Manager, Licensing

Overview

The Manager, Licensing will work closely with the Director of Licensing, Consumer Products in the highly collaborative role including strategic planning, business development and execution of the League’s licensees of consumer products strategy. As part of these responsibilities, the Manager will be responsible for the Day-2-Day management of the Fanatics licensees, Fanatics Brands, product approval and execution, and managing license deals that meet the strategic, commercial and fan engagement objectives. The Manager will be responsible for establishing best practices, onboarding licensees, supporting Clubs and Licensees developing product lines that increase sales, and building new partnerships to ensure MLS is ready to seize the opportunities of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and beyond. The ideal candidate will have significant experience of the licensing landscape, ability to identify soft and hard goods licensees, understanding of deal terms, business acumen and analytic skill set, and managing partners post execution. This is an exciting opportunity to support one of MLS’s key business units and work with stakeholders, partners, and clubs across the league.

The Manager is responsible for delivering sales and revenue updates including communicating consumer product forecast, seasonal product development process, and retail placement and promotions in conjunction with SUM Consumer Products Retail Development Team. The Manager will work closely with our Fanatics team, including sub-licensees and Fanatics Brands.

Responsibilities

• Support development of consumer products aligned with league strategy. Focused deliverables on soft and hard goods across multiple product categories
• Identify and execute business development opportunities across existing partners
• Partner with licensees to develop and grow partnership with the goal of driving revenue increasing engagement across key fan segments (e.g., avid, casual, youth) and working across the organization to activate the league wide partnership deliverables
• Work closely with licensees to develop and achieve financial plans and KPIs while driving growth strategies for the partnership
• Support Club opportunities from product innovation to in retail in conjunction with licensees and retail development
• Manage the relationship between key licensees and team management as applicable by property. Facilitating and monitoring all club requirements
• Build strategic and tactical changes that drive business strategy and promote licensee efficiency
• Demonstrate experience with direct licensee product development process
• Manage and delivery financial targets to the agreed budget
• Be a partner to Finance team to guarantee royalty reporting and financial payments are received in a timely manner

Additional Responsibilities

• Additional responsibilities as assigned

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Qualifications

• 5+ years of prior work experience, in licensing or a related sector
• Strong professional network within the licensing, manufacturing, consumer products and retail

Required Skills

• Strategic mindset to building business cases for taking calculated risks to grow consumer products, understanding of business dynamics, and analysis of competitive marketplace
• Understanding of product trends and business drivers in licensing and sports culture, including key players, aspirational and accessible products, and retail landscape
• Analytical skillset and data-driven approach to decision making
• Sound understanding of retail systems and practices
• Demonstrated understanding of the dynamics and needs of licensing
• High-energy and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to operate and communicate effectively in a team-oriented and collaborative environment
• Demonstrated ability to deliver aggressive KPIs in defined timeframes
• Strong written and slide development presentation skills for clear communication
• Strong communication and presentation skills to interact with both MLS partners and MLS senior leadership
• Attention to detail, especially when multi-tasking across various projects in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable juggling multiple projects, prioritizing stakeholder needs, and working under tight deadlines
• High-quality interpersonal and influencing skills to work cross-functionally in a complex organization
• Comfortable in both large, matrixed organizations, and in lean, “start-up like” environments
• High-level of commitment to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• Ability to travel (10-20%) and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $75,000 - $85,000, based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, and generous Holiday and PTO schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.

We believe in the power of in-person collaboration to fuel creativity, strengthen connections, and cultivate a vibrant workplace. As a result, employees are required to work from an MLS office at least four days a week. We understand the value of balance, so employees also have the flexibility of working remotely on Fridays, along with the option to take up to two additional remote flex days each month.

At Major League Soccer, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to compete in the marketplace. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation throughout the job application or interview process, essential job functions, and other benefits and privileges of employment. If you require accommodation, please contact us to request it.

Join our team and be part of the Major League Soccer family, where we elevate the game and inspire greatness!