Sr. Manager, Licensing

POSITION SUMMARY 

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.’s Sr. Manager, Licensing will help lead the strategic direction, growth, and execution of licensing programs for all core gaming IPs across the Americas, as well as select international merchandise initiatives. This role is responsible for supporting the Sr. Director, Licensing in developing and executing licensing related business efforts, ensuring to see through the various licensing operational processes, and making recommendations based on identified opportunities.  

The Sr. Manager, Licensing also oversees the approvals team and collaborates with internal and external teams to support product development, marketing initiatives, and retail programs. The position requires strong leadership, account management, new business development, and operational oversight to support ongoing licensing success. 

They will also oversee and support the growth of their direct report(s).  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Collaborate closely with the Sr. Director, Licensing to determine strategic objectives and contribute to the overall revenue growth in alignment with the IP Licensing departmental goals. 

• Contribute to business development initiatives by identifying opportunities, pitching and securing new business across licensed product categories, and evaluating the licensee base to make informed recommendations to the Sr. Director, Licensing. 

• Oversee and maintain the licensing operations process, including developing style guides for each brand, collaborating on the creation of promotional materials and licensing presentations, and building and maintaining retail placement grids. 

• Support managing the financial processes with licensing, including working with assigned accounts to develop sales strategies and financial tracking for programs, and ensuring sales forecasts and reports are received from licensees in a timely manner.  

• Collaborate with internal departments on cross-functional matters, from partnering with the accounting team on sales data to facilitating contracts with legal and finance teams.   

• Partner with external stakeholders, which includes managing relationships with licensees and coordinating with licensors on the entire product process, and supervising existing partners to ensure active development and meeting timelines and compliance. 

• Responsible for overseeing the logistics of trade shows and events (such as Licensing Expo and Toy Fair), which includes supporting the planning and attendance of the events.  

• Develop and execute key retail and licensing strategies and tactics that will help drive product placement, marketing, engagement and sales in line with overall consumer product goals. 

• Maintain deep expertise and stay attuned to current and emerging market trends through ongoing research and analysis. 

• Oversee the effectiveness, growth, and development of direct report(s). 

• Perform other duties as assigned.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.  

• 7+ years of experience in licensing business in an international setup preferably in the video game, animation entertainment, or licensing industry 

• 2+ years of people management experience 

• Strong budget-management skills 

• Extensive knowledge of licensing business (business terms, licensee relations, approval process, product categories, etc) 

• High level of organization and the ability to work autonomously 

• Passionate about Japanese animation and games, licensed products, and entertainment 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

In this position, the work environment will necessitate frequent periods of sitting and engaging in computer-related tasks. There will be requirements to stand and/or walk, and this role requires the ability to lift, carry, squat, kneel, bend, or climb at least 10 pounds. Travel will be a requirement of the role. Travel will be a requirement of the role and will be up to 25% of the role for traveling to trade and industry related shows.      

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. 

Salary Range:

$117,00.00 annual - $155,000.00 annual

Actual base salary will be determined based on numerous relevant business and candidate factors including, but not limited to, education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and business or organizational needs. The salary range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees and it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is providing the following notice regarding the Personal Information we collect and use in the context of this job application: https://www.bandainamcoent.com/legal/bnea-privacy-ccpanotice

About Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., part of the Bandai Namco Group, is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for major video game consoles, PC, online, and mobile platforms. The company is known for creating many of the industry’s beloved classic franchises such as PAC-MAN®, GALAGA®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and ACE COMBAT®, and publishing the critically acclaimed DARK SOULS™ series and the blockbuster title ELDEN RING™. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is also the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime-based video games including GUNDAM™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL™, and ONE PIECE®. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California. More information about the company and its products can be found