product launches to the local teams to foster development of synergistic products and experiences within the destination as well as cross-promotional opportunities in key trip-driving markets Engage with both local and US-based legal teams to ensure adherence to licensing parameters and IP partner brand guidelines. Co-Lead Strategy & Creative Review sessions ensuring long-term planning, UDX alignment and best practices sharing. Drive the agenda with local marketing teams to review and schedule topics for follow up discussion with the US-based leadership team and other destinations. Provide expertise and guidance on USJ symphony planning and execution with UFEG, UP&E, Universal affiliates in Japan and UDX destinations. BRAND ASSURANCE (USJ) Serve as brand steward to establish and maintain UDX’s global brand standards across the destinations by applying knowledge and established practices while understanding the local market’s cultural idiosyncrasies to advise on the local teams’ programs. Review materials to ensure UDX Brand guidelines are being met and that creative is in line with UDX brand standards. Give direction back to USJ team, and escalate challenges to UDX Leadership and Legal as needed. Provide input and guidance on activities as UDX best practices. Act as the first layer of review for nomenclature and translation of consumer-facing English-language materials to ensure brand fit including appropriateness of language and intended message; proofread and advise on local language if possible. Actively participate in the Global Brand Assurance sessions to share activities, ideas and learnings for the forward development of the UDX umbrella brand and the destination sub-brands. Collaborate with global peers to identify efficiencies and opportunities for global consistency for products and experiences. CROSS-FUNCTIONAL MARKETING INTEGRATION Attend in-person or virtual cross-functional marketing meetings to be fully aware of key marketing activities and resulting business performance against respective KPIs. Understand the destination’s socio-cultural, economic, technological, geographic and political environments in order to provide context to the observed business performance and challenges. Share knowledge and past experiences to assist the local destinations in planning holistic integrated marketing campaigns. Develop and maintain localized versions of UDX’s global workflow processes to maximize efficiencies, consistency and stakeholder visibility. Consult with US-based leaders and peers as needed to provide best practices from a global perspective for core disciplines and invite subject experts from other destinations to facilitate better understanding of subject matter and effective planning.