Director of Licensing - Softlines

Welcome to Sanrio!Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty. Home to many endearing characters including My Melody, Kuromi, Pochacco and Keroppi, Sanrio was founded on the 'small gift, big smile' philosophy - that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration for a broad spectrum of unique products and experiences.Sanrio is looking for a leader and subject matter expert across all Softlines Licensing categories. Are you a brand-building guru who will bring your industry knowledge to accelerate Softlines business? An expert-level negotiator, delivering a clear and concise plan to increase market share? Are you capable of building and presenting strong Sales decks that wow existing and potential partners? Do you possess a keen eye for detail and an entrepreneurial spirit? Have a demonstrated ability to captivate an audience with your winning personality, and are able to develop and deploy impactful programs that create immediate buzz?If these attributes sound like you, AND you are ready to hit the ground running to make an impact from day one, then please read on to discover more about this opportunity. Interested qualified candidates, please apply. We are excited to meet you!Sanrio's Director of Softlines Licensing manages Licensing and emerging business development efforts across North America for our Softlines division. This position is directly responsible for Divisional P&L on the Softlines side of the business. The position provides strategic direction for the Softlines department and manages category heads. Specific activities you will undertake include identifying, evaluating, and negotiating the execution of Softlines Licensing opportunities across the portfolio of assets, developing new businesses, and assessing new business model opportunities.The Deets: What will you do here?Responsible for meeting annual licensing revenue and operating profit goals for the Softlines division.Assess and analyze critical Licensing and character branding business models and players industry-wide. Develop growth strategies and portfolio plans across multiple channels.Define and analyze critical new Softlines business development opportunities for the company. Create business and marketing strategic plans for new initiatives and ventures. Manage a team of Softlines Licensing Sales managers.Analyze existing licensee business, including sales comparison, sales forecasts, and gap analysis on an ongoing basis.Track and analyze Licensing agreements to ensure compliance and maximize partner performance.Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with licensees, ensuring alignment with brand values and objectives.Work closely with internal teams, including Creative, Marketing, and Legal, to ensure successful implementation of Licensing programs.Ensure all licensed products meet quality and brand standards.In partnership with Accounting & Finance, negotiate audit findings.Collectively with the Legal department, negotiate and execute contract terms.Develop strategic recommendations for new business, identify licensee candidates to support new products and new category penetration.Research key categories regularly to stay current on innovations, trends, and competitive initiatives and present findings. Manage and streamline internal processes and communication (e.g. forecasting reports, gap analysis).Prepare weekly, monthly & quarterly reports for Japan HQ.What do YOU bring to the table? Qualifications that demonstrate a track record of success:Education: Bachelor's degree preferred and 10+ years of progressive career growth in the Licensing industry. Experience: Demonstrated experience and success with Licensing management and sales within Softlines categories. Must be well versed in assigned category product life cycle, industry licensees and key category players. Ability to develop and manage relationships both internally and externally at all levels. Expert presentation, communication, networking and influencing skills. You must rely on your knowledge and expertise and use independent judgment and analytical skills to research, problem-solve, and make day-to-day business decisions. Must be able to lead and develop subordinate staff effectively. Proficient with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint); must possess excellent negotiation, organization/prioritization; able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment; excellent interpersonal & written/verbal communication skills; must be detail-oriented and a team player able to interact professionally with licensees and internal business groups. Regular overnight travel is required, up to 30%. Remote work is not possible in this role - must live locally and be able to be in office at least twice weekly.

Created: 2025-01-30