VP Licensing and Marketing

Our client has grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of licensed products. The company is one of the leaders in Back-to-School stationery and as the company grew and expanded its product offerings, it now provides quality and innovative product lines of stationery, craft/activity, novelties and toys.
Immediate hire for a VP , Licensing & Marketing

Oversee all areas of licensing with a focus on business development and strategy on acquiring new licenses and managing existing partners. Initiate marketing efforts focusing on PR, digital and print to build proprietary brands.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES OF THE JOB:

• Identify, research, and evaluate character and entertainment brands which are appropriate for stationery, crafts and activities, as well as compounds
• Coordinate a marketing, creative and financial proposal to present to Licensors
• Perform analysis of potential new deals – financial impact to the company
• Negotiate financial proposal, other business terms and execute contracts
• Develop, maintain, and manage long-term relationships with Licensors
• Manage a licensing team to ensure licensor requests are met on a timely basis
• Sales & royalty forecasts, product sell-in and sell-thru, Amazon Asins and UPC reports
• Work with EVP and VPs of Sales to monitor annual guarantees with licensors and initiate a sales objective plan to mitigate any shortfalls
• Interface with sales, creative and finance teams
• Liaise between Licensor and production team to ensure all compliance mandates are established and achieved
• Negotiate audit findings with Licensors
• Prepare annual marketing plans as requested by Licensors
• Finalize and execute all licensing contracts and distribution agreements with international distributors
• Meet with licensors on a monthly/quarterly basis to provide updates on their brands
• Provide sales, creative, and retail updates on each specific brand
• Compile and circulate brand updates to the sales team on each license
• Coordinate the planning of all creative assets with licensors and design team
• Collaborate with CEO and executive team members in setting corporate goals and strategy
• Drive PR, social media and other digital campaigns on proprietary company owned brands
• Influence and drive internal stakeholders to “buy in” when evaluating licenses to achieve maximum sales
• Attend trade shows and licensor annual meetings as necessary
• Maintain corporate website

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 10+ years in licensing or related industry
• Strong relationships within the Licensing community
• Excellent organizational, planning, problem-solving, leadership and entrepreneurial skills
• Marketing experience in building brands through PR, advertising, digital and social media
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple licenses and deadlines
• Strong skill set for evaluating new licensing opportunities
• Excellent negotiating skills
• Results oriented with a proven track record
• Minimum of a BS/BA
• Stationery, activities and/or craft experience is a plus
• E-Commerce experience a plus

SALARY: $150,000+