Licensing Manager

Global Licensing Manager

Manchester – Hybrid (3 days office / 2 days remote)

Excellent Salary + Bonus + Benefits

Our Client

A well-established North-West-based fashion, sportswear and lifestyle group with an international presence and a portfolio of established consumer brands. The business operates across multiple markets, with an established network of international licensees and significant opportunities to grow its licensing business across new product categories and territories.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Global Licensing Manager whose career is firmly rooted in brand licensing, with a proven track record of developing new licensing business.

The priority is to identify, approach, negotiate with and secure new licensees across fashion, sportswear, streetwear, footwear, accessories and lifestyle categories.

You will also manage and develop an existing international licensee portfolio, maximise royalty income and identify opportunities for further expansion across the UK, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

This is a hands-on licensing role requiring an established network of industry contacts, strong commercial negotiation skills and the ability to convert opportunities into signed licensing agreements.

Key Responsibilities

New Licensing Business Development

• Proactively identify, approach and secure new licensees across relevant product categories and international markets.
• Leverage existing relationships with manufacturers, distributors and potential licensing partners to generate new business.
• Personally lead licensing negotiations from initial discussions through to signed agreements.
• Negotiate royalty rates, minimum guarantees, territorial rights, product categories and other commercial terms.
• Identify opportunities to extend existing brands into new categories and territories.
• Develop licensing opportunities through traditional licensing and Direct-to-Retail arrangements.
• Work with licensing agents and international partners to identify and convert new opportunities.
• Attend relevant international trade shows and industry events.

Existing Licensee Management

• Manage and develop an established portfolio of international licensees.
• Identify opportunities to increase royalty income and expand existing agreements.
• Monitor licensee performance, sales, royalty reporting and contractual commitments.
• Lead contract renewals, extensions and commercial renegotiations.
• Work with internal product, design and commercial teams to ensure brand alignment and successful execution.

Licensing Strategy & Growth

• Develop and implement licensing growth plans across categories and territories.
• Identify untapped markets, potential licensing partners and new revenue opportunities.
• Analyse licensing performance and develop strategies to maximise royalty income.
• Provide commercial forecasts, performance updates and recommendations to senior management.

About You

Essential Requirements

• A proven career in brand licensing, ideally with a brand owner or licensor, rather than predominantly in product development, wholesale sales or general commercial management.
• Currently working in licensing, or with substantial recent experience in a dedicated licensing role.
• A demonstrable track record of personally identifying, negotiating and securing new licensing agreements.
• An established network of potential licensees, particularly manufacturers and distributors within fashion, sportswear, streetwear, footwear, accessories or lifestyle products.
• Direct experience negotiating licensing agreements, including royalties, minimum guarantees, product categories and territorial rights.
• Experience managing and growing existing licensee relationships and royalty revenue.
• Strong commercial instincts, with the confidence and ability to open doors, negotiate and close deals.
• Experience operating across international markets.

This is a specialist licensing position, not a general sales, product management or brand marketing role. We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate new licensee wins and the commercial value of agreements they have personally secured.

Location & Working Arrangements

The role is based in Manchester, with a proposed hybrid arrangement of three days per week in the Manchester office and two days working remotely.

Candidates based outside the Northwest who can regularly attend the Manchester office are welcome to apply.

Relevant Job Titles

Global Licensing Manager | International Licensing Manager | Senior Licensing Manager | Head of Licensing | Brand Licensing Manager | Licensing Business Development Manager | Licensing Director

Key Words

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