Vice President of Business Development, Americas & SEA

Spiral cute is a leading Japanese character brand management company, renowned for building 'sophisti-cute' brands that blend heartfelt narratives, wit, and charm. We specialize in developing emerging character stars into irresistible consumer products through strategic licensing and engage fans with innovative promotional campaigns through unique partnerships. Our portfolio features beloved franchises including the Japanese pop-culture phenomenon Chiikawa, the whimsical felines of Mofusand, the encouraging penguin Koupen Chan, and more.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Spiral cute oversees character brand development and operational strategies. Our Los Angeles-based subsidiary, Spiral cute International, Inc., is dedicated to supporting partners and facilitating licensing opportunities for champions of cute worldwide. Our mission is simple: to spread joy through cuteness.

Spiral cute International is seeking a dynamic, commercially driven, positive, strategic Vice President, Business Development to drive the licensing and consumer products business across the Americas and SEA.

This leadership role is responsible for driving regional revenue growth, expanding market presence, leading our agents, securing strategic licensing partnerships, and maximizing franchise value across Spiral cute's portfolio of entertainment and consumer brands. The position combines regional business leadership with hands-on deal making, overseeing a network of licensing agents and consultants while directly negotiating key multi-regional and global partnership opportunities.

The successful candidate will serve as the commercial lead for the Americas & SEA regions, developing and executing growth strategies, managing key partner relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring alignment between local market execution and global business objectives.

Reporting to the EVP, Business Development & Operations, this role will jointly oversee an internal Business Development Manager alongside the VP Business Development for UK, Europe and Middle East and work closely with cross-functional teams across franchise management, retail development, marketing, product development, legal, finance, and operations.

• Lead the overall licensing and business development strategy across the Americas and SEA regions, driving sustainable revenue growth and long-term franchise value.
• Work with the agents and independently to develop and execute annual and multi-year business plans, territory strategies, revenue forecasts, and growth initiatives across the regions.
• Establish and manage regional financial targets, forecasting, budgeting, and performance metrics.
• Partner with the VP Business Development, UK, Europe & Middle East to identify new market opportunities globally, category expansion opportunities, retail white space, and strategic partnerships to accelerate international growth.
• Provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership regarding market opportunities, partner investments, and growth priorities.
• Lead, manage, and motivate a network of licensing agents and consultants across the US, Canada, Latam & Southeast Asia, ensuring alignment with company objectives, brand strategy, and financial goals.
• Conduct regular business reviews with agents and consultants, establishing clear KPIs, territory priorities, pipeline expectations, and performance objectives.
• Review licensing opportunities, commercial terms, and deal structures prior to submission to the EVP for final approval.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to regional representatives to maximize licensing activity, market penetration, and revenue generation.
• Directly manage and mentor the Business Development Manager (to be hired), supporting professional development, performance, pipeline management, and execution against business objectives.

• Drive licensing growth across all key categories through agent management, direct licensing, promotional, and strategic partnership opportunities that support Spiral cute International's global expansion.
• Lead the agents whilst also holding direct negotiation of licensing agreements, renewals, amendments, and strategic commercial partnerships, securing favorable commercial terms and long-term value.
• Manage the day-to-day relationships and performance of licensees with direct agreements with Spiral cute International, overseeing the full partner lifecycle including…