Head of Sales & Business Development

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 visionary Head of Sales & Business Development - Join our innovative team and take your career to the next level!

The Head of Sales & Business Development is responsible for developing and executing  strategic sales initiatives to drive revenue and new business opportunities across kids IP and innovative studio services.

This role focuses on building strategic relationships with new and existing broadcast and streaming commissioners, production studios, agents and IP partners to unlock revenue opportunities in new production, co-production, content distribution, licensing and merchandising. 

You will collaborate closely with production, content development, and marketing teams while representing the company at key industry events to strengthen brand presence and foster new partnerships.

Our ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who can maintain a steady pipeline of innovative, out-of-the-box revenue opportunities in an evolving industry.

The Head of Sales & Business Development oversees the entire sales journey - from identifying emerging opportunities and managing deals to ensuring smooth execution. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the end-to-end sales process for international content distribution including sourcing new partners, pitching, negotiating contracts, and ensuring content delivery.
  
• Collaborate with senior executives (Production, Development, Legal, Finance) to identify, qualify and bring in new production and co-production opportunities. 
  
• Leverage relationships with international broadcasters and investors to secure financing for Guru’s owned IP.
  
• Develop and maintain strong media & consumer product partnerships to drive global brand recognition and maximize sales.
  
• Work with our VP Brand Strategy & Growth to identify and manage new digital partners to build Guru’s brands internationally and maximize revenue from both owned and third party IP across various platforms. 
  
• Builds trust with clients by understanding their challenges, asking insightful questions, actively listening and offering strategic, creative solutions through a thoughtful and collaborative approach
  
• Coordinate client outreach and meetings for industry events to promote the company’s IP.
• Represent the company at international markets, conferences, and industry events, to develop new partnerships and explore growth opportunities.
• Regularly generate and present detailed sales reports including forecasting to senior management, highlighting key metrics, trends, and performance against targets.
• Track sales data, invoicing and client information using Guru’s CRM 

Qualifications:

• 2-5 years in sales, business development or licensing within the entertainment, media, or animation industry, with a focus on international markets.
  
• Proven ability to build and maintain executive level relationships.
• Track record in securing new business and managing international sales, content distribution, and licensing agreements.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Deep understanding of rights management, content delivery workflows, and digital distribution platforms (IPTV, OTT, social media).
  
• Strategic thinker with the ability to drive sales strategies and execute business plans.
  
• 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
  

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