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Vice President, Business Development
FunkoUnited Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 17 Dec 2024
💰 $200,000/yr
About the role
Funko Overview Welcome to the Funko-verse, a world built on pure imagination, a land governed by the philosophy that stories matter, a universe comprised of characters from countless fandoms, a galaxy of once upon a times and happily ever afters.But what does Funko do? Funko is a purveyor of pop culture and licensed-focused collectibles company. Funko currently holds thousands of lenses and the rights to create tens of thousands of characters – one of the largest portfolios in the pop culture and collectibles industry. Funko’s Pop! Vinyl is the number one stylized vinyl collectible on the market, selling millions of figures to fans around the world. Overview:The VP Business Development is responsible for driving growth by identifying new business partnerships and opportunities, expanding market presence, and building strong relationships with licensors, retailers, and distributors. This role focuses on leveraging trends in the market to enhance the company’s portfolio and sales channels. The VP Bus Dev will work closely with the Sales, Marketing, and Product teams to develop strategies that align with the market/channelsThis leadership role will focus on Sports, while building out a team of Business Development professionals that will focus on other fandoms such as Video Games, Music and others. Key Responsibilities:
- Market Development: Identify new growth areas, including partnerships with stores, online platforms, and exclusive distributors.
- Partnerships & Collaborations: Negotiate and secure licensing deals, exclusive distribution rights, and collaborations with popular brands, entertainment properties, and retailers.
- Event Representation: Represent the company at conventions, trade shows, and collector events, showcasing new product lines and networking with industry leaders and collectors.
- Market Research: Analyze trends in the sector, including demand for franchise-based collectibles, and limited-edition products, to inform product development and go-to-market strategies.
- Sales Channel Expansion: Explore and establish new sales channels, both online (e-commerce, specialized marketplaces) and offline (brick-and-mortar stores, pop-up events).
- Product Launches & Promotions: Work with Marketing to launch new lines, ensuring that limited-edition releases and special promotions are effectively timed and marketed to the right audience.
- Pricing Strategy: Develop and implement pricing strategies, considering factors like rarity, demand, and competition in the market.
- Customer Loyalty & Engagement: Help design loyalty programs, exclusive memberships, or pre-order options that cater to collectors and drive repeat business.
- Brand Partnerships: Collaborate with entertainment properties (movies, TV shows, comic book publishers, etc.) for co-branded or licensed lines.
- 10+ years of experience in business development, sales, or licensing, with a proven track record of success in the sports; music and/or video game industries are a plus
- Experience in leading high performing teams and working well cross-functionally
- Strong negotiation skills, commercial experience, and a proven track record in the sports or leisure sector, ideally having sold to sports physical and/or e-retail.
- An in-depth understanding of commercial requirements in the sector and marketplace globally, with deep expertise within the United States. • Have a black book of contacts and potential players in partnership.
- Thorough understanding of licensing and preferably experience in the function, able to add value in these discussions.
- Expertise in non-retail opportunities and the partners who may play in that sector – Stadiums, Events, etc.
- Willingness to think entrepreneurially around deal-making and revenue/marketing opportunities but to stay within the broader Funko framework.
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