Manager, Outbound Licensing- Squishmallows®

At Jazwares, we believe an innovative idea can come from anywhere, and anyone. We work collaboratively to achieve our goals and we have fun doing it! Jazwares is a global leader in consumer products including toys, plush, action figures, collectibles and musical instruments. Jazwares’ portfolio includes a variety of dynamic, wholly-owned and licensed brands like preschool powerhouses Blippi, Cabbage Patch Kids®, and CoComelon unstoppable action and gaming brands like Fortnite, Halo®, Micro Machines, Nerf, Pokémon and Roblox, leading lifestyle and entertainment brands like All Elite Wrestling™ (AEW), Blinger®, UFC, musical property First Act™, and beloved plush Hug-A-Pet and Squishmallows®, just to name a few. With over 20 years of design, development and manufacturing expertise, Jazwares is an award-winning company with a progressive focus on identifying new trends and transforming them into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares, which is headquartered in Sunrise, FL, has offices around the world and sells in over 100 countries. Since its inception in 1997, Jazwares continues to grow through the development of new products and the strategic acquisitions of companies like First Act™, Russ Berrie™, Zag Toys™, Wicked Cool Toys™ and Kellytoy®.

The Licensing Manager is responsible for a variety of projects and tasks that contribute to the overall success of the Global Licensing team and our partners’ products. The licensing manger is responsible for day-to-day management and administration of an existing license portfolio, forecasting, submissions and approvals tracking, driving the identification, evaluation and acquisition of new licensing opportunities. This position will collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Legal and the Executive teams to cultivate a diverse portfolio of licensed products.

What You Will Do:

• Negotiate and execute Outbound Licensing deals
• Utilize existing key contacts and build meaningful relationships with new partners
• Secure best in class licensees and negotiate best in class terms for deals
• Work with assigned legal team member to finalize contracts in timely manner
• Represent the Company at licensor summits, trade shows, conventions, etc
• Assist the team with trend research and identifying new opportunities and negotiating new contracts with support of the Global Licensing Team
• Gap analysis - identify those category gaps and opportunities to build new programs
• Gather and present timely forecast requests. Analyze and maximize forecasts by Licensee
• Tracking MG’s shortfalls and overages, highlighting any areas of concern
• Validating the Royalty report quarterly. Provide regular program performance reports (via FH) - work with assigned finance team member to track financials
• Working with cross functional departments to ensure we have all the correct data to share with licensee’s and working closely with the assigned brand teams to keep them abreast of product launches, working with legal for timely completion of contracts, finance team to ensure licensees are up-to-date on payments
• Collaborate with Marketing and Integrated retail to understand all initiatives to clearly articulate to partners when negotiating deals
• Provide support to the Global Licensing team as needed

What We Look For:

Education/ Years of Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in industry relevant field required
• 5+ years in consumer products industry or other relevant experience
• 2+ years of leadership experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAO’s)

• Exhibit interest and knowledge of the current trends/innovations as well as an understanding the competitive marketplace
• Expert in FH reporting
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office & G-Suite
• Able to work cross functionally and reciprocally with multiple departments
• Able to multitask, organize, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
• Able to work independently or collaboratively
• Knowledge of working with licensed brands
• Knowledge of the consumer products industry
• Exceptional verbal, and written communication skills
• Can easily adapt to shifting priorities, and can manage multiple priorities at one time, while also demonstrating vigilance in keeping projects moving forward and hitting deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail
• Positive attitude
• Self-motivated
• Effective problem solver and critical thinker; proactive in resolving issues
• Ability to cultivate and foster strong working relationships with partners, brand, retail, marketing teams to drive program execution
• Leadership skills; able to coach, mentor, inspire, motivate and develop employees
• Ability to deal effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels in a professional manner

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the fashion/apparel
• Experience in outbound licensing

What We Offer:

Salary range for this position: $94,530.00 - $138,000.00 /Yr. Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, peer and market data, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location. The successful candidate may also be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive compensation award. Jazwares offers a full spectrum of benefits, including Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Insurance, Disability and Other Insurance Plans, Paid Time Off (including Sick Leave, Parental Leave and Vacation), Holidays, 401(k), and Short/Long Term Disability, in addition to other special perks reserved for our employees.

JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law

Physical Requirements:

Light; Lifting up to 25 lbs

Must be able to sit at desk for extended periods of time

Travel Required: Yes – Limited

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