Senior Brand Licensing Manager

Armon-Jones Partners are conducting this search on behalf of a brand licensing agency with a global reach. We are looking for a Senior Brand Licensing Manager to join their London team based in the heart of the City.

OVERVIEW:

This is a senior-level role, that entails strategic and detail-oriented thinking within the operational side of the licensing industry. Ensuring compliance, growth, and value creation through effective licensee/licensor partnerships is key. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing licensing agreements, managing key relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring that all licensing activities align with the company’s strategic objectives and regulatory requirements. The ideal skillset includes strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, industry knowledge, and a good understanding of intellectual property rights and commercial licensing practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Brand Licensing Strategy:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive brand licensing strategy to drive revenue and brand visibility.
• Identify new licensing opportunities, including potential partners, product categories, and markets.
• Conduct competitive analysis to understand industry trends and opportunities in licensing.

Partnership Management:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with external partners, including brand owners, licensors, licensees, retailers, and manufacturers.
• Negotiate and manage licensing contracts, ensuring all agreements align with brand standards and business objectives.
• Ensure that licensees comply with brand guidelines, quality control standards, and product specifications.
• Global territory management.

Brand Protection:

• Monitor the use of licensed products to ensure they align with brand values and maintain the integrity of the brand.
• Take action against any infringement or unauthorized use of the brand.
• Work with legal teams to manage and enforce IP rights.

Financial Management:

• Monitor and manage the financial aspects of licensing agreements, including royalties, payments, and budgets.
• Conduct financial forecasting and reporting to track licensing revenue and performance.

Collaboration and Reporting:

• Collaborate with the marketing, legal, sales, and product development teams to ensure brand consistency across all licensing efforts.
• Provide regular reports on licensing performance and opportunities for improvement.
• Support marketing campaigns and events that promote licensed products.

Market Research & Analysis:

• Conduct market research to identify new trends, products, and licensing opportunities that align with the brand’s target audience.
• Analyse market data and consumer feedback to assess the effectiveness of licensed products and identify areas for growth.

Event and Trade Show Participation:

• Attend industry trade shows, licensing expos, and other events to network, identify new trends, and explore new partnership opportunities.

Licensee Support:

• Provide ongoing support to licensees, offering guidance on product development, marketing, and brand management.
• Help resolve any issues related to licensing, distribution, or quality control.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education :

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred).

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in brand licensing (any experience in the fashion/sports/merchandising branding industry is a bonus).

Skills:

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Solid understanding of intellectual property laws and brand protection.
• Ability to analyse financial data and manage licensing budgets.
• Familiarity with market research and consumer insights.

Additional Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with licensing management software and tools is a plus.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Highly organized with a keen attention to detail.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute operationally.
• Creative and entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on business growth.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

BENEFITS:

• Salary £55k-£75k dependent on experience
• Health Insurance and Pension
• 25 days annual leave
• 1 day work from home per week