Sr. Manager, Licensing

POSITION SUMMARY

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.'s Sr. Manager, Licensing will help lead the strategic direction, growth, and execution of licensing programs for all core gaming IPs across the Americas, as well as select international merchandise initiatives. This role is responsible for supporting the Sr. Director, Licensing in developing and executing licensing related business efforts, ensuring to see through the various licensing operational processes, and making recommendations based on identified opportunities.

The Sr. Manager, Licensing also oversees the approvals team and collaborates with internal and external teams to support product development, marketing initiatives, and retail programs. The position requires strong leadership, account management, new business development, and operational oversight to support ongoing licensing success.

They will also oversee and support the growth of their direct report(s).

• Collaborate closely with the Sr. Director, Licensing to determine strategic objectives and contribute to the overall revenue growth in alignment with the IP Licensing departmental goals.
• Contribute to business development initiatives by identifying opportunities, pitching and securing new business across licensed product categories, and evaluating the licensee base to make informed recommendations to the Sr. Director, Licensing.
• Oversee and maintain the licensing operations process, including developing style guides for each brand, collaborating on the creation of promotional materials and licensing presentations, and building and maintaining retail placement grids.
• Support managing the financial processes with licensing, including working with assigned accounts to develop sales strategies and financial tracking for programs, and ensuring sales forecasts and reports are received from licensees in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with internal departments on cross-functional matters, from partnering with the accounting team on sales data to facilitating contracts with legal and finance teams.
• Partner with external stakeholders, which includes managing relationships with licensees and coordinating with licensors on the entire product process, and supervising existing partners to ensure active development and meeting timelines and compliance.
• Responsible for overseeing the logistics of trade shows and events (such as Licensing Expo and Toy Fair), which includes supporting the planning and attendance of the events.
• Develop and execute key retail and licensing strategies and tactics that will help drive product placement, marketing, engagement and sales in line with overall consumer product goals.
• Maintain deep expertise and stay attuned to current and emerging market trends through ongoing research and analysis.
• Oversee the effectiveness, growth, and development of direct report(s).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience in licensing business in an international setup preferably in the video game, animation entertainment, or licensing industry
• 2+ years of people management experience
• Strong budget-management skills
• Extensive knowledge of licensing business (business terms, licensee relations, approval process, product categories, etc)
• High level of organization and the ability to work autonomously
• Passionate about Japanese animation and games, licensed products, and entertainment

In this position, the work environment will necessitate frequent periods of sitting and engaging in computer-related tasks. There will be requirements to stand and/or walk, and this role requires the ability to lift, carry, squat, kneel, bend, or climb at least 10 pounds. Travel will be a requirement of the role. Travel will be a requirement of the role and will be up to 25% of the role for traveling to trade and industry related shows.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the…