Brand Director / Senior Brand Director (Licensing)

Marquee Brands•New York, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Marquee Brands is seeking a self-starter, strategic, results-driven leader to define and execute the brand vision for the Martha Stewart brand. This role requires a dynamic thinker – both analytical and creative with a proven ability to develop and implement brand strategies, drive sustainable and long-term growth, and leverage data-driven insights. As the steward of the Martha Stewart business, you will shape global product and category strategies, foster innovation, lead partner relationships, and ensure long-term business success at retail. Marquee Brands owns and manages a portfolio of established global brands across consumer products and channels from luxury goods to sports and active apparel. Marquee’s team of professionals is focused on a commitment to drive organic growth through natural brand extensions, impactful marketing, and direct consumer engagement. Our promise is to ensure our brands continue their storied success through relevant products, expanded retail distribution, and international growth all while continuing to be true to their founding message and origin.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree, Merchandising, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; or equivalent education
6+ years of buying, merchandising, brand management, or comparable experience in a multi-channel or online retail environment
Experience managing a brand across multiples licensees and global markets and/or strong understanding of a license model
Prior experience with retail, licensing & wholesale business model
Strong merchandising and product knowledge in the Home space across all product categories (Home Textiles, Home Furnishings, etc.)
Experience leading cross-functional teams
Solid understanding of project management principles and techniques
Comfortable working within data-rich software platforms
Strategic thinker able to identify long-term opportunities and trends
Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills, with prior experience working with senior executives
Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills
Proven ability to communicate, influence and negotiate effectively
Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop talent
Strong capability to build and sustain impactful partnerships and relationships across internal and external stakeholders
Exceptional creative thinker and problem solver
Demonstrates curiosity and commitment to continuous learning and development
Self-starter, can prioritize, multi-task and focus under pressure
Eager and willing to add to their knowledge base and skills

Nice To Haves

Ability to travel as needed

Responsibilities

Own Strategic Brand Direction: Drive strategic direction of the brand, working with internal stakeholders to map out global product and category strategies that align with the brand’s identity and values.
Oversee brand financial performance, including P&L responsibility, demonstrating accountability for driving business results against financial objectives.
Partner with marketing and creative teams to deliver a unified brand voice and communication strategy to the consumer.
Leverage research and consumer insights to identify actionable growth opportunities.
Drive Profitable Brand Development and Growth: Collaborate and partner with Business Development to grow market presence with new licensees, category diversification, enhanced distribution channels, and global growth initiatives.
Support and participate in new licensing prospects with consumer insights, marketplace analysis, brand strategy decks, and pitch decks.
Identify and drive new retail relationships through whitespace identification, competitive brand positioning, and delivering compelling retailer pitches.
Ensure all whitespace opportunities are prioritized and executed against.
Strategically drive growth in digital channels, in partnership with the internal Digital Marketplace and licensee partner teams.
Support Events and Partnership activities to drive new revenue streams.
Support ongoing M&A activity as needed.
Lead Licensee Partner Management: Lead relationships with key licensing partners serving as the primary liaison to ensure seamless collaboration across the business for internal and external stakeholders.
Support licensees to achieve alignment with brand strategies and key initiatives.
Hold licensees accountable to maximize category and distribution rights.
Partner with licensees to manage and maintain accurate forecasts and budgets on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis ensuring alignment with financial objectives.
Collaborate with licensees from product and assortment development to retail execution ensuring creative consistency, timely deliverables, and brand standards are met for commercial success.
Manage product approvals to ensure alignment with brand guidelines, quality standards, and, where applicable, legal requirements.
Manage co-brand partners to identify, negotiate, and execute collaborative opportunities.
Partner with legal teams to understand key deal terms and ensure that material deal terms are adhered to, updated, accurately filed, and are compliant.
Oversee financial reporting and royalty tracking for all partners in coordination with Finance and AR teams.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Ensure day-to-day licensing activities, including contract administration, royalty tracking, and overall communication across cross-functional partners is effective, efficient, and in alignment with strategies.
Create structured communication channels to keep all stakeholders informed, engaged, and accountable.
Expertly lead relationships with key manufacturing, operating, and retail partners, ensuring excellence across all touch points across the business.
Be the main liaison between the licensing partners, internal Marquee, and external partners.
Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages knowledge sharing and mutual support.
Manage and develop direct reports.

Benefits

Competitive salary, and bonus structure
Healthcare Benefits including dental and vision
Flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA)
Short-term and Long-term disability
Parental Leave
Life insurance
Pet Insurance
Paid Vacation
Action Days - two (2) fully paid “Marquee In Action" days each calendar year to dedicate your time to a charity or cause of your choice.
11 Paid Holidays: In addition to Paid vacation.