Associate Director of Consumer Products (Merchandise, Licensing & Partnership) in Cambridge

Associate Director of Consumer Products (Merchandise, Licensing & Partnership) in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Jagex Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the future of RuneScape merchandise and partnerships, shaping iconic products for fans.
  • Company: Join Jagex, the creators of RuneScape, in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, generous leave, and a performance bonus.
  • Other info: Be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and player empowerment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on beloved gaming culture through innovative merchandise strategies.
  • Qualifications: Experience in consumer products, strong commercial acumen, and a passion for gaming.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Office location: Cambridge, UK – This position offers flexible working options, including predominantly remote work. Applicants should be based (or willing to relocate) within a comfortable commuting distance of our office to attend onsite as required.

Are you a commercially driven consumer products leader who understands fandom, licensing, and how to turn beloved IP into world-class merchandise experiences? As the Associate Director of Consumer Products at Jagex, you’ll define and lead the future of RuneScape merchandise, licensing, and strategic partnerships. From premium collectibles and apparel to major global collaborations, you’ll shape how the RuneScape universe exists beyond the screen by building a scalable, player-loved consumer products business that drives both revenue and brand affinity.

This is a highly strategic and hands-on role that blends commercial acumen, product sensibility, and deep understanding of gaming culture. You’ll own the merchandise P&L, lead external partnerships and licensing opportunities, and work cross-functionally across Marketing, Finance, Legal, Creative, and Game Teams to deliver authentic, high-quality products our players genuinely care about.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Define and execute a long-term strategy to grow Jagex merchandise and licensing into a meaningful, high-margin revenue stream.
  • Own the end-to-end performance of the merchandise business, including ecommerce, licensing, retail partnerships, live event sales, and overall P&L.
  • Develop and manage a diverse product portfolio spanning apparel, collectibles, accessories, and brand collaborations.
  • Identify and secure standout licensing and collaboration opportunities that expand the reach of the RuneScape brand.
  • Lead complex commercial negotiations including royalty structures, minimum guarantees, exclusivity agreements, and vendor terms.
  • Drive data-informed trading strategies across pricing, forecasting, SKU planning, cross-sell opportunities, and promotional activity.
  • Partner with suppliers and production teams to ensure exceptional product quality, authenticity, and manufacturing standards.
  • Collaborate closely with game teams, marketing, legal, finance, and community to align merchandise launches with in-game moments and player sentiment.
  • Oversee merchandise operations and retail presence at live events, ensuring high-quality fan experiences and commercial execution.
  • Use player insights, market trends, and ecommerce performance data to shape future product and partnership decisions.
  • Support marketing and community campaigns with compelling merchandise storytelling, launches, and promotional content.

What we’re looking for:

  • Extensive experience in senior commercial, merchandising, licensing, or consumer products roles within gaming, entertainment, or high-growth D2C brands.
  • Proven track record delivering successful merchandise strategies, partnerships, and licensed product lines.
  • Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing P&Ls, pricing strategy, retail maths, and forecasting.
  • Deep understanding of fandom, gaming culture, and what makes merchandise resonate authentically with players.
  • Existing network across licensing, retail, manufacturing, or entertainment partnerships.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to align internal teams and external partners.
  • Experience working with ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, inventory systems, and reporting or visualisation tools.

What we offer:

  • Private Healthcare, including Dental Plan.
  • Minimum 6% Pension contributions.
  • Employee Assistance Programme & onsite Counselling.
  • Life Insurance.
  • Discretionary annual performance bonus.
  • Enhanced family leave policies from day 1.
  • Flexible working hours.
  • 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays & the option to buy/sell holidays + so much more!

About Jagex:

We are Jagex: The RuneScape Company- home to one of gaming’s most enduring success stories. We create deep, community-powered games with worlds that evolve, inspire, and endure. Our flagship MMORPG franchise, RuneScape has welcomed over 300 million player accounts, inspiring generations of players across PC and mobile for 25 years.

As we begin our 26th year, we are accelerating our strategy to expand RuneScape into a broader ecosystem of forever games and connected experiences, grounded in a renewed commitment to integrity and fair play. This includes the reduction of monetisation mechanics, as well as the launch of RuneScape: DragonWilds into Steam Early Access in 2025 representing a major step in building a multi-genre future for the RuneScape universe. We remain focused on building enduring worlds, empowering player-led innovation, and laying the foundations for the boldest era in RuneScape’s history.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, and we recruit, develop, and promote based on merit and ability. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please let us know when you’re invited to interview.

Associate Director of Consumer Products (Merchandise, Licensing & Partnership) in Cambridge employer: Jagex Limited

At Jagex, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. Our Cambridge office provides flexible working options, allowing you to balance remote work with in-person engagement, while our generous benefits package, including private healthcare and enhanced family leave, ensures your well-being is a priority. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to shaping the future of gaming, where your contributions will directly impact the beloved RuneScape universe and foster your professional growth.

Jagex Limited

Contact Details:

Jagex Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Consumer Products (Merchandise, Licensing & Partnership) in Cambridge

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the gaming and merchandise space on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.

Tip Number 2

Show your passion for the brand! When you get that interview, make sure to highlight your love for RuneScape and how you can bring that energy into the merchandise strategy. Authenticity goes a long way!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you’d handle complex negotiations or manage a P&L. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Jagex.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director of Consumer Products (Merchandise, Licensing & Partnership) in Cambridge

Commercial Acumen
Merchandising Strategy
Licensing Management
Partnership Development
P&L Management
Ecommerce Expertise
Retail Mathematics

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Gaming:When you're writing your application, let your love for gaming shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our culture and the RuneScape universe. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with fandom and merchandise in the past.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in consumer products, licensing, and partnerships. We’re looking for someone who can drive our merchandise strategy, so show us how you’ve done that before!

Be Data-Driven:We love numbers! If you've worked with P&L management, pricing strategies, or market analysis, make sure to include those details. Show us how you've used data to inform your decisions and drive successful outcomes in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Jagex Limited

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Jagex and RuneScape. Familiarise yourself with their merchandise, licensing strategies, and recent collaborations. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.

Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

Be ready to discuss your past experiences managing P&Ls and driving successful merchandise strategies. Prepare specific examples of how you've turned insights into profitable product lines or partnerships, as this role demands a strong commercial mindset.

Understand Gaming Culture

Since this position is all about connecting with fans, demonstrate your understanding of gaming culture and fandom. Share insights on what makes merchandise resonate with players and how you can leverage that knowledge to enhance the RuneScape brand.

Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions

Expect questions about how you've managed relationships with various stakeholders in the past. Think of examples where you successfully aligned internal teams and external partners to achieve a common goal, as collaboration is key in this role.