Licensing Manager - Softlines

Get to know The Pokémon Company International

The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children's entertainment properties in the world.

Learn more online at Pokemon.com and on Facebook (facebook.com/pokemon), YouTube (youtube.com/pokemon), Twitter (twitter.com/pokemon), and Instagram (instagram.com/pokemon).

Get to know the role

• Job Title: Licensing Manager - Softlines
• Job Summary: The Licensing & Promotions Team is responsible for creating and executing a range of activities, including (but not limited to) Product Licensing, Promotions and Retail/Trade Marketing for Licensed Products to increase the visibility of the Pokémon brand across the globe.
  Within this team, this role will be responsible for developing Pokémon licensed products to ensure a strong presence at retail across US & Canada  – working alongside the Brand Services and Retail Marketing Team.
  In conjunction with growing and managing the Pokémon licensing program, the role is responsible for supporting the Softlines business and is responsible for assisting Senior Manager, Licensing with day-to-day business for designated domestic partnerships.  The role will be heavily focused on driving Accessories and Footwear, and building the Preschool softlines business.
• FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt
• People Manager: No

What you’ll do

• Licensee Management: Operate as key contact for designated licensees as related to day-to-day business. Assist licensees with business needs including brand on-boarding, database training and implementation, forms processing, data gathering and reporting, etc. 
• New Business: Identify and engage with prospective licensees who support strategic initiatives identified by Senior Manager, Licensing – Softlines.
• Creative Direction – Building on industry expertise and ongoing trend evaluation, partner with Senior Manager, Softlines to develop a POV on the creative direction for Preschool Apparel, Accessories and Footwear. Collaborate with TCPi’s Brand Services team to identify the creative solutions necessary to bring innovative, trend-right products to market.
• Product Development: Partner with Softlines Coordinator to review the product approvals system daily for submissions needing review.  Return comments/approvals as appropriate.
• Project Management: Manage project planning, scheduling and inter-department communication, toward ensuring projects are completed and deadlines are met to brand standards and expectations. “Preschool” is a new company initiative that will require particular time and attention.
• Legal: Partner with Softlines Coordinator to manage contract processing and tracking through entire pipeline. Supervise generation, processing and delivery of required legal forms including manufacturer’s agreements and customs letters.
• Financial Planning: Assist with annual budgeting, financial planning and development, and implementation of strategic licensing plans to hit revenue targets, grow the licensing business and generate incremental revenue. Ongoing evaluation of royalty reporting to assess partner performance, confirm compliance with contractual terms and identify new opportunities.
• Event Planning & Tradeshows: Participate and assist with the planning and attendance of annual Licensing Summits, Licensing Show, Toy Fair and other trade shows and events to ensure all events are turn-key.        

What you’ll bring

• Education: BS or BA Degree and/or equivalent working experience.
• Experience:  5-7 years minimum related experience, with previous experience in toy licensing, manufacturing or related field a plus.
• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to interact well with workgroups and various personalities; leadership, strategic, and creative thinking skills; and have an entrepreneurial spirit, with positive, can-do attitude; and the ability to manage multiple tasks and tight deadlines with little supervision.
• Project Management Skills: Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational and presentatio