Director, Licensing Brand & Product Management

Director, Licensing

Brand & Product Management

Earthbound Brands is a brand licensing agency that builds and manages licensing programs on behalf of a diverse portfolio of clients spanning all industries including Food & Beverage, Home, Fashion, Celebrity, Lifestyle, Automotive, and Character. Our Licensing team is organized into two groups: Sales (licensee business development) and Brand/Product (program and product management). This role leads on the Brand/Product side and reports to the VP of Brand & Product.
The Director, Licensing

Brand & Product Management is the senior face of the brand team to our clients, leading a team of Brand Managers, Product Managers, and Product Associates. The Director owns brand and program strategy for a portfolio of clients: guiding how each brand expands into new categories and products, stewarding the client relationship, and ensuring licensee product and growth efforts deliver on the brand's vision. While the Licensing Business Development team secures licensee deals, this role ensures those programs are strategically sound, on-brand, and growing.
Client Relationship & Brand Strategy

Serve as the senior relationship holder for clients, in partnership with the VP and with support from your team
Co-develop the licensing strategy for each client

phase 1 category priorities, stretch categories, program roadmap

in partnership with your Business Development counterpart, leading on brand fit, category architecture, and product direction, and present jointly to the VPs for approval
Oversee onboarding of new clients, developing a deep understanding of their brand, needs, and objectives
Ensure Brand Managers execute against each client's strategy, setting quarterly goals for product pitches and licensee growth efforts
Establish and run a QBR cadence for each brand with internal leadership and clients
Program Strategy & Cross-Team Partnership

Identify program challenges and proactively bring innovative solutions to the VP of Brand & Product
Partner with the Licensing & Earthbound Business Development team on new business proposals, budget planning, and financial forecasting
Support trade show strategy and attend key meetings with senior client and licensee partners
Team Leadership

Manage, mentor, and develop a team of Brand Managers, Product Managers, and Product Associates, including onboarding and ongoing feedback
Model cross-functional collaboration, communication, empowerment, and inclusion across the team and with leadership
Process & Operations

Identify opportunities for process improvements within the team
Develop solutions that enhance team productivity and program effectiveness
What You'll Bring

10+ years of experience in brand management and client services, ideally within brand licensing (agency, licensor, or licensee side)
3+ years of team management experience
Strong understanding of client and licensee relationships, licensing program dynamics, and product development processes
A relationship-first approach paired with creative problem solving
Demonstrated strategic and creative thinking
Excellent presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills
Ability to develop and execute effective brand strategies
Bachelor's degree
Location, Schedule & Travel

Our office is in the Flatiron District of NYC; the team is in office MondaysWednesdays. The role includes domestic travel to clients and key industry events, including Licensing Expo.
Compensation: $125,000$150,000 base salary, plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus tied to portfolio results.