Sr. Manager, Licensing - Hardlines

Funko; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits + 401(k) with matching

Creative, fun work culture

Casual, pop-culture driven environment

Job summary

Funko in Burbank, CA is seeking a Sr. Manager, Licensing (Studios and Video Games) to lead Entertainment partnerships, forecast growth, and manage licensors. This role collaborates with Sales and senior leadership to expand Pop! lines.

You will negotiate contracts, review agreements, develop retailer strategies, and ensure timely responses to licensor requests. A 5+ year licensing background and a business degree are required, with a passion for pop culture.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct IP merch, fashion or licensing experience.
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to forecast, review contracts and manage licensors.

Responsibilities

• Lead Entertainment partnerships (current & prospective licensors).
• Forecast and manage calendarized business reviews with partners.
• Identify new business and revenue opportunities with licensors.
• Develop strategies by retailer, brand and property.
• Research competitive landscape and market trends.
• Analyze performance and develop growth plans with licensors.
• Collaborate on product, merchandising and marketing strategies to maximize sales.

Skills

Problem solving

Prioritization

Analytical skills

Written & verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Marketing or related

Job description

Funko Overview

Welcome to the Funko-verse, a world built on pure imagination, a land governed by the philosophy that stories matter, a universe comprised of characters from countless fandoms, a galaxy of once upon a times and happily ever afters.

But what does Funko do?

Funko is a purveyor of pop culture and licensed-focused collectibles company. Funko currently holds thousands of licenses and the rights to create tens of thousands of characters – one of the largest portfolios in the pop culture and collectibles industry. Loungefly, Funko’s softlines brand, brings fandom to life through stylish bags, accessories, and apparel that blend fashion with pop culture storytelling

Located in either Everett, WA or Burbank, CA, the Sr. Manager, Licensing (Studios and Video Games) will be responsible for overseeing Funko’s rapidly growing partnerships within its Entertainment portfolio. This role will support Funko’s Hardlines business, and will report directly to the VP, Licensing and Business Development.

What You’ll Do

Business Planning & Account Management (50%)

• Primarily responsible for Entertainment partnerships (as assigned) covering both current, and prospective Licensors. This includes forecasting, relationship brokering and management (internal and external), contract negotiation, contract review, and additional business needs as they arise.
• Accountable for calendarized business reviews (by partner)
• In partnership with Sales and senior leadership, identify new business and revenue opportunities, and work with Licensors to provide coverage on all contractual needs, with a focus towards expanding the world of Pop! and various Pop! line extensions;
• Develop strategies and business plans by retailer, brand and property

Cross-Functional Category Management (40%)

• Ensure licensor requests are researched and responded to in a timely fashion
• Research & understand competitive landscape
• Analyze and understand market trends, consumer trends, and retailer and industry needs
• In partnership with Royalties, analyze account performance and develop growth plans by key licensor(s) and product lines
• Develop and implement product, merchandising, and marketing strategies to ensure that sales are maximized and contractual commitments are met
• Partner with Sales and Joint Business Planning teams in assortment, retail planning, and sales pitches where relevant

Cross-Functional Merchandising and Product Development (10%)

• Partner with Merchandising and Creative teams to support innovation and go-to-market strategies
• Work with Product Development team to ensure Funko is compliant with all contractual rights and protocols
• Act as liaison between Funko Product Development and Licensor Product Development as needed
• Ensure Licensor materials, and periodic updates are shared across Funko divisions

What You’ll Bring

• A panache for problem solving, and a ‘can do’ attitude
• A strong sense of prioritization and self-governance
• Minimum of 5+ years of direct IP merch, fashion categories or adjacent licensing experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sales and Marketing or related field
• Strong analytical, and organizational skills
• Experienced written and verbal communication skills; must be confident, fluid and persuasive

Salary Information

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $105,000 - $130,500 annually. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives on a case-by-case basis.

What Funko Offers

• Funko offers a competitive compensation package with full benefits and a 401(K) plan with matching contributions from the company.
• Most importantly, we offer a creative work environment with people who love pop culture just as much as you do.
• Can’t wait to gush about your latest binge? Neither can we!
• Looking for a place where your favorite pop culture t-shirt will receive the compliments it deserves? We know how you feel!

Funko is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

This position is based in Burbank, CA.