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

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!

Equal opportunities: 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.

Reasonable adjustments: If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please let us know when you’re invited to interview.