Senior Licensing Manager (Hardlines)

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WildBrain CPLG is a world-leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency with 20 offices worldwide. Since 1972 we have been providing our partners with dedicated licensing and marketing professionals and fully integrated retail, creative & product development, legal and accounting services.   

We are looking to add to our talented team of innovators that can help us manage some of the most profitable and enduring brands in the world! We believe that our partnerships are about clarity, openness, and trust, and we are widely known for our straightforward approach. 

About the role

WildBrainCPLG is looking for a Senior Licensing Manager (Hardlines) to work closely with our Commercial Team! Reporting to the Commercial Director, the role is responsible for developing and executing a long-term business strategy to help build a sustainable business that achieves annual revenue targets. You will be responsible for identifying the licensees to partner with, negotiating agreements, driving innovative and quality product ranges, providing input into global deals, accurate quarterly forecasting and promoting retail sell-in of ranges. You will have detailed knowledge of retail landscape and the ability to interface with senior corporate personnel as well as with senior and mid- level client contacts. You will be a creative, strategic thinker with strong business acumen, comfortable operating in complex environments.

• Category lead - HARDLINES
• Work with the Commercial Director to develop and execute long-term growth strategies
• Work closely with UK Retail & Brand manager to identify and fulfil opportunities at retail.
• Regular liaison with Partnerships and other category Managers based in other CPLG’s territory, taking into account wider EMEA strategy for the category, aligning where it makes sense
• Identify licensing opportunities and fill market gaps across the category considering age, segment, market, channel and franchise
• Lead contract negotiations for key licensees, analyse and control business plans to ensure contract deliverables are met throughout the term
• Accountable for day-to-day management of key licensees including business reviews, relationships, deal negotiations, information sharing and ensuring financial reporting is up to date.
• Determine where Direct to Retailer (DTR) or other business models could enhance our business and negotiate/manage details.
• Partner with the Product Development team to drive quality in product development ensuring lines are commercially viable.
• Maintain knowledge of key seasonality per category and buying cycles of retailers, plan accordingly.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, competitors, business opportunities, threats and dynamics for category and key licensees
• Work on the creation of targeted presentations to pitch, support or launch licensing
• Attendance and presentation participation in licensee/partner presentations
• Regular attendance of trade shows and social industry functions, where applicable
• Fiscal responsibility to include annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting
• Analyse business performance across category by licensee and develop growth objectives and strategies
• Support brand marketing initiatives including the development and execution of category plans
• Define and integrate licensees within wider brand and marketing plans
• Manage a portfolio of licensees to grow the CP business. Critically evaluate the licensee base to ensure we have the right number of partners and best in category overall

• Strong understanding of brand and property positioning and the retail environment
• Comprehensive knowledge of licensees' production and creative capabilities/limitations
• Toy experience / a background in toys (is preferred)
• Strategic and creative thinker
• Flexible/ability to adjust to changing business environment
• Excellent communication & presentation skills
• Strong sales and negotiation skills
• A brand builder and commercial thinker
• Team Player
• Travel is required
• Strong verbal and written English required

What We Offer 

Working at WildBrain is more than a job — it’s the opportunity to join forces with extraordinary, insightful, and imaginative people who will recognize your talents and encourage your professional growth and development in a work environment that promotes creativity and individuality. We offer competitive benefits, and we invest in our people and their future.  

Our Commitment  

Diversity and Inclusion are in our DNA. As a global leader in kids and family entertainment, we strive to reflect and honour the diversity of our audiences around the world. We believe that creating diverse and inclusive content & brands begins with fostering a culture of belonging at WildBrain. To us, a culture of belonging is one where we celebrate and welcome the diversity of all employees, stakeholders, and external partners and strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and brings their authentic self to work.

We demonstrate our commitment to this by striving to provide a supportive work environment and a corporate culture that welcomes and encourages equal opportunities for all employees. We recognize that people bring experience and talent that goes beyond the technical skills and requirements of a job. If you possess similar experience that is close to what we’ve listed here, we encourage you to please still consider applying. We strongly believe that diverse experience, transferable skills, and passion are key! WildBrain accommodates people with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process. Applicants are encouraged to make their needs known in advance if accommodation is required. 

About WildBrain:  a parent company of Wildbrain CPLG

At WildBrain we inspire imaginations through the wonder of storytelling. As a leader in 360° IP management, we are experts in content creation, audience engagement and global licensing, cultivating and growing love for our own and partner brands with kids and families around the world. With approximately 13,000 half-hours of filmed entertainment in our library—one of the world’s most extensive—we are home to such treasured franchises as Peanuts, Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Caillou, Inspector Gadget and Degrassi. WildBrain’s mission is to create exceptional entertainment experiences that captivate and delight fans both young and young at heart.  

Our studios produce such award-winning series as The Snoopy Show; Snoopy in Space; Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City; Sonic Prime; Chip and Potato; Teletubbies Let's Go! and many more. Enjoyed in more than 150 countries on over 500 platforms, our content is everywhere kids and families view entertainment, including YouTube, where our network has garnered over 1 trillion minutes of watch time. Our television group owns and operates some of Canada’s most-viewed family entertainment channels. WildBrain CPLG, our leading consumer-products and location-based entertainment agency, represents our owned and partner properties in every major territory worldwide.   

WildBrain is headquartered in Canada with offices worldwide and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: WILD). Visit us at wildbrain.com.