Director, CPG Operations Licensing

TKO•Las Vegas, NV

About The Position

Who We Are: UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 300 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 950 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC. TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company. TKO owns iconic properties including UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization; WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment; and PBR, the world’s premier bull riding organization. Together, these properties reach 1 billion households across 210 countries and territories and organize more than 500 live events year-round, attracting more than three million fans. TKO also services and partners with major sports rights holders through IMG, an industry-leading global sports marketing agency; and On Location, a global leader in premium experiential hospitality. The Role and What You’ll Do: Define and drive the strategic direction and growth of the UFC Consumer Products business while managing junior level-talent and supporting them on day-to-day licensing objectives Identify white space opportunities across categories, retail channels and international markets Build and manage a high-performing portfolio of licensees across core and emerging product verticals including existing relationships with key partners such as Fanatics, Venum, Topps, ID Supply and others Build, manage, and grow strong relationships with key licensees across categories Expand UFC’s presence across key retail partners including sporting goods, specialty, mass, DTC and international Support licensees across the full lifecycle, including deal memos, contract execution, commercial alignment, product development, and retail sell-in strategies Lead coordination of partner initiatives tied to live UFC events, including ticketing, athlete appearances, retail promotions, and licensed activations Collaborate with regional team members, internal stakeholders, and external partners to develop integrated, multi-platform marketing and promotional campaigns plans Align cross-functional teams by consolidating event plans, promotional calendars, and key business updates for partners Troubleshoot operational challenges to ensure the consumer products program runs efficiently and effectively Support financial processes, including royalty tracking, sales reporting, forecasting, and budget reconciliation Assist in managing annual budgets across revenue, marketing, and travel & expense categories Assist in managing annual budgets across revenue, marketing, and travel & expense categories Maintain accurate records and documentation, including contracts, deal memos, and best practice case studies Monitor cultural, consumer, and market trends to inform strategy. Partner with Brand, Global Partnerships and Athlete Development to leverage key moments and athlete-driven product opportunities Stay current on UFC athletes, events, content, products, and overall business initiatives

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years of experience in licensing, consumer products, or brand management, with a strong understanding of brand positioning and value
Experience working across categories such as apparel, toys, interactive gaming, and home entertainment
Experience working with a top global licensor or licensing agency preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills including the ability to present to senior level management
Demonstrated sales and negotiation experience with a strong track record of driving revenue
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Self-starter with a proactive mindset and strong follow-through
Passion for staying current on industry trends, licensing best practices, and the evolving sports and entertainment landscape
Creative thinker with the ability to translate ideas into execution
Willing and able to travel for events
Bachelor’s degree required

Nice To Haves

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed organization
Strong executive presence and comfort engaging with senior leadership
Adaptability in a dynamic and evolving market environment
Proven negotiation skills and relationship management skills
Commercially driven with a strong sales mindset
Independent thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach
Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills
Excellent attention to detail and time management
Understanding of brand development and extension strategies

Responsibilities

Define and drive the strategic direction and growth of the UFC Consumer Products business while managing junior level-talent and supporting them on day-to-day licensing objectives
Identify white space opportunities across categories, retail channels and international markets
Build and manage a high-performing portfolio of licensees across core and emerging product verticals including existing relationships with key partners such as Fanatics, Venum, Topps, ID Supply and others
Build, manage, and grow strong relationships with key licensees across categories
Expand UFC’s presence across key retail partners including sporting goods, specialty, mass, DTC and international
Support licensees across the full lifecycle, including deal memos, contract execution, commercial alignment, product development, and retail sell-in strategies
Lead coordination of partner initiatives tied to live UFC events, including ticketing, athlete appearances, retail promotions, and licensed activations
Collaborate with regional team members, internal stakeholders, and external partners to develop integrated, multi-platform marketing and promotional campaigns plans
Align cross-functional teams by consolidating event plans, promotional calendars, and key business updates for partners
Troubleshoot operational challenges to ensure the consumer products program runs efficiently and effectively
Support financial processes, including royalty tracking, sales reporting, forecasting, and budget reconciliation
Assist in managing annual budgets across revenue, marketing, and travel & expense categories
Assist in managing annual budgets across revenue, marketing, and travel & expense categories
Maintain accurate records and documentation, including contracts, deal memos, and best practice case studies
Monitor cultural, consumer, and market trends to inform strategy.
Partner with Brand, Global Partnerships and Athlete Development to leverage key moments and athlete-driven product opportunities
Stay current on UFC athletes, events, content, products, and overall business initiatives