Licensing Manager

As a Senior Licensing and Partnerships Manager , you will be the architect of global portfolio growth. In this high‑impact role you will lead end‑to‑end strategy, scout and negotiate top‑tier licenses, and collaborate with our global teams to drive innovation across the entire portfolio. Responsibilities Establish a licensing strategy that aligns with brand objectives. Identify new opportunities and expand existing partnerships to maximize brand impact. Secure best‑in‑class licensees and negotiate terms; work with legal to finalize contracts promptly. Oversee contract management to ensure partners meet requirements. Utilize key contacts and build meaningful relationships with new partners. Represent the company at summits, trade shows, conventions, and other events. Provide regular brand updates to licensees and potential new licensees. Manage day‑to‑day operations of the existing licensee portfolio. Support onboarding of new licensees in collaboration with brand, finance, and retail teams. Identify growth areas and concerns; expedite and resolve brand or license‑related issues swiftly. Conduct gap analysis and cross‑functional collaboration to expand brand presence at retail. Maintain open communication with stakeholders—Product Development, Sales, Marketing, Retail Development, Finance, Legal—to ensure alignment. Identify incremental cross‑category placement and brand exposure opportunities with Retail, Marketing, and PR teams. Identify brand/pitch material needs, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive timely updates (Analytics & Strategy). Track and analyze licensees against their grant of rights and go‑to‑market strategies. Obtain forecasts, track performance, analyze and maximize forecasts by Licensee; identify areas of risk and opportunity. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree (business or other relevant field advantageous). 7+ years of consumer product experience, with deep understanding of outbound licensing. Proven ability to scout, negotiate, and secure best‑in‑class partners while managing contract finalization. Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills across Sales, Marketing, Legal, Product Development. Self‑motivated problem solver capable of thriving in fast‑paced environments and managing multiple high‑priority projects. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders. Ability to cultivate and foster strong working relationships with partners, brand, retail, and marketing teams to drive program execution. Willingness to travel as needed. Preferred Qualifications Experience in outbound licensing or consumer products within the character/entertainment category. Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this position is $128,280 – $160,380 per year. The base salary may vary by experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligible for an annual performance incentive. Jazwares is a multi‑state employer; the stated salary range may differ by state. Benefits include basic medical insurance (100% company‑paid for employees and their children), employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K) retirement plan with up to 4% employer match, short‑ and long‑term disability coverage, and tuition reimbursement. Work schedule provides Monday‑Thursday on‑site, optional work‑from‑home on Fridays, up to 20 fully remote days per year, and standard vacation and sick leave. Volunteer hours (up to 16 per year) are supported through Jazwares Cares. Reasonable Accommodations We may provide reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Equal Opportunity Employer Jazwares is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Jazwares is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. #J-18808-Ljbffr