Reporting directly to the VP of Merch Licensing (Icons), the Manager of Character Licensing and Merch is responsible for wholesale domestic outbound licensing and retail development.  He/she will create category strategies and build market position for ABG’s Celebrity & Entertainment portfolio in target categories by identifying, developing, negotiating and closing business relationships. 

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Identify, develop and implement sales and licensed category strategies to ensure long term and immediate growth goals are achieved 
2. Execute the sales process to maximize pipeline productivity from end-to-end, including: develop (in collaboration with ABG’s marketing, brand and creative teams) sales materials necessary to outline the opportunity; sell the opportunity to qualified licensing prospects; solicit and secure business proposals from potential partners, and draft, negotiate and close licensing agreements. 
3. Maintain an active sales pipeline; evaluate licensing proposals for brand and financial appropriateness; market feasibility, and reliability of the potential partner 
4. Liase with internal departments (legal, brand management, marketing, creative, digital innovation) to leverage and maximize assets and new opportunities 

Skills & Requirements: 

1. At least 3-5 years of experience in sales and product/character licensing 
2. Proven track record in securing and managing licensing deals in a variety of product categories 
3. Solid network of industry relationships (licensing, retail, entertainment) 
4. Strong working knowledge of the retail landscape and trends at all relevant levels and channels 
5. Current with social media, e-commerce and digital marketing trends, including gaming, new media and new technology 
6. Excellent verbal communication, written communication and presentation skills 
7. Must have a relentless drive to succeed, win business and close deals 
8. Must exhibit excellent attention to detail, organization and follow-through skills 
9. Must have strong computer proficiency and working knowledge of MS Office 
10. Bachelor's degree required. MBA or Law degree a plus 
11. Willingness and ability to travel as the role requires