Brand Partnerships Manager Jobs in Michigan

Requisition ID: 70760

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

The team you will be a part of

The Brand Licensing team within our Integrated Business Units is seeking a Senior Associate Licensing Manager to join our team. This role offers the unique opportunity to manage iconic brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana. You will act as a central hub, blending brand management, product marketing, and cross-functional leadership to ensure our licensed products deliver on their brand promise.

This role in summary

As a Senior Analyst, you will be a key contributor to the success of our brand licensing strategy. You will maintain critical relationships with external partners while driving both short-term and long-term business goals. This position is ideal for a professional who thrives in a matrixed environment and enjoys a role that touches brand strategy, product management, digital marketing, and business development. This position is based at Riverview in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Full relocation benefits offered to eligible candidates.

Your responsibilities will include

• Project & Product Leadership: Lead project launches within existing and emerging categories as well as manage the Whirlpool and Amana Brand Stores on Amazon along with the brand registry.
• Brand Stewardship: Ensure licensing partners execute brand messages accurately; review all marketing assets (packaging and digital) for legal and brand compliance.
• Strategic Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams—including Engineering, Whirlpool Design, Sourcing, and Legal—to align new products with brand standards.
• Financial & Operational Management: Support the financial health of licensing by forecasting and tracking royalties for monthly outlook meetings and business updates.
• Relationship Management: Maintain strong ties with internal partners and external licensees, acting as a consultant to grow the business through integrated brand opportunities.
• Digital Presence: Oversee licensed product information across corporate, brand, and licensee websites to ensure consistency.

Minimum requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience: 3+ years of experience in Marketing or Licensing.
• Travel: Ability to travel approximately 5% of the time.

Preferred skills and experiences

• Specialized Background: 3+ years in Brand Licensing or Product Marketing with a Bachelor’s in Business or Marketing.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Proven experience launching new products within a team environment.
• Business Acumen: Deep understanding of brand positioning, equity, and global market dynamics.
• Leadership by Influence: Ability to build alliances, gain trust, and drive strategy execution across a complex organization without direct authority.
• Technical & Analytical Skills: Proficient in Google Suite and Excel, with the ability to integrate diverse data into sound business propositions.
• Agility: A proactive project manager with a growth mindset who can navigate changing priorities and "matrixed" reporting structures.

What we offer

Generous benefits package, Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more! Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required).

Additional information

Whirlpool’s Ways of Working

Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. We offer flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including:

• Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed.
• Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.
• Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.

Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.