Brand Licensing Manager

Brand Licensing Manager - Melbourne

BRING ICONIC BRANDS TO LIFE — AND LEAD THEIR NEXT CHAPTER OF GROWTH.

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 Paddington, Peanuts and Squishmallows to Transformers, Peppa Pig and Monopoly, 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 Brand Licensing Manager to take ownership of licensing programs across a range of brands within our Classics and Hasbro portfolio.

This is a hands-on role at the intersection of brands, products, retail and culture — ideal for an experienced licensing professional ready to lead partnerships, shape portfolio strategy and deliver commercial growth.

Reporting to a Licensing Director, you'll work closely with global brand owners, licensees, retailers and internal teams, with responsibility for developing your portfolio, securing new opportunities and delivering against agreed commercial objectives.

THE ROLE

You'll own the day-to-day management and growth of your licensing portfolio, combining commercial judgement with strong relationships and disciplined execution.

You'll:

• Develop and execute licensing strategies, category plans and commercial priorities for your portfolio.
• Own the delivery of agreed revenue targets, forecasts and growth objectives, identifying opportunities and addressing performance gaps.
• Lead new licensing opportunities from initial pitch and commercial negotiation through deal memo, contract, product development, approvals and launch, working within agreed approval and authority levels.
• Manage and grow existing licensing programs, developing clear business plans with licensees and driving renewals, category expansion and retail distribution.
• Identify and convert untapped opportunities across products, categories, licensees and retail channels.
• Act as a key commercial contact for your portfolio, building trusted, productive relationships with brand owners, licensees, retailers and other partners.
• Guide licensees through product development and brand approvals, balancing brand integrity, creative ambition and commercial outcomes.
• Develop retail partnerships and initiatives that strengthen product visibility, distribution and sales.
• Prepare and present compelling client proposals, retailer reviews, sales reports, forecasts and commercial recommendations.
• Monitor sales and royalty performance, using market intelligence and consumer trends to guide decisions and drive 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 autonomy to drive your portfolio's priorities and partner relationships, supported by an experienced Licensing Director and a collaborative team.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Approximately 5–8 years' relevant professional experience, including substantial hands-on experience in brand licensing, consumer products licensing or a closely related licensing function.
• A track record of managing licensing programs, growing partner relationships and delivering commercial results.
• A strong understanding of licensing processes, including commercial negotiations, agreements, licensee management, product development and approvals.
• The ability to develop portfolio and category plans, identify new business opportunities and turn them into successful partnerships.
• Confidence negotiating commercial terms 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 using sales reports, royalty data, forecasts and market insights to make commercial decisions.
• High attention to detail, personal accountability and confidence working autonomously while contributing to a close-knit team.
• A genuine interest in entertainment, retail and consumer products.

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

Above all, we're looking for someone who combines sound licensing expertise with commercial drive, initiative and the ability to take ownership of results.

WHY JOIN MERCHANTWISE?

• Work with some of the world's best-loved entertainment and gaming brands.
• Take ownership of licensing programs and see your ideas reach consumers in the real world.
• Build relationships with leading global brand owners, licensees, manufacturers and retailers.
• Shape commercial strategy and make a visible contribution to portfolio growth.
• Continue developing your negotiation, commercial and portfolio management expertise alongside experienced licensing leaders.
• 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 a modern Melbourne office.
• 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: $90,000–$120,000 plus super, depending on experience.

APPLY NOW

Apply 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.