Assistant Licensing Manager

Assistant Licensing Manager – Melbourne

Bring iconic brands to life — and take the next step in your licensing career.

SHAPE GREAT BRANDS. BUILD COMMERCIAL SUCCESS.

At Merchantwise, we turn fan passion into successful products, retail programs, promotions and experiences.

We're Australia and New Zealand's leading independent brand licensing and consumer products agency, representing an outstanding portfolio of global entertainment and gaming partners, including Hasbro, Netflix, Sony Pictures, Peanuts Worldwide, Minecraft and SEGA.

From Transformers and Peppa Pig to Monopoly, Paddington, Peanuts and Squishmallows, our work connects some of the world's most recognisable brands with consumers through innovative products and commercial partnerships.

We're looking for a commercially minded Assistant Licensing Manager to join our team, to work within across a range of brands within our Classics and Hasbro portfolio business.

This is a hands-on role at the intersection of brands, products, retail and culture — ideal for someone with existing licensing experience who's ready to build on their expertise, take greater ownership and develop their commercial career.

Reporting to a Licensing Director, you'll work closely with global brand owners, licensees, retailers and internal teams to help grow successful licensing programs and identify new commercial opportunities.

WHAT YOU'LL MAKE HAPPEN

You'll play an important role in managing licensing activity across a portfolio of iconic brands, combining commercial thinking with strong relationships and disciplined execution.

You'll:

• Support new licensing opportunities from initial proposal through deal memo, contract, product development, approvals and launch.
• Help shape and execute licensing strategies, category plans and commercial priorities for your portfolio.
• Support the day-to-day management and growth of licensing programs across consumer products and commercial brand partnerships.
• Identify white-space opportunities across products, categories, licensees and retail channels.
• Build trusted, productive relationships with brand owners, licensees, retailers and other commercial partners.
• Guide licensees through product development and brand approvals, balancing brand integrity, creative ambition and commercial outcomes.
• Prepare persuasive client presentations, retailer reviews, sales reports, forecasts and commercial recommendations.
• Track sales and royalty performance, using market intelligence and consumer trends to identify opportunities for growth.
• Collaborate with marketing, creative and operations colleagues to maximise the impact of licensing programs.
• Represent Merchantwise confidently in retailer meetings, client presentations and industry events.
  
  

You'll have the opportunity to contribute to commercial decisions, develop key partner relationships and take increasing ownership of licensing programs as your career progresses.

ABOUT YOU

You'll bring:

• Approximately 2–5 years' relevant professional experience, including hands-on exposure to brand licensing, consumer products licensing or a closely related licensing function.
• A sound understanding of licensing processes, including licensee management, product development, approvals and commercial agreements.
• A strong commercial mindset, with the curiosity and judgement to identify opportunities and turn them into practical action.
• Confidence building relationships and influencing stakeholders across different organisations.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to make a clear, persuasive case.
• Strong organisation and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple brands, deadlines and priorities.
• Experience working with sales reports, forecasts and market insights to support commercial decisions.
• High attention to detail, personal accountability and the confidence to work autonomously while contributing to a close-knit team.
• A genuine interest in entertainment, gaming, retail and consumer products, together with the ambition to progress into a Licensing Manager role.
  
  

Experience working with major entertainment or gaming brands would be an advantage, but isn't essential.

Above all, we're looking for someone who combines sound licensing knowledge with commercial drive, strong execution and the potential to take on greater responsibility.

WHY MERCHANTWISE?

• Work with some of the world's best-loved entertainment and gaming brands.
• Take meaningful responsibility for licensing programs and see your ideas reach consumers in the real world.
• Build relationships with leading global brand owners, licensees, manufacturers and retailers.
• Develop your commercial, negotiation and portfolio management skills alongside experienced licensing leaders.
• Enjoy structured professional development and a clear pathway towards a Licensing Manager role.
• Join a growing brand management, marketing and media agency group with the scale to deliver major programs and the agility to move quickly.
• Enjoy hybrid working and modern office in Melbourne.
• Access paid birthday leave, charity and volunteering days, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Be part of a collaborative, supportive team where initiative is valued and your contribution is visible.
  
  

SALARY: $80,000–$100,000 plus super, depending on experience.

READY TO BUILD THE NEXT BIG BRAND PARTNERSHIP?

Apply NOW with your CV and a short cover letter telling us about your licensing experience, the brands or commercial programs you've helped grow, and what excites you about joining Merchantwise.

We know strong candidates don't always match every criterion. If this opportunity excites you and you believe you can make an impact, we encourage you to apply.