Senior Manager, Licensing

Churchill Downs Incorporated•Louisville, KY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Licensing will play a key role in bringing the Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby brands to life around the globe. This position will manage Churchill Downs’ licensing portfolio and, alongside the external licensing agency, evaluate new business opportunities and execute a licensing strategy that drives sustainable revenue growth while strengthening long-term brand equity. Working under the direction of the Senior Director, Partnership Development and Licensing, the Senior Manager will identify growth opportunities, implement market and retail strategies, and coordinate cross-departmental projects. The role will work closely with Marketing, Creative, and the external licensing agency to develop and execute programs, practices, and policies that grow licensing revenue, protect brand standards, and build brand affinity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, and/or related field.
Minimum five years of related professional experience.
Experience managing budgets.
Knowledge of trademark-related practices and demonstrated history of performing related duties in a high-profile setting.
Strong analytical capabilities, initiative, and ability to collaborate with others.
Excellent oral and written communications skills as well as planning and organizational skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Kentucky racing license and successfully complete all applicable background check requirements.

Nice To Haves

Background in licensing or consumer products experience preferred.
Prior experience with licensing, including evaluating licensing requests and familiarity with trademark enforcement procedures, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day Churchill Downs Racetrack and Kentucky Derby licensing and merchandising programs and vendor relationships in support of revenue-generating opportunities.
Manage licensee relationships, alongside the external licensing agency and under the direction of the Senior Director, Partnership Development and Licensing, to coordinate marks and designs that align with Churchill Downs Racetrack’s brand guidelines, protect all marks, and support collaborative opportunities that grow brand reach and revenue.
Execute the licensing strategy and innovative retail marketing programs established with the Senior Director, Partnership Development and Licensing to drive sustainable revenue growth, expand distribution, and strengthen brand equity and affinity.
Monitor licensing performance, category trends, consumer insights, and distribution opportunities; recommend strategic actions that balance revenue growth with the long-term protection and enhancement of brand equity.
Protect the Churchill Downs Racetrack and Kentucky Derby brands and ensure that their IP use is compatible with our core values.
Ensure that all products, services and/or programs that bear the Churchill Downs Racetrack or Kentucky Derby names, trademarks and other identifiers are of high quality and are used only in connection with products, services and programs with which the brand has chosen to be identified.
Coordinate with the external licensing agency, CAA, and Legal on trademark-related matters, including development, deal memos, and contracts for new licensees.
Advise, educate, and respond to requests from other business units and departments regarding licensing inquiries, issues and trademark matters, ensuring that trademarks present an image that aligns with the Churchill Downs Racetrack and Kentucky Derby brands.
Alongside the external licensing agency, monitor licensee compliance with Churchill Downs Racetrack’s policies, brand standards, and the terms of their licenses.
Partner with the Senior Director, Partnership Development and Licensing to coordinate the day-to-day work of Churchill Downs Racetrack’s external licensing agency and monitor deliverables and performance.
Support the Senior Director, Partnership Development and Licensing with fiscal requirements, annual operating budget inputs, tracking, and expense management for Churchill Downs Racetrack’s licensing program.