Senior Licensing & Partnerships Manager

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Licensing and Partnerships Manager to lead the strategic growth of our brand portfolio. This role requires a deep understanding of outbound licensing and consumer products, with a proven track record of securing top-tier partners and managing contracts.

Responsibilities

• Establish a licensing strategy that aligns with brand objectives.
• Identify new opportunities and expand existing partnerships to maximize brand impact.
• Secure best-in-class licensees and negotiate best-in-class terms, working with the legal team to finalize contracts in a timely manner.
• Oversee contract management to ensure partners adhere to requirements.
• Utilize existing key contacts and build meaningful relationships with new partners.
• Represent the company at summits, trade shows, conventions, etc.
• Provide regular brand updates to licensees and potential new licensees.
• Day-to-day management of existing licensee portfolio.
• Support on-boarding process for new licensees in collaboration with brand, finance, and retail teams.
• Identify growth areas and areas of concern.
• Expedite and resolve any brand or license-related issues swiftly and effectively.
• Conduct gap analysis to identify new opportunities and expand existing partnerships to maximize brand presence at retail.
• Maintain open communication with key stakeholders to ensure cross-functional alignment.
• Identify incremental cross-category placement and brand exposure opportunities with Retail, Marketing, and PR teams.
• Identify brand/pitch material needs, collaborate with key stakeholders, and drive updates in a timely manner.
• Track and analyze licensees against their grant of rights and go-to-market strategies.
• Obtain forecasts and track on an ongoing basis. Analyze and maximize forecasts by licensee.
• Identify areas of risk and opportunity.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business or other relevant field (a plus).
• 7+ years of consumer products experience, with a deep understanding of outbound licensing.
• Proven ability to scout, negotiate, and secure best-in-class partners while managing the technicalities of contract finalization.
• Able to work cross-functionally and reciprocally with multiple departments (Sales, Marketing, Legal, Product Development).
• A self-motivated problem solver who thrives in fast-paced environments and can pivot between multiple high-priority projects without losing sight of the details.
• Exceptional verbal and written skills with the ability to influence and align diverse individuals at all organizational levels.
• Ability to cultivate and foster strong working relationships with partners, brand, retail, marketing teams to drive program execution.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in outbound licensing / consumer products in the Character / Entertainment category preferred.

What We Offer

• Salary range: $128,280 - $160,380 / Yr.
• Benefits package including basic medical insurance, employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible work schedule with options for remote work.
• Opportunities for community service through Jazwares Cares.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Jazwares is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.