Licensing Manager - Co-Brands

Sanrio, Inc.; Torrance (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global lifestyle brand is seeking a Licensing Manager in Torrance, CA. The ideal candidate will manage Co-branded Licensing partnerships, negotiate contracts, and analyze market opportunities. Applicants should have a BA in Business Administration or Marketing and at least 4 years of experience in Consumer Product Licensing. Proficiency in communication and analytical skills, along with the ability to multitask, is essential. The position offers a hybrid work model but candidates must reside in Southern California and travel to the office twice a week.

Qualifications

• 4 years of Consumer Product Licensing experience, with at least 2 years required.
• Knowledge of Consumer Product Licensing processes from end-to-end.
• Strong organization and prioritization skills, attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage Licensees & partnerships across Co-brand partnerships.
• Identify and evaluate Co-brand opportunities.
• Lead contract negotiations and deal terms.

Skills

Consumer Product Licensing knowledge

Negotiation

Project management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Proficiency in Excel

Education

BA in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field

Tools

MS-Office

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty. We’re also home to an endearing cast of characters including the newly crowned #1 favorite Pompompurin, alongside Cinnamoroll, Pochacco, Kuromi, and many more. Since 1960, our “small gift, big smile” philosophy has inspired a World of delight—where even the tiniest token can spark happiness and an enduring connection.

🎯 Are you a dealmaker with an eye for Kawaii design?

Do you thrive at the intersection of strategic hustle, creative synergy, and unadulterated joy? Sanrio is looking for a Licensing Manager who’s more than numbers-driven—you’re brand-obsessed, trend-savvy, and excited to shape the future of Co-branded Licensing.

This role is tailor-made for someone who loves negotiating win-win deals, spotting unique market opportunities, and working with some of the most iconic IP in pop culture. If you're passionate about building powerhouse collaborations between beloved brands and bold new products, we’d love to meet you!

Support the Sr. Director of Licensing in managing Sanrio’s Co-branded Licensing partnerships. Help develop and execute strategic plans to grow our business across Apparel, Accessories, Footwear, and HBA categories. You’ll be the day-to-day point of contact for Licensees and will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to bring our brand vision to life.

The Details (AKA: Job Duties)

• Directly manage Licensees & and partnerships across Co-brand partnerships in apparel, accessory, footwear and HBA categories.
• Identify and evaluate Co-brand opportunities aligned with the brand’s values, positioning, and business objectives.
• Analyze existing Licensee businesses via sales comparisons, forecasts, trend research, and competitive analysis.
• Routinely follow up with Licensees and business partners on various requests, including business updates, quarterly updates, and payments.
• Lead contract negotiations, deal terms, and royalty structures in collaboration with Legal and Finance.
• Work with the Legal team to facilitate contract compliance, including tracking expiration dates and signatures. Oversee and monitor contract expiration reports and provide updates on a weekly basis.
• Compile and update Licensee lists for internal and external reference.
• Prospect for new Licensees, present pitches, prepare sales materials, presentations/decks and ad-hoc reports/requests.
• Contribute to new Licensee recruitment: Blue sky ideation, incremental business opportunity identification, trend research, and overall market analysis.
• Work with the Finance team to gather annual and quarterly sales projections and verify quarterly sales.
• Assist with planning and coordinating meetings and trade shows (ex. Licensing Show).
• Draft Letter of Intent forms, One-Time Authorization requests, and Amendment requests.
• Participate in weekly cross-functional approval meetings with Licensing, Design, Retail, and Marketing teams to gain internal alignment and direction.
• Submit weekly and monthly global team reports and highlights and prepare presentations for internal team meetings.
• Support Product Development process by gathering line lists.
• Facilitate creative kick-off calls for Licensees with Licensing and Creative teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What do YOU bring to the table (AKA: Experience, Skillset & Personal Attributes)

• BA in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• 4 years Consumer Product Licensing experience (at least 2 years is required).
• Must possess knowledge of Consumer Product Licensing processes from end-to-end and must have demonstrated capabilities to develop new business in a Consumer Product Licensing environment.
• Proficient in Excel, MS-Office, PowerPoint, Outlook. Strong organization and prioritization skills, attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Must be capable of creating polished Sales presentation decks and delivering them to prospective partners, internal teams and Sanrio executives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, managing several projects at once.
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently and proceed with objectives without supervision.
• A team player, able to take direction and work professionally with others.
• Ability to travel will be required.

*Even though this is a hybrid position, candidates must live in Southern California, and be able to travel to our offices two days per week.