Vice President of Business Development, Americas & SEA

About Spiralcute International, Inc.

Spiralcute is a premier Japanese character brand management firm known for combining heartfelt stories with charm and wit to create unique 'sophisticute' brands. Specializing in licensing and consumer products, Spiralcute nurtures emerging character franchises such as Chiikawa, Mofusand, and Koupen Chan to capture fans globally through innovative collaborations. With headquarters in Tokyo, the Los Angeles subsidiary focuses on global licensing support and partnership facilitation aimed at spreading happiness through cuteness.

Role Overview

The Vice President of Business Development will lead and grow the licensing and consumer products business across the Americas and Southeast Asia. This pivotal role requires a strategic, commercially-minded leader who can steer regional revenue advancement, manage licensing agents, negotiate key partnerships, and enhance franchise value across the Spiralcute portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct regional licensing strategy and business plans for sustainable growth and franchise strength.
• Collaborate with agents and independently develop forecasts, revenue targets, and multi-year growth plans.
• Manage regional financial goals including budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking.
• Work alongside the UK, Europe, and Middle East VP to uncover new markets, expand categories, and form strategic global partnerships.
• Lead and inspire licensing agents and consultants across North America and Southeast Asia, setting KPIs and ensuring brand alignment.
• Oversee and mentor an internal Business Development Manager to ensure business objective delivery.
• Negotiate licensing agreements, renewals, and partnerships to secure favorable long-term deals.
• Manage partner relationships throughout the lifecycle including onboarding, planning, and account development.
• Build senior-level connections across retailers, licensees, and promotional partners both regionally and internationally.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on franchise strategy alignment, retail development, marketing, legal, finance, and operations to optimize business opportunities.
• Own the revenue performance, pipeline management, and commercial outcomes within assigned territories.
• Analyze market trends and competitive landscape to identify whitespace and new business avenues.
• Represent Spiralcute at industry events globally to enhance brand presence and partnership networks.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of professional experience in licensing, consumer products, entertainment, retail, or business development across the US, Canada, Latin America; Southeast Asia experience is advantageous.
• Proven success in negotiating and closing major international partnerships.
• Deep knowledge of global licensing, retail sectors, and established industry networks.
• Strong commercial skills with experience in managing financial targets and forecasting.
• Exceptional negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset capable of thriving in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Genuine enthusiasm for entertainment, pop culture, consumer products, and brand building.
• Spanish bilingualism is a plus but not mandatory.
• Willingness to undertake international travel as needed.

Additional Information

This role is presently remote with plans to work in-office Monday through Thursday soon; Fridays may remain optional remote days. Annual salary ranges from $180,000 to $250,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits encompass medical, dental, vision plans, employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance, ten paid holidays, discretionary time off, and sick leave.