Visual Merchandising Planner - 14 Month Contract
Company Description
CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.
The Team:
Step into the world where play meets creativity! The Visual Merchandising team is the driving force behind how Mattel shows up at retail. From eye-catching signage to innovative display programs, we bring our iconic brands to life in stores and guide consumers on their shopping journey. Whether it’s managing bold, temporary campaigns or developing permanent merchandising solutions, our team makes sure every shopper moment counts. We also lead the charge on prepack (display) programs that secure those extra-special, out-of-section wins at retail. As part of the dynamic Customer Marketing team, we collaborate across brands and categories to transform national marketing strategies into can’t-miss, in-store experiences that excite, inspire, and drive results.
Job Description
The Opportunity:
As a Visual Merchandising Planner, you’ll be the mastermind behind turning big ideas into unforgettable in-store experiences. Reporting to the Associate Manager of Visual Merchandising, you’ll own the full lifecycle of Prepack and Visual Merchandising programs — from the spark of a concept all the way to seeing it come to life on retail floors across the country. With a focus on beloved brands like Dolls, Games, and Action Figures, you’ll partner with teams across marketing, sales, forecasting, and customer service, as well as external suppliers, to bring every detail together seamlessly. Your role is equal parts strategy and execution: leading creative briefings, coordinating logistics, driving meetings, and even rolling up your sleeves for on-site installations or trade show setups. It’s a chance to flex your project management superpowers, build cross-functional connections, and make a tangible impact on how Canadians experience our brands in-store.
What Your Impact Will Be:
- Drive seamless execution by partnering with Sales and Demand Planning to align forecasts, inventory, and timing.
- Collaborate with Sales to create profitable, retail-ready displays that balance commercial goals with brand storytelling.
- Team up with Marketing to deliver a consistent, omni-channel brand experience.
- Manage vendors — from briefing to design negotiations — to deliver creative, cost-efficient solutions.
- Plan material buys smartly to maximize value and efficiency.
- Use your creative edge with Photoshop and Illustrator to design artwork and mockups that spark quick decisions.
- Lead cross-functional meetings to keep projects on track, aligned, and within budget.
- Partner with the Retail Service team to perfect execution and elevate the consumer journey in-store.
- Become an expert in retailer merchandising guidelines and ensure flawless compliance.
- Own the purchase order process for the team and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
Qualifications
Want more jobs like this?
Get jobs in Mississauga, Canada delivered to your inbox every week.
What We’re Looking For:
- Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or Design, or 1–3 years of related experience
- Proven project management and organizational skills with a knack for hitting tight deadlines
- Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal
- Skilled multitasker who can troubleshoot and keep projects moving in fast-paced environments
- Strong Excel skills, with working knowledge of Word and PowerPoint
- Financially savvy, able to analyze merchandising numbers and optimize purchasing decisions
- Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator experience is an asset
*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.
Additional Information
Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!
How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:
- We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
- We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
- We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.
Our Approach to Flexible Work:
We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.
Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.
Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.
Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.
Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
Parental Benefits
Work Flexibility
Office Life and Perks
Vacation and Time Off
Financial and Retirement
Professional Development
Diversity and Inclusion
Company Videos
Hear directly from employees about what it is like to work at Mattel.