Licensing Manager

Bandai Namco; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading video game publisher is seeking a Licensing Manager to oversee licensing programs across the Americas. This role supports revenue growth, manages relationships with licensees, and negotiates contracts. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in licensing or retail, strong communication skills, and proficiency in MS Office tools. Salary range is $80,000 to $110,000 annually, with additional responsibilities including analysis of licensee performance and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in licensing, retail, or related industry.
• Strong proficiency in reviewing licensing contracts.
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic objectives for revenue growth in licensing.
• Build and manage relationships with retailers and licensees.
• Analyze existing licensee businesses via sales comparisons and forecasts.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Negotiation

Project management

Knowledge of gaming industry

Proficient in MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Photoshop

Illustrator

MS Outlook

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.’s Licensing Manager will support the strategic direction, growth, and execution of licensing programs for all core gaming IPs across the Americas, as well as select international merchandise initiatives. T his role is responsible for supporting the expansion of the licensing portfolio, achieving revenue targets, managing day‑to‑day relationships with licensees and retailers, identifies and secures new business opportunities, negotiates licensing agreements, and ensures partners operate in full compliance with brand, legal, and business guidelines.

The position also plays a critical role in building retail programs and pitch materials, helping to oversee licensing budgets and performance targets, and collaborating closely with master licensors, internal teams, and international affiliates to maintain brand integrity and drive revenue growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• C ollaborate closely with the Director , Licensing to determine strategic objectives and contribute to the overall revenue growth of the IP Licensing departmental goals
• Support the development of key retail and licensing strategies and tactics , and execute them to help drive product placement, marketing, engagement and sales in l ine with our overall Consumer Products goals
• Build and manage relationships with external retailers and licensees , communicating with them to field requests and ke ep them informed of key IP updates
• Keep a pulse in current and emerging trends in the gaming industry including knowledge of modern gaming, retailer insight, sales lifecycles, line planning, trends and play patterns
• Support in analyzing existing licensee businesses via sales comparisons, forecasts, and competitive analysis on a quarterly basis
• Contribute in building and maintaining retail placement grids, program tracking documents, end of year placement summary and financial tracking for the programs
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including internal departments like eCommerce to develop licensed product offerings, and communicating with Bandai Namco affiliated international territories.
• Gather annual and quarterly sales projections and verify quarterly sales with licensee partners for the finance department
• Contribute to prospecting for new partners (licensees/retailers), presenting pitches, blue sky ideation, identifying incremental business opportunities, and complete trend and market research.
• Be involved in licensing presentations, from preparing sales materials presentations/decks and ad-hoc reports/requests, to participating in weekly cross-functional approval meetings with other internal departments
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5 + years of experience in licensing , retail or related industry experience
• Strong proficiency in reviewing licensing contracts and fluency in negotiating key business terms.
• Strong communication skills, able to comfortably present to large audiences and effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Knowledge of gaming industry
• Strong proficiency in planning and project management
• Proficient in MS Office including Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop/Illustrator, and Outlook

WORK ENVIRONMENT

In this position, the work environment will necessitate frequent periods of sitting and engaging in computer-related tasks. There will be requirements to stand and/or walk, and this role requires the ability to lift, carry, squat, kneel, bend, or climb at least 10 pounds. Travel will be a requirement of the role , and will be up to 25% of the role for traveling to trade and industry related shows .

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job.

Salary Range:

$80,000.00 annual - $110,000.00 annual

Actual base salary will be determined based on numerous relevant business and candidate factors including, but not limited to, education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and business or organizational needs. The salary range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees and it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is providing the following notice regarding the Personal Information we collect and use in the context of this job application: https://www.bandainamcoent.com/legal/bnea-privacy-ccpanotice

About Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., part of the Bandai Namco Group, is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for major video game consoles, PC, online, and mobile platforms. The company is known for creating many of the industry’s beloved classic franchises such as PAC-MAN®, GALAGA®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and ACE COMBAT®, and publishing the critically acclaimed DARK SOULS™ series and the blockbuster title ELDEN RING™. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is also the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime-based video games including GUNDAM™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL™, and ONE PIECE®. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California. More information about the company and its products can be found