Project Manager | Licensing & Merchandising

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Project Manager to manage the day-to-day operations of licensing partnerships, ensuring seamless execution of both in-licensing and out-licensing programs. The role requires a strong background in project management, licensing, and merchandising, along with excellent stakeholder management skills. This position will play a pivotal role in driving business development, overseeing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with legal contracts while maintaining strong relationships with external partners.

Key Responsibilities:

Licensing and Merchandising

• Out Licensing

  • Manage partner onboarding across brand, product, sales, and marketing functions.
  • Lead seasonal product and design direction kickoff meetings to ensure alignment with assortment planning, distribution, and marketing strategies.
  • Oversee product and marketing approval processes to maintain brand consistency and strategic positioning.
  • Facilitate annual marketing direction kickoffs, guiding creative concepts, storyboards, PR plans, and visual strategies.
  • Develop templates and processes to support the expanding out-licensing business.

• In Licensing

  • Create pitch decks to promote new properties both internally and externally.
  • Compile and manage external licensing applications and intake processes.
  • Coordinate forecasting and commercial plans across product and distribution teams.
  • Prepare post-launch sales reports and insights.

Business Development

• Develop strategies to maximize growth opportunities in licensing partnerships.
• Identify and explore additional opportunities for product and distribution expansion.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams and external partners, ensuring alignment on project execution and deal terms.

Financial Management

• Out Licensing

  • Review and guide quarterly and annual business plans.
  • Monitor royalty collection and manage payment reconciliation processes.
  • Evaluate actual performance against forecasts and provide actionable insights.

• In Licensing

  • Create and manage P&Ls.
  • Monitor sales performance and ensure accurate royalty reporting.
  • Support energy forecasting during contract negotiations.
  • Provide forecasting updates to external partners as required.

Legal and Contractual Oversight

• Review and manage the execution of contracts, including sell-off terms, royalty schedules, approval timelines, and sample requirements.
• Collaborate with legal teams on contract amendments and low-complexity agreements.
• Maintain Smartsheets for contract tracking and compliance.

Day-to-Day Operations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for licensing-related queries from internal teams and external partners.
• Manage and monitor inventory in line with contract terms and partner agreements.
• Ensure all stakeholders are informed of contract specifics and strategic objectives.

Qualifications:

• Strong project management skills with a proven ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Experience in licensing, merchandising, and stakeholder management.
• General end-to-end business understanding.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with external partners.
• Consumer products experience.
• College degree.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $55 to $58 hourly. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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