Senior Licensing Manager (Softlines and Hardlines)

About the Role

WildBrain CPLG, China is looking for a Senior Licensing Manager to join our team! Reporting to Commercial Director, you will plan, develop and implement commercial strategies based on your company targets and objectives by supporting and accelerating growth with current and potential clients (softlines and/ or hardlines). Senior Licensing Managers are expected to add value to the company by demonstrating exceptional sales abilities along with creating an environment of integrity, commitment, and trust.

Job Description

• Manage WildBrain brands, 3rd party brands licensing business in Greater China region with annual business targets in line with the brand strategy and overall company goals
• Identify and secure new licensing opportunities in accordance with agreed licensor strategies
• Fill category/product gaps and achieve specific revenue goals and annual growth for the territory
• Be the primary commercial contact for licensees and manage the day-to-day licensing business; may include financials, contracts (new deals, amendments, and renewals), account management and relationship building, product strategy, category and market analysis, trend forecasting and data for retail placement
• Oversee (NEW/RENEWAL) contract negotiations ensuring terms meet the company requirements and overall business objectives; up to the point of contract realization
• Work across multiple brands, building trusted relationships with our licensing partners, licensors as well as all other stakeholders.
• Drive and be part of an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit within the territory office; partner effectively with product development, finance, legal, and other teams
• Manage complex accounts with multiple opportunities across different functions with forecast and budgetary accuracy, serving as the primary customer contact
• Resolve any challenges faced by clients and deal with issues quickly and efficiently
• Work with creative team dedicated for Strategic customers
• Ensure timely deliverables from licensees including royalty reports, royalty payments and other reports as requested by licensors/CPLG
• Develop new licensees in designated categories, achieve established revenue targets and drive annual growth of local business.
• Responsible for daily business management, including all financial matters related to category management (budget, invoicing and royalty collection), contract management (new, amendment and renewal), client management and relationship maintenance, product strategy, category and market analysis, trend forecasting and retail placement data support.
• Responsible for new contract negotiations, ensuring terms meet company requirements and overall business objectives.
• Support the brand management team in cross-category retail joint promotion activities to ensure strong distribution of licensed products at retail.
• Responsible for licensing business of multiple brands, establishing and maintaining trusted cooperative relationships with licensees, brand owners and other stakeholders.
• Promote and participate in the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative culture within the office, working closely with product development, finance, legal, brand and retail teams.
• Continuously identify and seize market opportunities, fill market gaps, and develop new licensees not yet partnered with CPLG through sub-categories, brand series, and market channels.
• Report on the progress and results of commercial development work, and supervise the implementation of contracts.
• Work closely with content distribution and marketing teams to maximize market exposure for WildBrain CPLG brands.

Qualifications

• Significant demonstrable experience in sales and/or brand management
• Direct licensing experience at in IP industry and in a licensing agency essential (open to softlines or hardlines categories).
• Experience with pitching properties, securing, and negotiating deal points and managing licensees; preferably in the character or entertainment industry
• Outstanding interpersonal and networking skills.
• A keen eye for detail, hands-on approach with a strategic vision.
• An innovative and creative manager/salesperson.
• Entrepreneurial spirit who can communicate at all levels.
• University education (is preferred).
• Good verbal and written skills in English preferred.
• Flexible team player with the ability to work collaboratively across the company
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)
• Some travel may be required
• Basic knowledge of Oasis(CRM) is a plus

Additional Information

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.