IP Manager

Role Overview

The IP (Associate) Manager supports the development and performance of POP MART’s owned IP portfolio by contributing to strategy, product direction, and market evaluation. This role is responsible for assessing IP performance, identifying opportunities for growth across categories and markets, and helping translate market signals into clear internal direction. In parallel, the role oversees inbound licensing execution, ensuring partners are well-managed and aligned with internal product and brand priorities.

This position works closely with cross-functional teams and HQ to support decision-making across IP development, product, and category planning. The ideal candidate brings experience across IP, product, and licensing, along with a strong understanding of the retail landscape and a proactive, detail-oriented approach to execution.

Key Responsibilities

IP Strategy & Portfolio Development

• Evaluate the performance, positioning, and potential of POP MART owned IP across categories and markets
• Identify opportunities for growth, expansion, or repositioning based on market signals and product performance
• Contribute to a more structured and disciplined approach to IP evaluation and decision-making
• Develop clear, actionable recommendations to inform IP development and long-term strategy

Product & Market Translation

• Translate external exposure and market observation into recommendations for product direction and category expansion
• Partner with internal teams and HQ to provide clear input on what is resonating in-market and why
• Identify white space across product categories and consumer segments, and translate these into direction for IP and merchandise development
• Leverage retail, consumer, and competitive insights to inform category focus and highlight areas of underdevelopment or emerging demand

Inbound Licensing & External Partnerships

• Manage inbound licensing relationships across approvals, marketing coordination, and product alignment, ensuring consistent and timely execution
• Support contract processes and ongoing partner management, maintaining alignment with internal priorities
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts tied to licensed IP, including campaign execution and partner deliverables

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in IP-driven businesses (entertainment, consumer products, licensing, or related fields)
• Experience working with licensed IP, including exposure to product development, approvals, or partner collaboration
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate IP and translate insight into strategic recommendations
• Strong understanding of how IP translates into product, category expansion, and market performance
• Strong understanding of the retail and consumer landscape, with the ability to translate insights into actionable direction
• Experience interfacing with external partners or licensors in a professional setting
• Strong ability to build credibility and presence with external partners, with sound judgment in representing the brand
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail; able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Entrepreneurial and proactive mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities and follow through on execution
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present clear and structured thinking
• Comfortable working across global teams and time zones

Preferred Backgrounds

• Franchise, brand, or IP strategy roles within character-driven or consumer product businesses
• Consumer products or licensing roles within entertainment companies with exposure to product and brand execution
• Cross-functional roles bridging IP development, product, and licensing

What Success Looks Like

• Clear, actionable recommendations that influence product and portfolio decisions
• Improved consistency and rigor in how IP is evaluated and developed internally
• Strong alignment between market insight, product direction, and IP strategy
• Reliable, well-managed execution across inbound licensing and partner workflows
• Increased visibility into category opportunities and areas of growth

Hiring Exercise

As part of the interview process, candidates will be asked to develop a short strategy presentation for one of our existing IPs, including:

• Assessment of current positioning and performance
• Identification of growth opportunities (product, category, or market)
• Recommendations informed by prior experience working with external IP or partners