Licensing
SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT FOR BRAND LICENSING, LICENSED PRODUCTS & CONSUMER BUSINESSES
Behind every successful licensed product is a team bringing brands, products and commercial partnerships together.
From entertainment and character merchandise to fashion collaborations, toys, homeware and lifestyle products, licensing businesses need people who understand both the brand and the commercial opportunities behind it.
Zachary Daniels recruits for brand owners, licensing agencies, manufacturers, distributors and retailers, connecting them with experienced licensing professionals, product specialists, commercial teams and senior leaders.
Whether you’re recruiting a Licensing Manager, developing new product categories or building a team to support international growth, we’ll help you find people who understand your market and can make a difference to your business.
Talk to us about licensing recruitment
RECRUITMENT ACROSS THE LICENSING INDUSTRY
Licensing brings together businesses with different responsibilities but a shared commercial objective.
Brand owners and rights holders need people who can identify opportunities, protect brand identity and build valuable partnerships.
Licensees and manufacturers need product, design and commercial teams who can turn licensed properties into products that customers want to buy.
Retailers need Buyers, Merchandisers and Marketing specialists who understand licensed ranges, customer demand and commercial performance.
And across all of these businesses, experienced leaders are needed to manage relationships, develop strategy and support growth.
We recruit across the wider licensing and licensed consumer products market, supporting businesses at different stages of development.
For some clients, that means finding an experienced Licensing Manager or National Account Manager. For others, it means building a product development team, strengthening commercial operations or appointing senior leadership.
Whatever the requirement, we start by understanding your business model, the brands and products you work with, and what success looks like for the appointment.
THE LICENSING MARKETS WE UNDERSTAND
Licensing covers a broad range of consumer markets, each with different products, customers and commercial requirements.
Entertainment & Character Licensing
Entertainment properties, television programmes, films and characters create opportunities across toys, clothing, accessories, gifts and other consumer products.
Businesses operating in this market need people who understand licensed properties, product approvals, retailer relationships and the commercial demands of bringing merchandise to market.
Fashion & Lifestyle Licensing
Fashion and lifestyle brands use licensing partnerships to expand into new product categories, territories and distribution channels.
These businesses may require experienced licensing professionals, product developers, commercial managers and specialists who understand brand positioning.
Toys, Gifts & Collectibles
Licensed toys, games, gifts and collectibles bring together product development, brand partnerships, retail distribution and consumer demand.
Recruitment requirements can range from Licensing Managers and Product Developers to Buyers, National Account Managers and senior commercial leaders.
Sports & Leisure Licensing
Sports teams, competitions and lifestyle brands create licensing opportunities across clothing, accessories, equipment and merchandise.
Candidates may need experience managing commercial partnerships, developing licensed ranges and working with retailers or distributors.
Homeware & Consumer Products
Licensed products extend into home textiles, furnishings, kitchenware, stationery and everyday consumer goods.
These businesses need teams who can manage product categories, supplier relationships, approvals and commercial performance.
Publishing & Brand Extensions
Publishing brands, children’s properties and established consumer names can develop licensing programmes across multiple product categories.
The people behind those programmes need to understand how to extend a brand while maintaining consistency and commercial value.
International Brand Licensing
Businesses operating across several territories may need people who can manage international partnerships, distributors, product categories and market expansion.
Experience working across different retail markets and commercial structures can be particularly valuable.
WHAT MAKES LICENSING RECRUITMENT DIFFERENT?
Licensing sits at the intersection of brands, products, intellectual property and commercial relationships.
The right candidates need more than experience in sales or product development. They need to understand how those different elements work together.
Understanding licensing agreements and commercial models
Licensing professionals may need experience with royalties, minimum guarantees, contract terms, territories and product categories.
The level of expertise required varies depending on whether the role sits with a brand owner, licensing agency, manufacturer or retailer.
We establish the commercial responsibilities of each appointment before identifying suitable candidates.
Managing relationships between different businesses
Licensing often involves several parties working together, including rights holders, licensees, manufacturers, retailers and distributors.
Strong candidates know how to manage expectations, maintain relationships and keep projects moving.
Communication and stakeholder management can be just as important as technical licensing knowledge.
Protecting brand identity
Licensed products need to reflect the brand or property they represent.
That means working within brand guidelines, managing approvals and understanding the expectations of rights holders.
For product and commercial roles, the ability to balance brand requirements with practical business needs is particularly important.
Bringing licensed products to market
Product development can involve design, sourcing, manufacturing, approvals, quality requirements and retailer deadlines.
Experienced candidates understand how these processes connect and how delays or changes can affect commercial performance.
We look for people who can work across functions rather than focusing only on their immediate responsibilities.
Understanding retailers and consumer demand
A licensing opportunity needs to make commercial sense for the retailer and the end customer.
Buyers, Account Managers and Licensing professionals need to understand product categories, price points, customer demand and the routes through which products reach the market.
Negotiation and commercial judgement
Licensing partnerships involve balancing opportunities, costs, contractual obligations and long-term relationships.
For senior commercial roles, strong negotiation skills and sound commercial judgement can make a significant difference.
We look for evidence of the partnerships candidates have developed and the results they’ve delivered.
