Licensing Manager

Job Title:
Licensing Manager

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Licensing Manager to independently own and drive a portfolio of entertainment and fashion brand licensing relationships. This is a senior individual contributor role with full accountability for licensor partnership health financial performance contract compliance and product program execution across an assigned set of brands.

The Licensing Manageroperateswith a high degree of autonomyleading business reviews negotiating contract terms building AOPs and developing long-range growth strategieswhile collaborating cross-functionally with DesignProduct DevelopmentSales Finance and Marketing to bring licensed products to market. The ideal candidate brings deep licensee-side experience a strong financial foundation and a genuine passion for bothentertainmentIP and fashion brand licensing.

About Ground Up:

Ground Up International is a New York-based premier licensed footwear company with an integrated portfolio spanning entertainment fashion and lifestyle brands. From iconic entertainment properties such as Disney Warner Bros. Nintendo Nickelodeon Sanrio Hasbro Mattel and more to fashion-forward labels under Ground Up Collective our products are built for fans who want to express their passions from the ground up.

Our products reach consumers through the worlds leading retailers including Walmart Target Foot Locker TJX Nordstrom Hot Topic Urban Outfitters and hundreds more across the U.S. Canada and Europe.

We aspire to have our teams embody our core values of:

• Service
• People
• Teamwork
• Opportunity
• Results
• Innovation
• Trust

Key Responsibilities:

Licensor Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary owner of assigned licensor relationships across entertainment and fashion brand portfolios including day-to-day communication escalations and strategic alignment

• Lead partner business reviews (PBRs)presenting sales performance category analysis renewal proposals and growth roadmaps directly to licensor contacts

• Build trusted long-term relationships with licensor counterparts at all levels from approvals coordinators to VP-level contacts

• Proactivelyidentifyand resolve issues across the partner relationship before they escalate

Financial Planning Forecasting & Royalty Management

• Own thequarterly royalty forecasting process for assigned brands including property-level retailer-level and channel-level builds

• Track royalty actuals vs.minimumguarantees across the portfolio; model exposure scenarios and escalate risk to leadership proactively

• Lead financial modeling for contract renewals and new deals including royalty rate structures MG proposals and other deal terms

• Deliver regular performance reporting and business insights to internal stakeholders

Contract Negotiation & Compliance

• Co-lead oncontract renewal negotiationsamendments and new agreement term sheets in partnership with senior leadership

• Own contract compliance for assigned portfolio: distribution channel restrictions territory limitationscategoryrequirements

• Develop andmaintaina working mastery of all key contract terms across assigned brandsroyalty rates advance structures approval rights sell-off periods and renewal options

• Draft and manage contract correspondence including amendment requests compliance notices and approval escalations

• Monitor contract expirations and renewal windows; lead proactive outreach to licensors well ahead of deadlines

Product Development & Approvals

• Oversee the full product approval lifecycle for assigned brandsfrominitialconcept through final production approvalensuring submissions meet licensor brand standards and internal timelines

• Partner with DesignProductDevelopment and Merchandising to build licensed product assortments that align with brand guidelines and commercial objectives

• Own the approval calendar for assigned licensors; proactively manage submission pacing to prevent bottlenecks and approval delays

• Provide clear direction to internal teams on licensor feedback translating guidelines into actionable design and development direction

• Ensure all packaging marketing and digital assets meet licensor standards before production release or publication

Brand Strategy & Program Growth

• Develop and own the licensing strategy for assigned brandssetting growth targetsidentifyingnew category and channel opportunities and building long-range plans aligned with licensor priorities

• Identifyand pursue opportunities to expand existing licensed programs: new IP properties distribution channels retail partners or geographic territories

• Monitor entertainment release calendars franchise momentum and fashion trend cycles toanticipatedemand and informproduct planning

• Prepare and deliver compelling line review materials seasonal sell-in decks and licensor-facing strategic presentations

• Support new licensing acquisition by evaluating inbound opportunities andassistingin pitch and negotiation processes

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as the internal authority on brand usage licensor requirements and compliance standards for Design Sales Marketing and Operations teamson assigned brands

• Partner with Sales to support buyer presentations and account-level initiatives providing brand positioning and approval guidance

• Lead or contribute to cross-functional process improvements in approval workflows reporting tools and contract management systems

Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis

• Monitor licensed footwear market trends competitive product activity and brand performance across entertainment and fashion categories

• Track retail sell-through account-level performance and IP lifecycle trends to inform forecasting assumptions and renewal strategy

• Synthesize competitive intelligence and consumer insights into actionable recommendations for senior leadership and licensor partners

Minimum Qualifications:

• 4-6years of experience in licensing brand management or consumer productswith at least 3 years of direct licensee-side experience managing licensor relationships independently

• Demonstrated ownership of full licensing program execution:forecastingcontract compliance product approvals and partner reviews

• Proven ability tounderstand andmanagecontract terms amendments and renewals in partnership with legal teams

• Advanced Microsoft Excelproficiency: pivot tables VLOOKUP/XLOOKUPcross-tabreconciliation scenario modeling; experience withxlsm-based licensor templates strongly preferred

• Excellent communication and presentation skills; confident presenting to licensor contacts at all levels and to internal senior leadership

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to independently manage a broad portfolio of brands contracts and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Bachelors degree in Business Marketing Merchandising or a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Licensee-side experience in footwear accessories or apparel with both entertainment IP and fashion brand portfolios

• Working knowledge of major licensor portal and submission systems (Disney Warner Bros. NBCUniversal Nintendo Sanrio Hasbro Mattel)

• Experience managing off-price and specialty retail channel compliance including TJX territory and distribution restrictions

• Track recordleading partner business reviews and AOP presentations directly with licensor contacts

• Experience with First Cost royalty structures tariff carve-out language and multi-territory contract frameworks

• Familiarity with royalty management software or licensing platforms (e.g. VistexMetaComet or equivalent)

• Certified Licensing Professional (CLP) designation or active pursuit

• Experience mentoring or managing junior licensing team members

GUP Perks

• Medical Dental Vision 401k plan & access to employee recognition programs.
• Paid vacation holidays Eternal Summer Fridays birthdays off & more!
• Friendly fun creative & collaborative work environment.
• Ground Up International is an equal opportunity employer.

Required Experience:

Manager