This job might no longer be available.

Manager, Licensing

Note: This is NOT a Sales and Business Development position.

Position Summary
The Licensing Manager (EMEA) works closely with the Licensing Director to support the Regional Licensing Managers (sales team). They look after the Licensing operations on behalf of the Licensing team and supervise all paralegal and financial queries. They are also responsible for B2B PR, marketing, and event plans for the consumer products programme in the region. They manage the Pokémon pan-European Hardlines accounts (day-to-day management) and act as EMEA point of contact for our global licensees (toys and games, video game accessories, Trading Card Game accessories, amusement plush, etc.). They also lead the conception of creative assets for the Softline category by working closely with the Consumer Product Approval (CPA) team and external agencies.

Primary Responsibilities

Franchise Management:

• Act as EMEA point of contact for product development (localisation), legal and financial queries from our global licensees (toys and games, video game accessories, Trading Card Game accessories, amusement plush, etc.)
• Work on the creation of targeted presentations to support our global licensees in launching new programmes and products at retail in EMEA. Prepare product presentations as needed for internal and external use
• Attendance and presentation participation in licensee/partner presentations. Regular attendance of trade shows and social industry functions where applicable (Brand Licensing Europe, etc.)

Licensee Management:

• Category lead for pan-European Hardlines accounts. Accountable for day-to-day management, including business reviews
• Supervise contract negotiation and secure the best deals in line with consumer products guidelines and business objectives. Manage the process from contract to product development and execution
• Ensure timely product approvals in line with licensee needs, anticipate roadblocks and proactively take measures to address them by working closely with US-based teams

Product Development:

• Lead conception of additional creative assets for the Softline category with external agencies on behalf of the Licensing team. Take a creative approach and ensure appropriate internal stakeholders are involved in decision-making
• Partner with Consumer Product Approval (CPA) team to drive quality and champion innovation in local product development, considering wider multi-territory strategy. Ensure timely product approvals in line with industry needs
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends and conduct benchmarking for consumer products

Financial/Paralegal:

• Supervise all paralegal/financial queries efficiently and in a timely manner on behalf of the Licensing team
• Provide quarterly business update (on behalf of the Licensing team) and forecasts (for allocated accounts) to evaluate progress against budget

PR and Marketing:

• Responsible for managing the B2B PR budget and plan for the consumer products programme
• Event Planning / Tradeshows – Participate and assist with the planning and attendance of annual Licensing Summits, Licensing Shows, Toy Fairs and other trade shows and events as necessary. Ensure visibility of our licensed products during trade shows and Pokémon events

People Management:

• Day-to-day management of direct reports

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• At least 6 years' experience in Licensing/Marketing, Account/Project Management and/or Product Development
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and tight deadlines with minimal supervision
• Proven organizational skills
• Financial acumen
• Ability to present and sell-in creative concepts and execution ideas with internal and external stakeholders
• Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of local markets across EMEA
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to interact well with a variety of work groups
• Ability to think strategically and creatively
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a positive, can-do attitude
• Experience working within a matrix organization
• Proven track record of success
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and presentation skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
• European language is a plus

Education

• BA or BS degree required

Work Conditions

• TPCi is a standard office work environment. Height adjustable workstations, adjustable chairs and monitor stands are provided for all employees
• Ability to work flexible and on-call hours as required for key initiatives
• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally
• This role is based at our Office in Chiswick Park, London