Manager of Licensing

About Manhead LLC

Manhead is a worldwide, full service, merchandise and experiential company creating the global intersection of music, fashion and culture through branded experiences that strengthen the bond between artists and fans. For over thirteen years, Manhead has succeeded as one of the leading, independently owned music/entertainment merchandise companies, specializing in touring, e-commerce, creative, retail, licensing, collaborations, and pop-up shops.

About the role

The Manager of Licensing reports to the VP of Retail & Licensing and is primarily responsible for managing all licensing initiatives for Manhead’s roster of artists and brand partners, with a secondary focus on overseeing the day-to-day operation and growth of the Amazon sales channel. This role combines relationship-building, account management, and strategic development in licensing with operational excellence in Amazon retail. The Manager of Licensing must demonstrate the ability to prioritize licensing opportunities, manage numerous partnerships, retain attention to detail, and supervise the Retail & Licensing Coordinator, while remaining agile enough to adapt to industry trends and the evolving music ecosystem.

What you'll do

Licensing

• Manage all licensing deals and admin communication, including contracts, deal memos, approvals, and delivery of licensed products into the marketplace.
• Forecast sales and revenue, tracking all licensing activity, updating and delivering quarterly reports, and ensuring performance targets are met for internal and external licensee partners.
• Collaborate with the VP of Retail & Licensing and Brand Partnership teams to develop and execute licensing strategies to drive year-on-year growth, targeting new licensees and product categories.
• Build, develop, and maintain key relationships with licensees, brands, artist management, and industry contacts worldwide.
• Liaise with Brand Management, Creative, Finance, and Legal teams to ensure all assets, payments, and contracts meet the required standards.
• Support licensee partners by providing marketing assets and coordinating marketing campaigns for licensed projects.
• Maintain an adaptive approach to new licensing opportunities, keeping current with music, consumer, and retail trends and reporting findings to the wider team.
• Proactively protect band trademarks and intellectual property, reporting infringements and maintaining records of protection actions.

Amazon Stores

• Lead day-to-day management of the Amazon artist stores, including driving sales via promotional merch launches, exclusive assortments, banners, and partnerships with
• Amazon to secure key placements.
• Oversee the Amazon On Demand channel: create design concepts, submit mockups for approval, and upload products, descriptions, and pricing.
• Build and maintain artist pages on Amazon, ensuring all products and banners remain current and relevant, and featured on Amazon Music.
• Execute targeted advertising programs within Amazon and through third-party partners as needed.
• Supervise the Retail & Licensing Coordinator, ensuring timely production order placement and accurate project distribution.
• Assist with monthly communications, such as newsletters to retail partners and updated marketing materials for artists and branded merchandise.
• Stay abreast of trends in fashion, music, culture, and entertainment in order to keep the company and clients at the forefront of the marketplace.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in a Brand, Retail, or Licensing role, with a proven track record of managing licensed businesses.
• Highly organized, analytical, and detail-oriented.
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable adapting to shifting business landscapes and passionate about music merchandising.