Vice President of Business Development, Americas & SEA (Los Angeles)

Who we are:

Spiralcute is a leading Japanese character brand management company, renowned for building 'sophisti-cute' brands that blend heartfelt narratives, wit, and charm. We specialize in developing emerging character stars into irresistible consumer products through strategic licensing and engage fans with innovative promotional campaigns through unique partnerships. Our portfolio features beloved franchises including the Japanese pop-culture phenomenon Chiikawa, the whimsical felines of Mofusand, the encouraging penguin Koupen Chan, and more. Headquartered in Tokyo, Spiralcute oversees character brand development and operational strategies. Our Los Angeles-based subsidiary, Spiralcute International, Inc., is dedicated to supporting partners and facilitating licensing opportunities for champions of cute worldwide. Our mission is simple: to spread joy through cuteness.

Role Description:

Spiralcute International is seeking a dynamic, commercially driven, positive, strategic Vice President, Business Development to drive the licensing and consumer products business across the Americas and SEA.

This leadership role is responsible for driving regional revenue growth, expanding market presence, leading our agents, securing strategic licensing partnerships, and maximizing franchise value across Spiralcute's portfolio of entertainment and consumer brands. The position combines regional business leadership with hands‑on deal making, overseeing a network of licensing agents and consultants while directly negotiating key multi‑regional and global partnership opportunities.

The successful candidate will serve as the commercial lead for the Americas & SEA regions, developing and executing growth strategies, managing key partner relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring alignment between local market execution and global business objectives.

Reporting to the EVP, Business Development & Operations, this role will jointly oversee an internal Business Development Manager alongside the VP Business Development for UK, Europe and Middle East and work closely with cross‑functional teams across franchise management, retail development, marketing, product development, legal, finance, and operations.

Job Responsibilities:

Regional Leadership & Strategy:

• Lead the overall licensing and business development strategy across the Americas and SEA regions, driving sustainable revenue growth and long-term franchise value.
• Work with the agents and independently to develop and execute annual and multi-year business plans, territory strategies, revenue forecasts, and growth initiatives across the regions.
• Establish and manage regional financial targets, forecasting, budgeting, and performance metrics.
• Partner with the VP Business Development, UK, Europe & Middle East to identify new market opportunities globally, category expansion opportunities, retail white space, and strategic partnerships to accelerate international growth.
• Provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership regarding market opportunities, partner investments, and growth priorities.

Agent, Consultant & Team Management:

• Lead, manage, and motivate a network of licensing agents and consultants across the US, Canada, Latam & Southeast Asia, ensuring alignment with company objectives, brand strategy, and financial goals.
• Conduct regular business reviews with agents and consultants, establishing clear KPIs, territory priorities, pipeline expectations, and performance objectives.
• Review licensing opportunities, commercial terms, and deal structures prior to submission to the EVP for final approval.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to regional representatives to maximize licensing activity, market penetration, and revenue generation.
• Directly manage and mentor the Business Development Manager (to be hired), supporting professional development, performance, pipeline management, and execution against business objectives.

Business Development & Licensing:

• Drive licensing growth across all key categories through agent management, direct licensing, promotional, and strategic partnership opportunities that support Spiralcute International's global expansion.
• Lead the agents whilst also holding direct negotiation of licensing agreements, renewals, amendments, and strategic commercial partnerships, securing favorable commercial terms and long-term value.
• Manage the day‑to‑day relationships and performance of licensees with direct agreements with Spiralcute International, overseeing the full partner lifecycle including onboarding, business planning, forecasting, renewals, and account development.
• Build and maintain senior‑level relationships with licensees, retailers, manufacturers, distributors, promotional partners, and strategic partners across the region and globally.
• Partner closely with the VP Business Development for UK, Europe & Middle East, VP Retail Development & Brand Partnerships, agents, and consultants to identify opportunities, lead key accounts, and execute major commercial negotiations.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of regional and global opportunities to achieve short‑term revenue targets and long‑term franchise growth.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration:

• Partner closely with the VP, Business Development - UK, Europe & Middle East on multi‑territory opportunities, the VP, Brand Franchise Management & Marketing to align commercial activity with franchise strategy, and the VP, Retail Development & Partnerships to maximize retail and strategic partnership opportunities.
• Work cross‑functionally with creative, product development, marketing, legal, finance, and operations teams to support new business opportunities and ensure successful execution of partnerships.

Financial & Commercial Management:

• Own regional revenue performance and licensing forecasts across all assigned territories.
• Track and manage deal pipelines, royalty performance, partner commitments, and revenue targets.
• Drive profitable growth through strategic partner selection, strong commercial negotiation, and disciplined business management.
• Monitor and report on regional performance, forecasts, budgets, and commercial opportunities.
• Deliver regular business reviews and strategic recommendations to EVP.

Market Intelligence & Industry Leadership:

• Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, consumer behavior, retail developments, and emerging opportunities across the global licensing and entertainment landscape.
• Conduct market analysis and identify whitespace opportunities to support future growth strategies and category expansion.
• Research and identify new partners, collaborations, and business opportunities that can accelerate franchise growth.
• Represent Spiralcute at major licensing, retail, and industry events, including Licensing Expo, trade shows, conferences, and partner meetings throughout the region and globally.

Serve as a key ambassador for Spiralcute brands, business initiatives, and strategic partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 10+ years’ experience across the US, Canada, Latam, experience gained across Southeast Asia will be an additional benefit in licensing, consumer products, entertainment, retail, &/or business development.
• Experience of working in markets globally outside of the Americas across licensing is a strength.
• Proven track record of successfully pitching, negotiating, and closing major global partnership deals.
• Strong international business experience with deep knowledge of global licensing and retail landscapes.
• Established network of relationships across retailers, licensees, agents, and manufacturers.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing revenue targets and forecasting.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.
• Passion for entertainment, pop culture, consumer products, and franchise brand building.
• Bilingual Spanish a plus, not required.
• Travel internationally as required.

Position is currently work from home, but will be in office Monday - Thursday in the near future. Friday's are optional work from home.

The pay range for this role is $180,000 - $250,000 annual, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location.

This position is eligible for benefits including medical, dental and vision options. Employer paid life insurance and long term disability. We also offer generous time off benefits that include discretionary time off, 10 paid holidays, and 40 hours of sick pay.