At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the licensing and merchandise strategy for the hit show Taskmaster.
- Company: Join Avalon, a multi-award-winning talent management and production group.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, cycle to work scheme, and regular staff socials.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career development and creativity.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team driving brand growth and fan engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in licensing or merchandise management, with a passion for pop culture.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Avalon is a multi-award-winning talent management, television production and live promotion group with offices in London, Los Angeles and New York.
Avalon, Artists Rights Group and The Agency together represent a diverse and distinctive roster of artists including actors, comedians, writers and directors, among them Academy Award, BAFTA, Emmy, Tony and Olivier Award-winners.
You can find more information here .
Our core values help define our purpose and are at the essence of what we do and shape our culture.
You can read about our values here .
We are always on the lookout for exceptional talent.
Avalon is committed to creating a diverse environment and proud to be an equal-opportunity employer.
We encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.
Regardless of your race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or veteran status, you are welcome at Avalon.
The Team
The Marketing department’s strategic objective is to provide marketing, digital and social media support to our Talent Management, Live, TV Production and Distribution divisions.
Focusing on campaign planning and management, content creation, reporting and analysis, data management, merchandise and licencing, the aim is to maximise income and outreach for our talent and brands.
The vast combined knowledge of our 18-member team contributes to the success of our division and is continuously looking at new and creative ways to enhance our talent and brands' exposure.
The Role
Taskmaster is the breakout global hit comedy entertainment format, smashing ratings records, winning awards and entertaining millions of viewers around the world.
Airing primetime on Channel 4 in the UK and major territories globally, with multiple spin-off series, specials, and re-commissions.
Taskmaster is one of the UK’s most successful unscripted comedy entertainment series ever, with 20 series already aired primetime on Channel 4.
Taskmaster continues to expand its reach outside of traditional broadcast/streaming, having developed a series of consumer merchandise products over the last 6 years, with multiple licensed and D2C products in the market.
We’re looking for a creative, commercially minded Licensing & Merchandise Manager to join the Taskmaster team and build on the recent success of our licensed hardline products and lead the next phase of brand growth — from innovative product development and retail partnerships to international licensing opportunities.
The Licensing & Merchandise Manager will be responsible for developing and executing the Taskmaster consumer products strategy, ensuring that all merchandise, marketing and press materials reflect the show’s distinctive tone and appeal.
You’ll help manage existing partners, seek out new opportunities, and work closely with internal teams and licensees to deliver best-in-class products that appeal to fans and drive revenue.
- Specific Duties
- Develop and implement the global hardline licensing strategy for Taskmaster across key categories including apparel, toys & games, publishing, homeware, stationery (children), food & beverages, collectibles, and digital/gaming.
- Identify, collaborate and negotiate with new licensing partners, ensuring commercial and creative alignment.
- Target gross revenue of £1million through licensing deals per annum.
- Building on our current range of hero products (below), identify new mass market product licensing opportunities, working with licensees to secure orders from major retailers and department stores (i. e.
- John Lewis, Amazon, Smyths in the UK)
- Focus on growth in North America as a key objective, targeting new licensing deals, and setting up a bespoke D2C Taskmaster web store to reduce production costs and shipping costs for customers currently ordering from the UK web store.
- Help manage licensee relationships across existing hero products including: board & card games; books; Christmas products; digital gaming
- Leverage brand partnerships where feasible to enhance visibility and engagement.
- Oversee licensing agreements, renewals, and compliance, in partnership with inhouse legal and finance teams.
- Manage the end-to-end product approval process with partners and key internal stakeholders, ensuring all items meet brand, tone, and quality standards.
- Work with internal and external designers, creatives, and key Taskmaster production teams to generate product concepts, artwork, and packaging.
- Ensure consistent and effective use of Taskmaster IP and brand assets across all products and campaigns, adhering to our brand guidelines
- Help to update, refresh and optimise Taskmaster’s official merchandise web store and work with external partners on fulfilment, logistics, and product range development.
- Continue to develop and produce non-licensed D2C products alongside our official merchandise partner to be sold via the official Taskmaster web store.
- Monitor sales performance, inventory levels, and fan feedback to inform product strategy.
- Work with the Head of Marketing to set and manage advertising budgets, revenue forecasts, and performance metrics for the licensing and merchandise portfolio.
- Collaborate with marketing, PR, and social teams to plan launches, fan events, and seasonal campaigns, making full use of Taskmaster’s sizable mailing list and social following.
- Support international Taskmaster programmes and partners by advising on local licensing initiatives and adaptations, and/or by rolling out bespoke managed merchandise and licensing programmes where Avalon has rights, maintaining global brand consistency.
- Attend key trade shows alongside licensee partners ensuring the Taskmaster brand is well represented.
- Potential to oversee the setup and build of a bespoke Taskmaster merchandise stand at key licensing trade shows and exhibitions, ensuring the stand is staffed with salespeople and key stakeholders.
- Provide regular commercial and performance updates, reporting to senior management.
About You
- Experience in licensing, merchandise management, or consumer products, ideally within entertainment, TV, or gaming.
- Proven track record in developing and managing successful licensing programs.
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
- Deep understanding of fan engagement and pop culture products.
- Excellent organisational, relationship management, and project management skills.
- Creative thinker with an eye for detail and quality.
- A love of Taskmaster – and a passion for connecting to the fans.
- Organised, deadline-driven and comfortable juggling multiple tasks at once.
- Collaborative, curious, and open to feedback.
What We Offer
- Cycle to work scheme
- Income protection scheme
- Life assurance
- Pension scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Competitive holiday allowance
- Season ticket loans
- Regular staff socials, seasonal parties, tickets for our Live gigs, Monday breakfasts and more
Licensing & Merchandise Manager - Taskmaster in London employer: Avalon
Avalon is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, the company offers diverse opportunities in the dynamic entertainment industry, alongside attractive benefits such as a cycle to work scheme, life assurance, and competitive holiday allowances. Located in the heart of London, Avalon provides a unique environment for legal professionals to engage with award-winning talent and contribute to exciting projects across various entertainment sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Licensing & Merchandise Manager - Taskmaster in London
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Avalon and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Avalon are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Avalon on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Avalon. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Licensing & Merchandise Manager - Taskmaster in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Avalon. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Avalon:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Avalon’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avalon
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Avalon will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Avalon, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
