Licensing Executive

About ZURU

ZURU is dedicated to revolutionizing industries by challenging traditional practices and driving innovation through advanced automation. The company operates across several pillars: ZURU Toys, transforming play experiences; ZURU Tech, engineering the future of construction; and ZURU Edge, creating next-generation FMCG brands for modern consumers. Established in 2003 by acclaimed entrepreneurs Nick and Mat Mowbray, ZURU has expanded to a workforce of over 5,000 staff globally across more than 30 countries. It is one of the world’s largest toy manufacturers with popular brands such as Bunch O Balloons, Mini Brands, XSHOT, Rainbocorns, and Smashers. Their FMCG portfolio includes MONDAY Haircare, Rascals, NOOD, BONKERS, and Gumi Yum Surprise.

Role Purpose

The Licensing Executive supports ZURU’s Key Account portfolio on a global scale, ensuring comprehensive day-to-day management of the company’s most significant and complex licensor partnerships. This role also spearheads the development of emerging licensing categories, providing dedicated ownership as new opportunities arise. This newly created position aims to strengthen global Key Account coverage and nurture future licensing ventures within the licensing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver continuous account management across the Key Account portfolio with coverage that spans international regions.
• Collaborate with regional licensor contacts to maintain relationships and meet deliverable deadlines despite time zone differences.
• Assist the Licensing Director and team by supporting Key Account initiatives and priorities.
• Identify new and developing licensing categories and intellectual property that can enhance ZURU’s brands.
• Develop business cases for potential category and partner opportunities incorporating factors such as target audience, collectibility, and suitability for retail markets.
• Lead early engagements in emerging licensing categories, with a vision to take full ownership once the categories mature.
• Support outreach and pipeline development for prospective Key Account and new category partners, including executing outreach efforts and participating in pitch meetings.
• Prepare pitch presentations and brand evaluation reports for both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Monitor licensing agreements through to completion and follow up on associated action points from licensor discussions.
• Contribute to deal structuring and negotiations involving royalty percentages, minimum guarantee amounts, contract clauses, and marketing commitment levels.
• Create basic financial models to preliminarily assess deal economics, including royalties, guarantees, and profit impacts.
• Assist with the accuracy of royalty invoicing and reporting.
• Coordinate with internal departments—Finance, Product, Marketing, Legal—to align with licensor requests and finalize practical agreements.
• Work closely with Product Development teams on licensed product concepts and oversee licensors’ creative approval processes.
• Support royalty reporting, sales forecasting, and pipeline management across the Key Account and emerging categories.
• Provide regular status updates to the Licensing Director on account developments and category progress.

Candidate Profile

• At least 1-2 years’ experience in brand management, marketing, commercial roles, or licensing-related positions; formal licensing experience is a strong plus but not mandatory.
• Demonstrated commercial insight with comfort handling numerical data, understanding deal components, and translating analysis into strategic recommendations.
• Strong analytical capabilities combined with presentation skills to effectively evaluate brand/IP compatibility and construct sound business cases.
• Highly organized with great attention to detail, adept at managing multiple contracts and approval processes simultaneously.
• Familiarity with contract elements such as royalty rates, minimum guarantees, and marketing investments or enthusiasm to quickly develop these skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities suited to managing relationships across diverse time zones and cultures.
• A genuine passion for entertainment, intellectual property, and consumer brand industries.

Location

This role is based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Company Culture and Opportunity

ZURU fosters a high-achieving culture encouraging excellence through shared ambition, learning, and collaboration, balanced with an enjoyable work environment. Employees are empowered to advance their careers actively within an expanding global company that experiences rapid growth, offering unique development prospects.