Job Description

The Manager, Licensing and Business Development will drive FLM's growth strategy by identifying, developing, and securing new licensing opportunities across our entire portfolio. This role requires a strategic thinker who can analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and build relationships with potential licensees. The ideal candidate will possess deep licensing industry knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex deals from prospecting through contract execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive business development strategies across FLM's portfolio, identifying new category opportunities and potential licensees
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective licensees through market research and strategic outreach
• Lead the full deal cycle from initial contact through contract execution, including negotiation of all business terms
• Collaborate with client management teams to ensure business development efforts align with individual property goals and brand guidelines
• Conduct detailed market analysis and category assessments to identify trends and develop data-driven recommendations
• Create compelling pitch materials and presentations for internal stakeholders and external prospects
• Develop financial models and projections for new opportunities, including royalty forecasts and deal term structures
• Monitor competitive landscape and industry trends, providing regular insights to leadership
• Represent FLM at industry trade shows and conferences to build relationships and identify opportunities
• Support contract renewal negotiations and identify expansion opportunities within existing partnerships
• Maintain detailed records in FLM's licensing database, tracking all business development activities
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, retail, and operations teams to ensure successful partnership launches

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5-7 years of experience in licensing, business development, or brand management within sports/entertainment/consumer products
• Proven track record of identifying and closing new business partnerships with ability to exceed revenue targets
• Strong understanding of trademark licensing, deal structures, and contract terms
• Excellent negotiation and presentation skills with ability to influence all stakeholder levels
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience with CRM systems and licensing databases
• Strong analytical skills with ability to synthesize data into actionable insights
• Self-motivated with exceptional organizational skills
• Ability to travel up to 20%

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with collegiate athletics or professional sports leagues
• Existing licensing industry network
• Knowledge of retail and distribution channels
• International licensing experience
• Digital commerce and D2C business model understanding

About the Team

At FLM, we're driven by Fanatics' BOLD Leadership Principles:

Build Championship Teams - Collaborate for collective success

Obsessed with Fans - Focus on the end consumer's passion

Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit - Embrace innovation and creative solutions

Determined and Relentless Mindset - Pursue excellence with unwavering commitment

Join a dynamic team that combines the stability and resources of Fanatics with the agility and entrepreneurial spirit of a specialized licensing agency. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to work with some of the most iconic brands in sports.

At Fanatics, we value transparency and honesty. If you don’t meet every single requirement, that’s okay – we still want to hear from you! We believe in the power of diverse experiences and talents. If you’re excited about the role and confident that you can contribute, don’t hesitate to apply. We’re genuinely interested in how your unique skills and perspective can help us build something amazing together.

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Within Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Licensing Management (FLM) manages an impressive portfolio including collegiate powerhouses (University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Miami, University of Notre Dame, University of Oregon, and University of Wisconsin) and professional properties (NFL Players Association, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and Hockey Canada). As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem - a leading global digital sports platform with over 100 million fans worldwide - FLM leverages the company's vertically-integrated capabilities to maximize licensing opportunities through strategic partnerships with hundreds of licensees across apparel, hard goods, and consumer products categories.