Director of Softlines International (EMEA & APAC)

About Moonbug /entertainment:

Moonbug Entertainment is an award-winning global entertainment company behind some

of the most popular kids’ titles in the world. Moonbug’s line-up includes global sensations

CoComelon, Blippi, Little Baby Bum, Oddbods, Little Angel, My Magic Pet Morphle, Supa Strikas, Go

Buster, Playtime with Twinkle, Gecko’s Garage, ARPO and many more.

Moonbug’s shows are currently available in 32 languages and feature on more than 150

platforms globally, including YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Sky, Super RTL, BBC

iPlayer, HBO Max, Tencent, Youku and Roku. The company’s portfolio currently stands at 29

IPs and 100+ brand partners.

Moonbug is a subsidiary of Candle Media, an independent, creator-friendly home for

cutting-edge, high-quality, category-defining brands and franchises. By bringing together

elite talent operating at the intersection of content, community, and commerce, it helps to

position leading entertainment businesses for accelerated, sustainable growth in the

current market and beyond. Candle is run by its Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs, leading

entertainment executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, and backed by investment capital

from funds managed by Blackstone’s flagship private equity business.

The Role

Join a growing team with an exciting company on the fast track to becoming a top leader in the licensing industry. This position will lead the softlines product category (Apparel, Accessories, Footwear & Home) with the goal of meeting or exceeding revenue targets whilst developing and executing international (EMEA, ANZ & APAC) strategies to maximise sales of licensed products across all of the softlines category

A key role in the Consumer Products team which manages a portfolio of EMEA & APAC based softlines licensees/DTRs across all Moonbug franchises. Managing countries across LOBs both directly and through agents, depending on business opportunities.

A critical success factor for this position is the development of strong relationships with existing EMEA/APAC licensees, as well as the identification and onboarding of new partners. The role requires excellent communication skills, and an ability to work collaboratively with a broad cross section of licensing partners, DTRs, agents, retailers, distributors and internal stakeholders.

Responsible for account management of specific licensees/DTRs to provide support and to align on the collective goals of the business. Close deals, negotiate terms and expand the business by identifying white space in the defined product categories. This position is based in London and will report to the VP of Consumer Products International

Responsibilities

• Responsible for annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting for the softlines category.
• Develop the licensing strategy for defined categories to ensure long term success, identifying revenue targets, industry trends, white space opportunities, retail segmentation and new product innovation/expansion
• Analyze account performance and develop growth goals that are aligned with the overarching Consumer Products plans.
• Manage the day-to-day relationship with licensees from start to finish including contract negotiation and execution, monitoring contractual obligations, and ensuring all rights are being exploited/maximized as well as providing key information/assets to help support licensees’ business.
• Conduct regular business meetings with licensees to provide brand updates, discuss current performance, retail placement areas of improvement, and opportunities for growth.
• Partner with the Product Development team to ensure licensees are developing innovative, trend-right product that accurately represents the DNA for each specific brand
• Research and understand competitive landscape through market and consumer trends, retailer and industry need as well as analysing Moonbug insights to identify opportunities to expand your specific category.
• Build relationships and collaborate with other internal teams including GM’s, brand marketing, CP franchise, retail, international licensing, legal and finance to share information and develop business opportunities on a broader scale
• Create materials for pitch presentations, sales meetings, and licensing summits
• Attend trade shows when needed
• Managing staff that will help manage both the softlines and agents / countries

Requirements

• At least 10 years of managing EMEA/ Global Licensees in a commercial function at senior level.

• Strong licensing and or retail business development background in children’s entertainment licensing, in softlines, including proven track record of success in generating and increasing revenue and long-