Manager, Global Hardlines & Digital Licensing

VIZ Media; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Partially subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with employer match

Flexible Spending Account for health and dependent care

Commuter stipend

Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time

Wellness program with fitness membership discounts

Job summary

A leading publishing company is seeking a Manager for Global Hardlines & Digital Licensing in San Francisco. This position involves leading strategy, managing partner relationships, and overseeing P&L in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in consumer products licensing and sales, excellent communication abilities, and a strong network in the industry. This role offers a competitive salary in the range of $90,000 to $110,000 annually, contingent on experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hardlines consumer products licensing experience, especially digital and toys/collectibles.
• 5+ years in sales‑focused roles.
• Strong network within hardlines industry companies and contacts.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and execution for global hardlines and digital licensing.
• Manage day-to-day partner relationships and account support.
• Oversee P&L, forecasting, and tracking partner sales.

Skills

Hardlines consumer products licensing experience

Sales-focused roles

Strong network in the hardlines industry

P&L management

Communication skills

Project management

Proficiency with Google Suite

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Tools

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Canva

Keynote

Asana

Job description

Manager, Global Hardlines & Digital Licensing

VIZ Media is a leading publisher of English-language manga and anime, offering a worldwide fan experience for nearly 40 years. We bring iconic titles such as Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, Naruto, My Hero Academia, and Chainsaw Man to fans worldwide.

Job Summary

The Manager of Global Hardlines & Digital Licensing leads the strategy and execution for hardline and digital accounts across the VIZ portfolio. Responsibilities include crafting long‑term hardlines strategies, managing P&L, prospecting and negotiating partner deals, providing day‑to‑day account support, and collaborating with Brand Assurance on merchandising plans and product life cycles.

What You’ll Do

• Create hardlines strategy aligned with the Consumer Products division goals.
• Manage day‑to‑day partner relationships, delivering business and brand updates.
• Support international agencies and licensees.
• Draft deal memos, collect partner information, and secure approvals.
• Serve as liaison between licensees, agents, retailers, brand partners, and internal departments such as Publishing, Marketing/Social, Legal, Finance, and Product Development.
• Oversee P&L, forecasting, and tracking partner sales, revenue, and payments.
• Build franchise decks, presentations, and sales tools.
• Support and build VIZ CPG programs and marketing activations to elevate retail presence.
• Identify white space and category expansion opportunities.
• Lead negotiations for new and existing licensees, cobrands, retailers, promotions, and brands.
• Manage international agents with strategy guidance and day‑to‑day support.
• Work closely with Brand Assurance/Approvals to ensure product life cycle compliance.
• Build relationships with licensors, participate in business reviews, collect line plans, and monitor production timelines.
• Create monthly, quarterly, and ad‑hoc business update presentations for licensors.
• Compile and review sell‑in and sell‑thru reports for analysis.
• Maintain strong communication with licensors about strategy and development.
• Represent the CPG division at conventions, partner summits, trade shows, and client meetings.

Ideal Candidate

• 5+ years of hardlines consumer products licensing experience, especially digital and toys/collectibles.
• 5+ years in sales‑focused roles.
• Strong network within hardlines industry companies and contacts.
• Experience managing P&L and analyzing financial data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail with ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Passion for building and maintaining client and professional relationships.
• Proficiency with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Canva, Keynote; knowledge of Asana and other project management tools a plus.

Additional Preferred Experience

• Knowledge of pop culture, anime, and manga, especially VIZ properties—strongly preferred.
• Business‑level Japanese proficiency—nice to have, not required.

Work Environment & Schedule

Location: Based in California; if located in the San Francisco Bay Area, onsite work at least once per week is required. Some international travel for licensee visits, trade shows, and conventions is expected.

Schedule: Regular full‑time (40 hours per week). Core hours 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with flexibility as needed.

Compensation: $90,000 – $110,000 annually plus variable compensation dependent on experience.

Benefits

• Partially subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Flexible Spending Account for health and dependent care.
• Commuter stipend for in‑office work.
• Life Insurance/AD&D/STD/LTD.
• Legal & ID theft insurance.
• Group pet insurance rates.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time (including birthday).
• Philanthropy program with paid time off for volunteering.
• Wellness program with fitness membership discounts and reimbursement.
• Full‑time casual dress code.
• Flexible work hours.

Equal Opportunity

VIZ Media is an equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any legally protected status.

Work‑Related Content

As part of a multi‑media entertainment company, employees may be exposed to sexually explicit images, nudity, graphic violence, and other mature content. Applicants should be comfortable working with such material.

Privacy Notice

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