Global Head of License and Partnerships Commercial

Gateway Licensing; Reading; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global retailer in Reading is seeking a Global Head of License & Partnerships to drive their global licensing strategy. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in retail, including significant leadership in licensing. Responsibilities include leading global campaigns and managing high-value partnerships while inspiring a creative team. Competitive compensation and a dynamic work environment are offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in retail/fashion, including 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Proven background in licensing, with strong expertise managing senior external stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills—coaching, mentoring, and building high-performing, creative teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead Primark’s global licensing campaigns, setting the vision and driving commercial growth.
• Influence and collaborate with senior leaders to shape strategy.
• Inspire and lead a high-performing team, giving them clarity and energy.

Skills

Retail/fashion experience

Licensing expertise

Leadership skills

Communication

Strategic thinking

Job description

Global Head of License & Partnerships – Commercial
At Primark, people matter. They’re the beating heart of our business and the reason we’ve grown from our first store in Dublin in 1969 to a £9bn+ turnover business a over 80,000 colleagues and over 440 stores in 17 countries today. Our values run through everything we do. In essence, we're Caring and always strive to put people first. We're also Dynamic, bravely pushing the boundaries to stay ahead. And finally, we succeed Together.

So what’s a career at Primark all about? The positive impact you’re making, the experiences you’re having and the people you’re with. You’re our inspiration. Embrace what sets you apart, own your career and develop in ways you never expected. Leave your mark. And do it your way.

What You\'ll Do

As Head of License Partnerships, you’ll shape and drive Primark’s global licensing strategy—leading end-to-end campaigns, building high-value partnerships, and unlocking the full commercial potential of licensed product. You’ll inspire a creative, high-performing team, influence senior stakeholders, and deliver trend-led ranges that surprise and delight customers while keeping Primark at the forefront of the market

• Lead Primark’s global licensing campaigns, setting the vision and driving commercial growth.
• Spot new opportunities in the market and turn them into game-changing partnerships.
• Take ownership of end-to-end campaign delivery—making sure launches land on time and hit big commercial targets.
• Influence and collaborate with senior leaders across Buying, Merchandising, and Design to shape strategy.
• Build and manage powerful relationships with licensors, licensees, and DTR partners.
• Represent Primark as a senior leader in licensing, managing high-value deals and partnerships.
• Use insights and performance data to measure success and shape future plans.
• Inspire and lead a high-performing team, giving them clarity, energy, and space to grow.
• Partner with creative leaders to transform global trends into must-have licensed products.
• Champion licensing across the business, bringing people together to deliver bold ideas and brilliant results.

• 10+ years’ experience in retail/fashion, including 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Proven background in licensing, with strong expertise managing senior external stakeholders.
• Track record of delivering product strategies and campaign execution in fast-paced environments.
• Strong leadership skills—coaching, mentoring, and building high-performing, creative teams.
• Excellent communication and relationship management at executive level.
• Strategic, innovative thinker with the ability to manage complexity, set clear priorities, and drive results.