Merchandise Licensing Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the retail and entertainment industries, the role of merchandise licensing managers is becoming increasingly pivotal.

As brands strive to expand their reach and profits, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, manage, and optimize the complex world of merchandise licensing is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s genuinely expected from a merchandise licensing manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager designing the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of merchandise licensing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we bring to you a customizable merchandise licensing manager job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Merchandise Licensing Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Merchandise Licensing Managers are responsible for overseeing licensing contracts and agreements, ensuring products adhere to brand standards, and managing relationships with licensees.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Researching and identifying potential new licensing opportunities and partnerships
• Negotiating licensing contracts and agreements, ensuring all legal and financial terms are in the best interest of the company
• Overseeing the development of licensed merchandise, ensuring all products meet quality standards and adhere to brand guidelines
• Maintaining relationships with licensees, acting as the primary point of contact for any issues or queries
• Monitoring market trends and competitor activity to inform licensing strategies
• Collaborating with marketing and sales teams to develop promotional strategies for licensed products
• Conducting regular audits of licensed products to ensure compliance with licensing agreements
• Reporting on licensing performance, providing updates to senior management on revenue, contract renewals, and market developments

 

Merchandise Licensing Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for an experienced Merchandise Licensing Manager to join our team.

The candidate will be responsible for managing the licensing of our products and ensuring they align with our brand and business strategies.

The Merchandise Licensing Manager’s responsibilities include negotiating licensing agreements, ensuring products meet quality standards, and monitoring market trends to identify new licensing opportunities.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of product licensing, excellent negotiation skills, and a keen eye for market trends.

 

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and manage licensing agreements for our products
• Collaborate with product development team to ensure products align with brand and business strategies
• Monitor market trends to identify new licensing opportunities
• Ensure all licensed products meet quality standards and legal requirements
• Coordinate with marketing team to promote licensed products
• Collaborate with legal team to manage copyrights and trademarks
• Manage relationships with licensors and licensees
• Prepare and present performance reports

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Merchandise Licensing Manager or similar role
• Strong understanding of product licensing and market trends
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Knowledge of copyright and trademark laws
• Ability to manage relationships with licensors and licensees
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• BSc degree in Business Administration, Marketing or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Merchandise Licensing Manager
• Work Environment: This role is primarily office-based, with occasional travel to meet with licensors or licensees.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Licensing or the Head of Merchandising.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Merchandise Licensing Manager Do?

Merchandise Licensing Managers typically work for companies across industries that deal with character or brand-based merchandise, including clothing, toys, and other consumer goods.

Their primary role involves managing licensing agreements for the use of certain intellectual properties (IP) on different types of merchandise.

This means they work closely with licensors, or the owners of the IP, to negotiate terms and conditions, and ensure that all merchandise aligns with brand guidelines and values.

Merchandise Licensing Managers also manage the development process for new products, coordinating with product development teams, licensors, and marketing teams to create and successfully launch new licensed products.

They are also responsible for monitoring the performance of licensed products in the market, tracking sales, and consumer responses.

They use this data to develop strategic plans for improving product performance, including discontinuing underperforming products or expanding successful lines.

In some cases, Merchandise Licensing Managers might also be involved in identifying new potential licensing opportunities or partnerships and pitching proposals to licensors.

They play a vital role in protecting and promoting the brand, ensuring that all licensed merchandise aligns with the company’s overall brand strategy and objectives.

 

Merchandise Licensing Manager Qualifications and Skills

A competent Merchandise Licensing Manager should possess a unique blend of technical know-how, industry knowledge, and interpersonal skills, such as:

• Deep understanding of intellectual property rights and licensing agreements to manage, negotiate and execute licensing contracts.
• Experience in brand management to ensure that licensed products align with the company’s brand image and guidelines.
• Strong financial acumen to manage budgeting, pricing, and financial analysis related to merchandise licensing.
• Effective communication skills to liaise with licensors, internal stakeholders, and other partners.
• Exceptional project management skills to coordinate licensing projects from initiation to completion, including product development, approval processes, and marketing initiatives.
• Analytical skills to evaluate the performance of licensed products and identify areas for growth and improvement.
• Knowledge of current market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape to make informed licensing decisions.
• Excellent negotiation skills to secure favorable licensing terms and conditions.

