Managing Director, Licensing Operations

Paddock; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

NASCAR is seeking a Managing Director of Licensing Operations and Business Planning in Charlotte, NC. You will lead the licensing portfolio, drive revenue growth, forecast and budget, and build scalable processes with internal stakeholders and licensees.

You will manage relationships, oversee contract renewals, and align with Finance, Legal, Brand, and Marketing to execute enterprise initiatives. This role requires strong leadership and strategic vision.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in licensing, consumer products, retail, or related commercial roles.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting and forecasting.
• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills.
• Experience leading managers and cross-functional initiatives.
• Familiarity with royalty structures and IP management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational and financial performance of NASCAR's licensing business.
• Oversee revenue growth, forecasting, budgeting and business planning.
• Guide category and account management with clear objectives.
• Strengthen licensee relationships and manage renewals and compliance.
• Partner with Finance, Legal, Brand, Marketing for alignment.
• Develop projections, royalty forecasts and performance reporting.
• Mentor directors and build organizational capabilities.

Skills

Licensing Portfolio Management

Strategic Leadership

Forecasting & Budgeting

Executive Presenting

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS)

Tools

Financial planning software

CRM/ERP familiarity

Job description

# Managing Director, Licensing OperationsFull timeAt NASCAR, you will work alongside passionate people creating experiences fans feel and helping shape the future of sports and entertainment.NASCAR is seeking an experienced Managing Director, Licensing Operations and Business Planning to oversee the operational and financial performance of its licensing business while building the infrastructure, processes, and organizational capabilities needed to support future growth.In this role, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across NASCAR's licensing portfolio, partnering with internal stakeholders and licensees to drive commercial performance, financial discipline, and operational excellence. This position is based in Charlotte, NC, and requires up to 20% travel, including weekends, as business needs require.## What You'll Do* Lead the operational and financial performance of NASCAR's licensing business, including revenue growth, forecasting, budgeting, and business planning.* Provide strategic oversight of assigned licensing categories and guide category and account management teams through clear objectives, accountability, and performance expectations.* Manage and strengthen licensee relationships, including business performance reviews, contract renewals, compliance, and issue resolution.* Partner with the Strategic Licensing & Growth team to transition new opportunities into scalable, long-term business partnerships.* Develop revenue projections, royalty forecasts, and business performance reporting to support informed decision-making.* Analyze performance against plan, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend actions to improve results.* Establish and maintain operating rhythms, including business reviews, forecasting updates, performance evaluations, and cross-functional planning processes.* Evaluate and improve licensing systems, reporting tools, workflows, and operational processes to support scalability and efficiency.* Lead, coach, and develop directors and account management personnel while building organizational capabilities through succession planning and professional development.* Partner closely with Finance, Legal, Brand, Marketing, and other business functions to align priorities and drive business outcomes.* Translate long-term licensing strategies into actionable operational plans and support major negotiations, contract renewals, and enterprise initiatives.* Directly supervise assigned staff, including hiring, development, performance management, and employee engagement.### What You'll Bring* Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university* A minimum of 10 (ten) years’ progressive experience in licensing, consumer products, retail, or a closely related commercial business; or equivalent combination of education and experience.* Ability to travel up to 20%, including weekends, as business needs require.* Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.* Proficient with company-provided hardware and software.* Strong executive communication and presentation skills.* Significant experience managing licensing portfolios, commercial partnerships, or consumer products operations.* Demonstrated financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, revenue analysis, and business planning.* Experience leading teams and developing managers and emerging leaders.* Proven ability to manage complex cross-functional initiatives and improve operating processes.* Experience working with major sports properties, entertainment brands, consumer products companies, or licensing agencies is preferred.* Familiarity with royalty structures, licensing agreements, approvals, and intellectual property management is preferred.* Experience with retail analytics, e-commerce, or merchandise operations is preferred.## Why This Role?This is an opportunity to help shape the future of NASCAR's licensing business by driving commercial growth, influencing strategic decisions, and building the operational foundation that supports long-term success. As a key member of the leadership team, you'll develop high-performing teams, strengthen strategic partnerships, and help scale one of the most recognized brands in sports and entertainment.Behind every race weekend are talented people helping shape the future of sports and entertainment. If you are ready to make an impact alongside passionate teammates, we encourage you to apply.