Licensing Programs Manager

Job Purpose:
To help lead the strategic direction, growth and execution of ’s brand licensing programs.

Job Summary:
Manages and advances the organization’s brand licensing programs by integrating strategic brand, marketing, and merchandising objectives into internal and external licensing initiatives. Oversees a broad portfolio of licensees, retailer, and business partner relationships to drive brand growth, consumer engagement, retail expansion, and licensed product sales. Develops and maintains strategic partnerships to support the successful creation, placement, distribution, and performance of licensed products while ensuring alignment with organizational values and brand standards.

Essential Functions:

• Manages the day-to-day administration and operational oversight of the brand licensing program, including new licensee acquisition, contract renewals, agreement negotiations, performance management, relationship development, and event participation.
• Oversees the development, merchandising, and commercialization of licensed product assortments that align with brand values and strategic priorities. Partners with licensees to drive consumer engagement, product innovation, and category growth.
• Develops and executes merchandising and licensing strategies that support brand awareness, consumer acquisition, revenue growth, and expansion into new retail and distribution channels.
• Identifies whitespace opportunities and supports licensed product placement across mass retail, specialty, sporting goods, e-commerce, and other emerging channels to expand market presence and accessibility.
• Manages a broad and complex licensing portfolio consisting of more than 100 licensee and business partner relationships, ensuring strong collaboration, performance, and alignment with brand objectives.
• Influences licensed product sales through strategic licensing initiatives, merchandising direction, retail placement opportunities, and ongoing business partner management.
• Develops licensing proposals, category strategies, and business case presentations to support partnership development, negotiation opportunities, and organizational growth objectives.
• Conducts competitive market analysis, trend research, and category reviews to identify growth opportunities, inform strategic decisions, and enhance market competitiveness.
• Develops strategies and activation plans to strengthen and reconnect the brand with consumers, members, and new audiences through licensed products and strategic partnerships.
• Collaborates cross-functionally with merchandising, legal, marketing, compliance, and business stakeholders to support licensing initiatives, including licensing-in opportunities involving third-party intellectual property.
• Ensures compliance with licensing agreements, brand standards, trademark usage guidelines, and product approval requirements to protect brand integrity and consistency.
• Performs other job-related duties assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in licensing, as a licensor, is required
• Extensive knowledge of licensing business including business terms, contracting, licensee management, approval processes, product category development, social compliance standards, and royalty audit examinations processes.
• Must be able to travel up to 20% of the time.

Job Competencies:

Knowledge of: 's mission, values, and programs; licensing agreements, royalties, intellectual property rights, and industry best practices; retail and distribution channels relevant to -licensed products; business development principles, including market analysis, opportunity identification, and relationship building; and contract law and negotiation principles; consumer product categories and merchandising fundamentals.
Skill in: Excellent written and verbal communications, including presentations and negotiation; structure favorable business terms and negotiate contracts; organization and time management; high attention to detail; Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
Ability to: Effectively manage multiple licensee accounts simultaneously; identify and solve problems effectively; build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including licensees; manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines; analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions; review agreements, contracts, and marketing materials with accuracy; exercise sound judgement while working independently within established guidelines; work effectively with a team and collaborate with colleagues; motivate and guide others; work independently and take initiative.

Open to remote working arrangement for the right candidate, if not local.

Salary Range: $100,000 - $130,000 depending on experience.

is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship.