Licensing Manager, Product Development & Management

Job Description

Job Description

Fred Rogers Productions is seeking a Licensing Manager with a focus on product development and management. This position will be responsible for proactively managing all aspects of licensed products across our brands, licensees, and licensing agents. The position will be the primary liaison between the licensees and our internal teams and will be responsible for brand approvals. The Licensing Manager will report directly to the VP of Licensing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Management:
  • Assists in developing licensing and retail strategies by analyzing data, listening to partners, and sharing thoughtful, practical recommendations for new business opportunities.
  • Reviews licensee and retailer business performance and develops objectives to support shared growth goals.
  • Collaborates with cross-functional partners to develop and implement category and product strategies that align plans across teams and help drive both sales and brand objectives.
  • Acts as a reliable point of contact for licensees, making sure requests are researched, communicated, and addressed in a timely and thoughtful way.
  • Partners closely with Business Affairs, Marketing, and Digital teams to align on plans and secure approvals. 
  • Seeks and shares data, research, and trends with respect to the competitive landscape.  Analyzes and understands market trends, consumer trends, retailers, and industry needs.
  • Supports the Senior Director with day-to-day needs including but not limited to product development support, product approvals, presentations, and special projects.
  • Helps manage and support activity across Amazon Marketplace and Merchmake shops.

• Product Development:
  • Works directly with licensees and agents to bring new products to life in a collaborative and solution-oriented way.
  • Research and identify creative, innovative product opportunities that align with each brand. 
  • Guides the licensee development process to keep projects on track, helping lead meetings, manage timelines, and coordinate launches and marketing efforts.

• Retail, Sales, and Marketing:
  • Maintains a working understanding of the retail landscape and regularly reviews sales performance for key licensees and programs, including in-store and online retail analysis.
  • Shares licensee and product information to support marketing initiatives, brand storytelling, and sales conversations.
  • Build strong relationships across all departments at Fred Rogers Productions to uncover growth opportunities, support cross-category coordination, and explore cross-promotional ideas.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• 5+ years of experience in licensing, retail, merchandising, or a related field.
• A strong understanding of brand positioning, product development, the retail environment including but not limited to retail distribution, retail business development.
• Highly organized with great attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable adapting to change while keeping communication open and clear.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with a collaborative and approachable style.
• A proactive, dependable teammate who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• A thoughtful, analytical thinker who enjoys working with others to solve problems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with online product approval systems and Amazon is a plus.
• Above all, someone who values teamwork, respect, and working together toward shared goals.
  

Required Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.