At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and develop exciting intellectual properties while collaborating with creative teams.
- Company: Join The Blair Partnership, a dynamic literary and entertainment agency.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, health insurance, and exclusive Harry Potter perks.
- Other info: Thriving environment with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Be part of shaping iconic brands and stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in brand management, strong communication, and project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
LOCATION: London
REPORTING TO: Head of Operations & Strategy
WHO WE ARE
The Blair Partnership is a literary and entertainment agency. We offer our clients a broad range of services including rights management, client representation and franchise management. As part of those services, we help to manage several companies on behalf of our client J.K. Rowling. Those companies are Pottermore and Bronte. These businesses benefit from shared resources and expertise provided by The Blair Partnership, but they are run by their own leaders.
There are three core pillars to The Blair Partnership’s business activity:
- Franchise Management – which encompasses brand & franchise vision and strategy, creative strategy & direction, product development, brand management & comms for the Harry Potter franchise.
- Client Management - we represent a large and eclectic list of clients’ literary and entertainment rights portfolios and pursue commercial opportunities for them through deal making in the UK, US and internationally, partner management and backlist rights management.
- Governance & support - we provide governance, resources and support to companies owned by J.K. Rowling. As part of that support, we cultivate close collaboration & strong, cohesive working practices between all the businesses.
Our vision remains to shape, nurture and grow the most imaginative and engaging brands for generations to come, working with our clients. Our mission is to shape and connect stories to their audiences. The Blair Partnership is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace where all talent and potential is valued. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives and recognise the value that this adds to our business.
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB
This role will support TBP’s ambition to identify and represent appropriate IP. We are seeking a versatile, highly proactive candidate to join our team. In this hybrid role, which bridges account management with traditional franchise & brand management skills, you will link strategic brand planning and end-to-end client management across a dynamic portfolio of IPs. From contributing to and delivering on our strategic objectives and goals, to market research, partner outreach, deck creation, daily execution and client relationships, you will be highly involved in the success of these IPs. This role will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of strategic plans across multiple franchise touchpoints, contributing to the successful commercial growth of the IP, delivering revenue to the IP owners, and to TBP.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategic Development: Support on exploring new IP opportunities to support TBP’s growth ambition. Support on building the long-term brand strategy for new IP, with each IP owner.
- Account Management: Act as the TBP point person for day-to-day client relationships, operations and planning. Take responsibility for scheduling regular management and strategic check ins. Use Asana, or other project management tools, to ensure consistent communication and alignment. Ensure timely follow ups, and lead accountability of actions. External IP representation and ambassador – representing the IP’s vision, values and strategic mission during reviews, pitches, industry events and more.
- Brand & Franchise Management: Support on determining brand strategy with IP owners. Deliver on the short and long term franchise plans. Work with creative, marketing, and product teams to keep brand messaging consistent. Balance creative and commercial judgement across projects. Marketing and Comms implementation. Leverage creative agencies where necessary.
- Stakeholder Management: Leveraging internal expertise across TBP – running day to day communication and operations on this, from audio production and distribution to TV production, Publishing, Gaming, Commercial and more. Maintain our network of relevant agency contacts that can contribute to the strategic objectives. Project expectation and scope management.
- Market Research: Study consumer trends, competitor actions, and audience data to identify growth areas. Determine what insights data sources are needed. Act as central person for dissemination of research and insights to inform the TBP community.
- Commercial Partnerships: Identify and support on outreach to core commercial partnership opportunities, organising and facilitating pitch meetings. Managing partnerships from ideation to handover for implementation with the IP owner and nurturing potential partners.
- Campaign Development: Oversee multi-channel marketing campaigns for property launches and milestones in collaboration with HP Brand & Franchise Marketing team.
- Client Administration: Operational administration as required. Deck building and meeting facilitation.
REQUIREMENTS
Experience: Minimum 5 years’ experience in brand management within entertainment, gaming or media, ideally with additional experience across product marketing, licensing or IP development.
Skills: strong project management, account management, data analysis, and creative vision.
Communication: excellent written and verbal communication skills to lead cross-functional teams.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
In-depth knowledge of Franchise & Brand, management skills, IP, Licensing, Content, Partnership, and ability to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the competitive landscape. Strong brand management experience, ideally with experience of franchise management, brand stewardship and/or marketing. An individual who can translate insights into strategies that evolve the IP consumer product portfolio, while staying true to the brand's values and storytelling. Strong partner and stakeholder management skills, demonstrating the ability to develop strong working relationships with senior internal and external teams. Ability to work autonomously across multiple projects and remain highly organised. Individual who can prioritise projects in a rapidly changing work environment, while simultaneously delivering against tight deadlines. Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written. Adept at storytelling – crafting a balance between creative and commercial needs. Experience with negotiation and commercial thinking. Demonstrate excellent attention to detail whilst working at pace. Self-motivated, pro-active, enthusiastic, creative, and innovative.
It is expected that roles and responsibilities will evolve over time as the individual grows within the business.
What you can expect from us:
- Competitive Salary
- Company Bonus Scheme
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Group Pension Plan where we contribute 5%
- Life Assurance of 4 times salary
- Health Insurance (currently with Vitality)
- Health Shield Cashback Plan
- Harry Potter Franchise Partner discounts and a free ticket to see both parts of Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
- Annual Creative Bursary
- Season Ticket Loan
- Cycle Scheme
Brand Manager – IP Development (Intellectual Property) in London employer: The Blair Partnership
The Blair Partnership is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of London, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Employees benefit from unique opportunities to work on iconic brands like Harry Potter, with a strong emphasis on professional growth and development. The company values innovation and teamwork, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the consumer products space.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Brand Manager – IP Development (Intellectual Property) 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 The Blair Partnership 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 The Blair Partnership 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 The Blair Partnership 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 The Blair Partnership. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Brand Manager – IP Development (Intellectual Property) 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 The Blair Partnership. 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 The Blair Partnership:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about The Blair Partnership’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 The Blair Partnership
✨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 The Blair Partnership 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 The Blair Partnership, 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.
