Manager / Senior Manager, Product Licensing

Job Description 

The Licensing Manager supports commercial strategies by managing the business for specific licensed product categories and partners.  This person will need to be a strong relationship builder, managing relationships with Licensees and a large breadth of internal cross functional teams including Merchandising, Sourcing, Design/Tech Design, Marketing, Strategy, Finance, and Legal.  This role supports aspects of project management and implementation to ensure the commercial strategy for the licensed business is aligned within our brand projection and timelines. 

The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, is solution-oriented and able to navigate new and unknown problems by helping to set new standards, procedures and juggle multiple partner perspectives to meet deliverables.   

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.  

What Will You Be Doing? 

• Develop annual business growth plans with Licensees and project future revenues with Finance. Prepare for Licensee Annual Strategy Meeting; track and ensure execution of all commercial strategies that are agreed  

• Lead relevant stakeholders in project updates, timelines and deliverables – acts as an account manager and liaison between external and internal A&F Co. partners  

• Oversee delivery of Licensee’s global merch plan inclusive of planning by season / size range/gender and ensure that Licensee’s line plan for sku development supports achievement of same  

• Market Trends and Competitive Analysis – conduct in depth analysis on industry developments; benchmark competitors for pricing, assortment by size range, emerging opportunities; assess market activities to inform strategic decisions  

• Work with Licensing Director and global brand leaders on ambitions for each category license annually, including category expansions and distortions  

• Partner with buying teams to communicate products needed by license in upcoming seasons  

• Review requests from Licensees for distribution by channel & region and make recommendations to Business Development VP for approval   

• Assist in potential partner vetting, support partner proposal process, contract terms & negotiations support  

• New partner onboarding support  

• Maintain A&F manual of best practices and ensure partners are adhering to A&F standards  

• Marketing up front guidance & support – partners with Marketing Licensing Liaison to ensure marketing and branding approvals/requests are fulfilled.  Escalates issues as needed with licensee partners for compliance  

• Product up front guidance & support – partners with Design & Sourcing Licensing Liaisons to ensure approvals and any creative requests are fulfilled.  Escalates issues as needed with licensee partners for compliance   

• Visual & showroom direction and POS shop-in-shop installations for wholesale channel: standards and setup – partners with Store Design to ensure brand deliverables are met  

What Do You Need To Bring? 

• Bachelor’s Degree or related experience   

• 7+ years of experience in Licensing or related Product background in areas such as Merchandising, Planning or Sourcing  

• Entrepreneurial spirit with ability to handle significant responsibility   

• Highly organized and detail oriented  

• Adaptable to change, the team operates with high agility  

• Influence and skillset in account or partner management  

• Ability to think and react in a high-energy, fast-paced environment  

Our Company  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs. 

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com. 

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.  

Benefits & Perks  

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F Co. is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive benefits that align with our company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:  

• Incentive bonus program
• 401(K) savings plan with company match
• Annual companywide review process 
• Flexible spending accounts 
• Medical, dental and vision insurance 
• Life and disability insurance 
• Associate assistance program 
• Paid parental and adoption leave 
• Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot 
• Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace
• Paid Caregiver Leave
• Mobile Stipend
• Paid time off and one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community 
• Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles and six work from anywhere weeks per year) 
• Seven associate wellness half days per year 
• Merchandise discount on all of our brands 
• Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within 
• Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups 
• Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU! 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER