Licensing Director

About ZURU

ZURU is dedicated to revolutionizing industries through bold innovation and automation. The company operates across three main sectors: ZURU Toys, reimagining play experiences; ZURU Tech, advancing the construction industry; and ZURU Edge, pioneering next-generation fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands. Established in 2003 by brothers Nick and Mat Mowbray, ZURU has grown to a workforce exceeding 5000 worldwide with over 30 international locations. It is one of the largest toy firms globally, known for acclaimed brands such as Bunch O Balloons, Mini Brands, XSHOT, Rainbocorns, and Smashers, alongside FMCG brands like MONDAY Haircare, Rascals, NOOD, BONKERS, and Gumi Yum Surprise.

Role Purpose

The Licensing Director is responsible for the overall strategy, achievement, and expansion of ZURU’s Key Account licensing portfolio, which includes partnerships with leading entertainment studios, intellectual property owners, and global brands across both ZURU Toys and ZURU Edge. This role partners closely with the Head of Licensing & Partnerships to set strategic direction and provides leadership and governance to the account management team to execute and grow these crucial partnerships worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Head of Licensing & Partnerships to craft and implement Key Account strategies aligned with long-term portfolio expansion objectives for ZURU Toys and ZURU Edge.
• Own and drive the performance and growth of the Key Account portfolio, converting strategic goals into actionable plans across various product categories.
• Identify new market opportunities and areas for expansion within existing partnerships, including additional products, retail channels, categories, and geographies.
• Lead account management operations for major studio, IP, and global brand relationships, fostering long-term, multi-brand collaborations.
• Develop and maintain executive-level relationships, acting as the primary business liaison for key accounts.
• Create annual business plans alongside strategic partners and spearhead business development efforts for new high-caliber partnership opportunities.
• Accelerate global market expansion of Key Account collaborations.
• Maintain awareness of market trends, competition, licensing opportunities, and emerging intellectual properties to inform future deals.
• Manage contract governance and approve terms for Key Account deals, including minimum guarantees and contract terms, partnering closely with legal teams.
• Support negotiation processes and handle escalations for complex or high-value agreements.
• Oversee revenue, royalty, and margin targets within Key Accounts, implementing proactive measures to mitigate risks and leverage opportunities.
• Conduct quarterly business reviews and present performance updates to executive leadership.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Product Development, Marketing, Legal, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to facilitate partnership launches and growth.
• Act as the key escalation point for issues related to Key Accounts, ensuring resolution through collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Lead and grow the Key Account team, adapting the structure as business needs evolve, while coaching and mentoring team members to enhance performance.
• Facilitate regular individual and team meetings to align priorities and workloads effectively.

Candidate Profile

• 8-10 years of experience in account management, brand partnerships, commercial leadership, or licensing, with proven success managing major, high-value relationships.
• Demonstrable record of growing strategic partnerships that generate substantial revenue and business impact.
• Experience in leading and managing small teams is preferred.
• Proven ability to handle complex relationships at executive levels across multiple stakeholders.
• Successful track record in developing annual business plans and driving commercial outcomes through partnerships.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills to translate growth opportunities into actionable initiatives.
• Excellent negotiation, relationship management, and communication abilities at the executive level.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects involving Product, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Legal departments.
• Background in licensing, entertainment, or global IP partnerships is advantageous but equivalent expertise in related sectors such as brand, retail, or commercial partnerships is also valued.
• Ability and willingness to work across different time zones and geographies due to the global nature of the portfolio.
• Located in or willing to relocate to Auckland, New Zealand; candidates from the US or UK will be considered.

Life at ZURU

ZURU is committed to reimagining the future, offering a dynamic environment that encourages high achievement, collaborative learning, and continuous improvement. The company values empowered individuals taking ownership of their professional growth, supported by a platform that enables career progression in a rapidly scaling organization.

What We Offer

• A growth-driven culture to support your professional development.
• Health benefits to support your wellbeing.
• Global opportunities within a diverse and expanding business.
• Collaboration with a talented, high-performing team.
• Competitive salary and remuneration package.
• Onsite perks including fresh fruit, coffee, and a communal fridge.

Additional Information

The position is full-time and based onsite in Auckland, New Zealand.