Head of International Sales

Guru Studio is a creative-driven entertainment company and an industry leader in animated storytelling. For over twenty years, our studio has brought to life some of the most recognizable and beloved children’s properties in the world.

We’re always looking for passionate and committed talent, so come join our dynamic and growing team!

Guru is proud to offer our team members meaningful learning and developmental opportunities! You will work alongside a wide range of talent in a positive and supportive environment where we want to see success in each individual.

We're looking for a talented and experienced Head of International Sales - come join our team!

The Head of International Sales will lead the charge in expanding audiences for our content by sourcing and creating unique licensing opportunities that will drive the dynamic expansion and reach of our intellectual property (IP) across verticals in all international markets. As a visionary leader, this role will fuel revenue growth by discovering and cultivating powerful relationships with new platforms and existing broadcast partners, through transformative deals that will unlock untapped potential for content distribution, brand engagement and merchandising. With ownership over the entire sales journey—from identifying emerging opportunities to ensuring seamless execution—the Head of International Sales will work in close partnership with internal content development, creation and marketing teams, serving as the face of the company at influential industry events and markets, and shaping the future of our brands on the world stage.

Duties and Responsibilities include but will not be limited to:

Client Relationships & Sales Strategy:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key international broadcast and licensing clients, including broadcast networks, digital platforms, and licensing agents.
  
• Oversee the end-to-end sales process for international licensing and content distribution, including sourcing new partners, pitching opportunities, negotiating contracts, and ensuring seamless delivery of content.
  
• Collaborate with senior executives and internal teams (Brand Strategy & Growth, Marketing, Production, Legal, Finance) to strategize and secure third-party distribution opportunities for the company’s IP.
  
• Manage all aspects of the sales cycle, from initial prospecting to post-sale follow-up, including content delivery, invoicing, and client relationship management.
  
• Identify, qualify and execute new licensing, merchandising, and co-production opportunities based on exposure of company-owned IP and market trends.
  
• Leverage international broadcast and investor relationships to source, contract and close new financing opportunities for Guru’s owned IP, working in tandem with Development, Production and Finance
  
• Work closely with the VP, Brand Strategy & Growth, Marketing and other internal teams to develop marketing initiatives and promotional campaigns to drive global brand recognition and maximize sales in key markets.
  
• Represent the company at international markets, conferences, and industry events, developing new partnerships and exploring growth opportunities.

Sales & Licensing Management:

• Manage the execution of sales strategies for the company’s global content and licensing initiatives.
  
• Work with our VP, Brand Strategy & Growth to source, contract and manage new digital partners to build Guru’s brands internationally
  
• Strategize with senior executives to source and secure third-party distribution opportunities
  
• Oversee the negotiation, drafting, and execution of licensing agreements and content sales contracts, ensuring compliance with internal policies and industry regulations.
  
• Manage and track all aspects of rights management, ensuring that rights windows, contracts, and sales opportunities are up-to-date in the rights management system.
  
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Finance, Production, and Legal) to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of content to international partners.

Fulfillment & Content Management:

• Oversee the management of content inventory for television and digital platforms, ensuring accurate and timely delivery to clients.
  
• Track and report on the performance of global sales initiatives, making data-driven decisions to optimize and adjust strategies as needed.
  
• Work with Business Unit Sales Managers to review short form (television) content availability and reporting
  
• Coordinate and maintain a schedule while monitoring incoming orders for clients, which vary by frequency, number of titles and delivery format
  
• Manage order entry, billing and content delivery by coordinating with internal teams to ensure all sales orders are processed efficiently and content is delivered according to the specifications of international partners.
  
• Work with the internal technical project management and fulfillment teams to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of content delivery systems.
  
• Coordinate deliverables from internal teams required to support partner deals (Tech, Legal, Production, Finance, Sales, Marketing, Merchandising and Programming) and interface directly with accounting on AR/AP to ensure payment / invoice schedules are on track + revenue recognition.
  
• Facilitate and oversee all technical deliveries, working with production, post-production and marketing to ensure all assets are created, stored and delivered to the specifications of Guru's international partners.
  
• Represent Guru Studio’s content catalog in select territories internationally, develop and implement strategies to maximize revenue from sales of both owned and third-party IP across various platforms (IPTV, OTT, mobile, MVPD).
  
• All aspects of rights tracking, including contract entry and reporting on all possible sales opportunities based on available & upcoming rights windows.

Reporting & Administration:

• Manage sales data and reporting using Guru’s CRM systems, tracking sales opportunities, invoicing, and key client information.
  
• Regularly generate and present detailed sales reports to senior management, highlighting key metrics, trends, and performance against targets.
  
• Ensure accurate forecasting and tracking of revenue recognition, interfacing directly with accounting and finance teams as needed.
  

Travel & Market Representation:

• Represent the company at key international markets, sales events, and industry conferences.
  
• Coordinate travel logistics and client outreach for market events, ensuring the effective promotion of the company’s IP.
  
• Develop plans and budgets for attending major international events, ensuring maximum exposure and strategic alignment with business goals.
  

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of experience in sales and licensing within the entertainment, media, or animation industry, with a focus on international markets.
  
• Proven track record in managing international sales, content distribution, and licensing agreements.
  
• Strong understanding of rights management, content delivery workflows, and digital distribution platforms (IPTV, OTT, social media).
  
• Strategic thinker with the ability to drive global sales strategies and execute business plans.
  
• Experience in building and maintaining client relationships at the executive level.
  
• Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
  
• Expertise in CRM software (Salesforce) and rights management systems (e.g., MyMediaBox).
  
• Ability to travel internationally as required.
  

Why Join Guru?

• We create a collaborative and creatively fulfilling work environment by promoting courage, purpose, inspiration, integrity, transparency, and empowerment as our core values
• We take great pride in our work and we always ensure it reflects a high standard of quality and creativity
• We encourage individuals to grow with us by offering learning opportunities that encourage skill development and growth
• We are proud to support philanthropic initiatives that support our local and global community through our charity committee Guru Gives
• We offer health and wellness support through an extensive benefits plan and extended mental health services and initiatives
• We allow the flexibility to work remotely while making our downtown studio available for in-person team building and collaboration

Guru is committed to providing an inclusive work environment that celebrates the diversity of its employees. We are dedicated to employment equity and welcome applications from people from all Indigenous groups, races, religions, genders and people with disabilities.

We are committed to providing an accessible candidate experience during our recruitment process and are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible ‎environment where candidates and ‎employees feel valued and respected. Guru strives to respect the dignity and ‎‎independence of people with disabilities and is committed to giving them the same ‎‎opportunity to succeed in the recruitment process as all other candidates. If you have a disability, you may request ‎to be accommodated at any time. Guru will work with all candidates to ‎‎accommodate individual accessibility needs to the point of undue hardship. 

Guru Studio would like to thank all applicants for your interest, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  Guru Studio is an equal opportunity employer.  

Please note this is an In-Studio/ Hybrid Work position