Licensing Manager

About Dr. Seuss Enterprises:

Dr. Seuss Enterprises was founded in 1993 in order to protect and exploit the intellectual properties of Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss). While the company began as primarily a book-based company, it has grown into a major global entertainment brand. Today, Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ portfolio includes not only the successful book business but also films, TV, stage shows, exhibitions, theme parks, digital media, licensed merchandise, and other business ventures. Dr. Seuss Enterprises (DSE) manages all aspects of this expanded business portfolio. Our Mission is to promote and protect the literary and artistic works of Dr. Seuss and to educate and entertain generations around the world, utilizing all mediums. Our Vision is to be recognized as, and to be, a best-in-class global organization that provides world class content that drives joyful learning and creates hopeful futures.

 

All of Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ profits benefit charitable organizations that focus on causes such as education, health, animal conservation, science research, and the arts.

The Opportunity

Dr. Seuss Enterprises is looking for a Manager, Licensing, to support and drive licensing initiatives across multiple product categories. Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Licensing, this role will be responsible for managing relationships with licensees, analyzing sales data, identifying new licensing opportunities, and supporting category growth objectives. The Licensing Manager will work closely with internal teams (Brand, Legal, Finance, and Product Licensing) to ensure strategic alignment, as well as with external partners to drive brand presence and revenue growth. This role offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment managing a portfolio of licensees and contributing to the overall licensing strategy for DSE.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Manage licensee relationships across assigned product categories, ensuring alignment with DSE’s brand vision, growth objectives, and financial targets. 
• Support the development and execution of licensing strategies, including category expansion, retailer sell-in, and contract renewals. 
• Analyze sales data and market trends to inform licensing decisions and identify new revenue opportunities. 
• Ensure licensee compliance with financial and contractual obligations, including royalty reporting and minimum guarantees. 
• Assist with negotiating new licensing deals and contract renewals in collaboration with the Sr. Manager, Licensing and Director of Licensing. 
• Partner with Product Licensing to align licensing strategies with product development, assortment planning, and retail execution. 
• Work cross-functionally with Brand, Legal, and Finance to ensure seamless execution of licensing agreements and brand initiatives. 
• Monitor KPIs and provide reporting on category performance, identifying areas for growth and improvement. 
• Identify and develop new business opportunities to expand the DSE brand across key retail channels. 
• Support participation in trade shows, business meetings, and retail visits to foster relationships and identify market trends. 
• Manage category planning efforts, including budgeting, forecasting, and quarterly business reviews. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of licensing, category management, consumer products, retail, merchandising, and entertainment industry ecosystems.
• Extensive analytical and commercial acumen with the ability to evaluate sales data, market performance, consumer trends, and business opportunities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Effectiveness to build and maintain strong partnerships with licensees, retailers, agents, manufacturers, and internal stakeholders.
• Well-developed organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving business environment while maintaining accuracy and operational discipline.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities, solving problems, and driving business growth.
• Sophisticated project management and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
• Aptitude to work independently while also contributing effectively within collaborative team environments.
• Demonstrated ability to balance brand integrity, consumer experience, and commercial objectives.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to navigate changing priorities and business needs.
• Capability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Creative thinker with an understanding of brand positioning, consumer engagement, and market relevance.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Communications, Licensing, or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in Licensing, Category Management, Brand Management, consumer products, entertainment, retail, or related industries.
• Experience managing or supporting licensed consumer product programs, licensing partnerships, or category management initiatives.
• Expertise with Hardlines, Softlines, and/or Seasonal Décor categories preferred.
• Understanding of licensing deal structures, royalty frameworks, contract terms, and approval processes preferred.
• Background working with external licensees, retailers, manufacturers, agents, or strategic partners.
• Strong analytical experience evaluating sales performance, market trends, financial data, and category opportunities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Knowledge using licensing approval systems and asset management platforms, such as MyMedia Box or similar systems, preferred.
• Experience supporting product launches, retail programs, or category growth initiatives preferred.
• Experience working with entertainment, publishing, character, or intellectual property (IP)-driven brands preferred.

Additional Job Considerations

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $80,000–$96,000. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus of up to 10% of base salary, based on company and individual performance

Work Schedule and Environment

• We offer flexible working hours between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Our hybrid schedule includes working in the office Monday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Fridays.
• We are a dog-friendly workplace and welcome employees to bring their four-legged companions to the office in accordance with company guidelines.

Benefits and Paid Time Off

Our benefits package includes:

• 15 days of paid time off per year, accrued throughout the year
• 12 company-paid holidays
• Summer Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, during which employees work until noon and receive company-paid time off for the remainder of the day
• A companywide office closure during the final two weeks of December, allowing employees additional time to enjoy the holiday season
• Blue Shield medical coverage, including HMO and PPO plan options
• Principal dental and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match of up to 4%

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and operating standard office equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and by phone
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move materials weighing up to 15 pounds
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed for meetings, events, and partner engagements up to 30%
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously