Sr. Associate, Corporate Development

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:

The Strategy and Corporate Development team is a small and elite team responsible for Mattel’s overall corporate strategy, and whose day-to-day responsibilities include strategic planning, M&A and corporate development, and strategic projects. We are at the forefront of Mattel’s next chapter of growth.

The Opportunity: 

Mattel is currently seeking a Senior Associate to join the Strategy and Corporate Development team at our El Segundo, CA headquarters. Each member of this high-performing team plays a key role in shaping the future of Mattel.

This role is focused on M&A and Corporate Development, working closely with the Senior Director of Corporate Development to support the development and execution of Mattel’s M&A and strategic growth initiatives. The Senior Associate will help evaluate acquisition opportunities, strategic partnerships, and investments, support transaction execution, perform financial analysis and valuation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the organization.

• Significant opportunity for impact through shaping Mattel’s corporate strategy and supporting key M&A and corporate development priorities.

• Exposure to Mattel’s executive leadership team and opportunity to work closely with senior executives to drive business impact.

• Exposure across the organization through cross-functional projects including marketing, sales, finance, supply chain, digital, and studios teams.

• Competitive compensation and benefits.

• Accelerated career growth and a positive work environment.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Support the evaluation and execution of potential mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, strategic investments, and partnerships.

• Build and maintain detailed financial models and valuation analyses, including DCF, precedent transactions, and comparable company analyses.

• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and industry diligence to identify and assess strategic opportunities.

• Track and maintain Mattel’s corporate development pipeline and assist in opportunity screening and prioritization.

• Support diligence efforts by coordinating information requests, analyzing diligence findings, and working closely with cross-functional teams and external advisors.

• Prepare executive presentations, investment committee materials, and strategic analysis for senior leadership.

• Assist with transaction execution, integration planning, and post-close value creation initiatives.

What We’re Looking For:

• BA / BS degree from a top-tier university.

• 3-6 years of professional experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, transaction advisory, consulting, or a related field.

• Experience supporting M&A transactions, strategic investments, financing transactions, or other corporate finance activities.

• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills, including DCF, trading comparables, and precedent transaction analyses.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.

• Strong communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to work successfully in cross-functional teams and support multiple workstreams simultaneously.

• Demonstrated track record of strong performance and impact.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree.

• Consumer, Technology, Media, Entertainment, or related industry experience.

• Exposure to transaction execution and due diligence processes.

• Demonstrated growth mindset through continuous learning, curiosity, and professional development.

*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. 

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.

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