Head of Licensing, Fashion in London

Head of Licensing, Fashion in London

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global licensing strategy and drive revenue growth for major fashion brands.
  • Company: Join Summit, a next-gen brand licensing agency redefining industry standards.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, senior-level influence, and exposure to global markets.
  • Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of fashion licensing and work with globally recognised brands.
  • Qualifications: 7-10+ years in brand licensing with strong commercial acumen and fashion expertise.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Application Window: Open now | Closes 16 January 2026

Location: London • Full-Time • Hybrid

About Summit

Summit is the next generation of brand licensing agencies, agile, strategic, and built to deliver world-class results. We combine legal precision, commercial intelligence, and creative thinking to elevate brands through partnerships that last. We operate across three core sectors: fashion, sports, and automotive - building culturally relevant, commercially powerful licensing programmes for globally recognised brands. Our mission is simple: protect the brand, unlock its value, and drive strategic growth.

The Role: Head of Licensing, Fashion (Maternity Cover)

We are seeking a highly strategic, commercially astute Head of Licensing to lead our Fashion division during a maternity leave period. This is a senior role for an experienced licensing professional with deep category expertise, strong commercial instincts, and a proven ability to drive growth across complex, multi-territory programmes.

You will oversee the global licensing and partnerships strategy for our Fashion brand portfolio, lead key client and partner relationships, secure new business opportunities, and guide a high-performing team. This role requires a balance of visionary leadership, hands-on execution, and the ability to operate confidently at a senior stakeholder level.

As a senior leader within the agency, you will play a critical role in maintaining momentum across global programmes while shaping the next phase of Summit's fashion licensing strategy.

As Head of Licensing, Fashion, you will:

  • Strategic & Commercial Leadership
    • Lead the global licensing strategy for the Fashion division, ensuring alignment with brand positioning, long-term commercial goals, and international market opportunities.
    • Drive revenue growth across categories through strategic planning, new programme development, and continual optimisation of existing partnerships.
    • Oversee financial performance, forecasting, and P&L management across key fashion categories.
    • Conduct ongoing brand, market, and competitor analysis to identify white-space opportunities and shape category expansion plans.
  • Partner & Client Leadership
    • Serve as the senior strategic contact for major global clients, maintaining trusted relationships at leadership level.
    • Manage, guide, and challenge key licensees to achieve commercial, brand, and distribution objectives.
    • Lead top-level business reviews, global strategy sessions, and category workshops with clients and partners.
    • Ensure programme excellence across product development, brand integrity, commercial performance, and partner compliance.
  • Business Development & Deal-Making
    • Lead new business efforts for the Fashion division, from prospecting and pitch development to commercial negotiation and contract finalisation.
    • Evaluate and structure deals to ensure long-term value, brand protection, and category fit.
    • Collaborate closely with legal teams on contracts, renewals, and compliance frameworks.
    • Expand Summit's network within the fashion, lifestyle, retail, and manufacturing sectors to unlock new opportunities.
  • Team & Cross-Functional Leadership
    • Lead and mentor the licensing team, supporting day-to-day execution while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
    • Work closely with cross-functional teams - including design, marketing, commercial, and legal - to ensure the seamless delivery of licensing programmes.
    • Represent Summit at industry shows, key client meetings, and major partner events.

Who We're Looking For

  • 7–10+ years' experience in brand licensing or senior commercial brand partnerships, ideally with strong fashion category exposure.
  • Proven track record leading multi-category, multi-territory licensing programmes for global brands.
  • Strong commercial acumen with experience building financial models, driving P&L performance, and negotiating high-value deals.
  • Established network across fashion, lifestyle, retail, and consumer product sectors.
  • Exceptional relationship-builder with experience managing senior stakeholders and guiding partners to deliver against ambitious commercial targets.
  • Strong strategic thinker with an ability to translate insights into actionable growth plans.
  • A confident communicator and presenter, able to influence at senior level and lead complex conversations with authority.
  • Highly organised, able to manage broad portfolios with precision in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent skills in Microsoft Office (Excel & PowerPoint essential); familiarity with design tools is an advantage.
  • A degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion, Law, or related field is beneficial but not mandatory.

What We Offer

  • Opportunity to lead the fashion licensing strategy for major global brands.
  • Senior-level influence and visibility across the organisation.
  • Exposure to global markets, senior clients, and high-value commercial partnerships.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.

How to Apply

Applications open now. To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter to

Head of Licensing, Fashion in London employer: Summit Brands Group

At Summit, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking brand licensing agency that champions creativity and strategic growth. Our London-based team thrives in a dynamic hybrid work environment, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence while offering ample opportunities for professional development. As an employer, we provide competitive salaries, a supportive atmosphere, and the chance to lead impactful projects with globally recognised brands, making us an exceptional choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in fashion licensing.
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Contact Detail:

Summit Brands Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Licensing, Fashion in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events, trade shows, or even online. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website that highlights your achievements in licensing and fashion. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their brand values, recent projects, and market position. This will help you tailor your responses and show you’re genuinely interested.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Licensing, Fashion in London

Strategic Leadership
Commercial Acumen
Brand Licensing Expertise
Financial Management
P&L Management
Market Analysis
Client Relationship Management
Business Development
Contract Negotiation
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Team Leadership
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Licensing role. Highlight your experience in brand licensing and any specific achievements in the fashion sector. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Summit!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about fashion licensing and how you can drive growth for our clients. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!

Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your strategic mindset. Share examples of how you've successfully led licensing programmes or developed new business opportunities. We’re looking for someone who can think big and execute even bigger!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Summit Brands Group

✨Know Your Fashion Licensing Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the world of fashion licensing. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and successful case studies. This will not only show your passion for the industry but also demonstrate your strategic thinking and commercial acumen.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that ask you to solve real-world problems or scenarios related to licensing. Think about past experiences where you've driven growth or managed complex partnerships. Be ready to articulate your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.

✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills

As a senior leader, your ability to build and maintain relationships is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed senior stakeholders or guided partners in achieving their goals. Highlight your communication style and how it fosters collaboration.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Vision

Articulate your vision for the future of fashion licensing. Discuss how you would align licensing strategies with brand positioning and market opportunities. Show that you can think long-term while also being hands-on in execution.

Head of Licensing, Fashion in London
Summit Brands Group
Location: London
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