 

Merchandise Licensing Manager Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of Merchandise Licensing Manager generally have 3 to 5 years of experience in product licensing, brand management, marketing, or related fields.

This experience is typically gained through various roles such as Licensing Coordinator, Brand Manager, or Marketing Specialist.

Experience in negotiating licensing agreements, managing relationships with licensors, or working with intellectual property rights is highly desirable.

Knowledge of industry-specific laws and regulations is often required.

Furthermore, candidates with a background in product development, particularly in the creation, selection, and marketing of licensed products, are often preferred.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have worked with international licensors and have experience in navigating international licensing agreements.

This level of experience may also indicate that the candidate has supervisory or managerial experience, making them suitable for leadership roles within the licensing department.

In addition to professional experience, candidates with a strong business acumen, excellent negotiation and communication skills, and a keen understanding of consumer trends and market dynamics are considered to be ideal for the role.

 

Merchandise Licensing Manager Education and Training Requirements

Merchandise Licensing Managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field.

They must have a strong understanding of intellectual property laws and copyright issues, which can be gained through coursework or relevant work experience.

Knowledge in product development, marketing, and sales is also crucial for this role.

These skills are usually acquired through years of experience in the retail or manufacturing industry.

Advanced roles may require a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a focus on marketing or product management.

Although not mandatory, obtaining certification as a Certified Licensing Professional can offer a competitive edge in the job market.

This certification demonstrates a broad understanding of licensing and a commitment to maintaining professional standards in the field.

Continuous education and staying abreast with licensing trends, laws, and best practices is also essential for career advancement and effective job performance.

 

Merchandise Licensing Manager Salary Expectations

A Merchandise Licensing Manager earns an average salary of $72,193 (USD) per year.

This may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, the size and industry of the employing company, and the geographic location of the job.

 

Merchandise Licensing Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Merchandise Licensing Manager need?

Merchandise Licensing Managers should have excellent negotiation and communication skills as they will be handling deals with licensors and licensees.

A good understanding of product development, market research, and consumer trends is essential.

They should also possess strong analytical skills to interpret sales data and financial reports.

 

Do Merchandise Licensing Managers need a degree?

While not always required, a degree in business, marketing, or a related field is often preferred for a Merchandise Licensing Manager role.

Some companies may prioritize candidates with a thorough understanding of licensing agreements and intellectual property rights.

Relevant work experience in licensing or merchandise management can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Merchandise Licensing Manager resume?

A strong resume for a Merchandise Licensing Manager will highlight previous experience in licensing, product development, or brand management.

It should demonstrate a track record of successful negotiation and relationship management with licensors and licensees.

Knowledge of the specific industry (for example, entertainment, sports, or fashion) can also be a significant advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Merchandise Licensing Manager?

A good Merchandise Licensing Manager is detail-oriented and has an analytical mindset to make data-driven decisions.

They should be skilled negotiators and communicators, capable of forming and managing relationships with licensors and licensees.

A keen understanding of consumer trends and the ability to anticipate market changes will also be key to this role.

 

What are the daily duties of a Merchandise Licensing Manager?

On a typical day, a Merchandise Licensing Manager may negotiate contracts with licensors or licensees, oversee product development to ensure it meets brand guidelines, analyze sales data to inform future licensing strategies, and liaise with marketing teams to promote licensed products.

They may also conduct market research to identify new licensing opportunities and trends.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a sneak peek into the dynamic world of a merchandise licensing manager.

And here’s a surprise:

It’s not just about negotiating contracts.

It’s about shaping the face of a brand, one licensing deal at a time.

With our detailed merchandise licensing manager job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step into this exciting field.

But don’t limit yourself.

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next stop for creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every licensing agreement is a part of the brand’s larger story.

Let’s craft that story. Together.

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