Specialist experience and transferable skills
Not every licensing appointment requires the same background.
Some roles need direct experience managing licensing agreements or working with major intellectual property owners.
Others may benefit from candidates with relevant experience in consumer products, wholesale, brand partnerships, buying or product development.
We consider which skills are essential and where transferable experience could be valuable.
FUNCTIONS WE RECRUIT ACROSS IN LICENSING
Our specialist teams recruit across licensing, commercial partnerships, product development, buying, marketing and the wider functions supporting licensed consumer product businesses.
Licensing & Brand Partnerships
The professionals responsible for developing licensing opportunities, managing rights holder relationships and overseeing commercial agreements.
Typical roles: Licensing Executive, Licensing Coordinator, Licensing Manager, Senior Licensing Manager, Brand Licensing Manager, Licensing Director, Head of Licensing, VP Licensing
Explore Product, Design, Technical & Wholesale
Commercial, Sales & Account Management
The people responsible for developing retail relationships, managing licensed product accounts and growing commercial partnerships.
Typical roles: Account Executive, Key Account Manager, National Account Manager, Business Development Manager, Commercial Manager, Sales Director, Commercial Director
Explore Product, Design, Technical & Wholesale
Product Development, Design & Technical
From creating licensed product ranges to managing specifications, approvals and quality, these roles turn commercial opportunities into finished products.
Typical roles: Product Developer, Product Development Manager, Licensed Product Designer, Graphic Designer, Packaging Designer, Garment Technologist, Technical Manager, Head of Product Development
Explore Product, Design, Technical & Wholesale
Buying & Merchandising
The teams responsible for selecting licensed ranges, managing product categories, forecasting demand and delivering commercial performance.
Typical roles: Assistant Buyer, Licensed Product Buyer, Category Manager, Merchandiser, Merchandise Planner, Head of Buying, Buying Director
Explore Buying & Merchandising
Explore Area & Regional Management
Marketing & Brand
The people responsible for developing campaigns, supporting licensed product launches and communicating brand partnerships to consumers and retailers.
Typical roles: Brand Executive, Brand Manager, Trade Marketing Manager, Partnerships Manager, Marketing Manager, Head of Marketing, Marketing Director
Digital & Ecommerce
Supporting online sales, marketplace activity, digital marketing and ecommerce growth for licensed consumer products.
Typical roles: Ecommerce Executive, Ecommerce Manager, Marketplace Manager, Digital Trading Manager, CRM Manager, Head of Ecommerce, Ecommerce Director
Supply Chain, Sourcing & Operations
Managing manufacturing relationships, product sourcing, inventory, distribution and the operational requirements behind licensed product ranges.
Typical roles: Sourcing Manager, Production Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, Operations Manager, Head of Supply Chain, Operations Director
Explore Supply Chain & Logistics
Legal, Compliance & Finance
The specialists supporting contracts, intellectual property matters, royalty reporting, financial performance and regulatory requirements.
Typical roles: Licensing Contracts Manager, Commercial Contracts Manager, IP Counsel, Compliance Manager, Royalty Accountant, Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Finance Director
Explore Legal, Compliance & Sustainability
Executive Search & Senior Leadership
Senior appointments for brand owners, licensing agencies, manufacturers, distributors and established consumer product businesses.
Typical roles: Licensing Director, Commercial Director, Managing Director, VP Licensing, Chief Commercial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive Officer
Not sure which team covers your vacancy? Get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.
HIRING TALENT FOR A LICENSING BUSINESS
Recruiting for licensing means understanding the relationship between brands, products and commercial partnerships.
An experienced Licensing Manager working for a major entertainment rights holder may have a different background from someone managing licensed consumer products for a manufacturer.
Equally, a National Account Manager with strong retail relationships may have valuable experience even if they haven’t previously worked in a dedicated licensing role.
We look at what the position genuinely requires, including the commercial responsibilities, relevant product categories, stakeholder relationships and stage of the business.
How we can support your recruitment
- Individual specialist appointments: Finding Licensing Managers, Product Developers, Account Managers, Buyers and other experienced professionals.
- Licensing team development: Building or strengthening teams responsible for brand partnerships, licensing agreements and commercial opportunities.
- New product categories: Recruiting additional expertise as businesses expand their licensed product ranges or enter different consumer markets.
- Commercial and wholesale recruitment: Finding people who can develop relationships with retailers, distributors and other commercial partners.
- Head office team builds: Supporting recruitment across product development, buying, marketing, ecommerce, finance, legal and operations.
- Senior leadership recruitment: Appointing experienced leaders to manage licensing programmes, commercial strategy and business growth.
- Confidential recruitment: Managing sensitive appointments discreetly where required.
- International recruitment: Supporting businesses with recruitment requirements across the UK and internationally.
Our approach combines specialist consumer recruitment knowledge, proactive candidate search and an understanding of the commercial requirements behind each role.
We focus on finding people who can contribute to your organisation, rather than simply matching job titles.
SUPPORTING BUSINESSES THROUGH EVERY STAGE OF LICENSING GROWTH
Recruitment requirements change as licensing businesses develop.
A brand owner establishing its first licensing programme may need an experienced commercial specialist who can identify opportunities, negotiate agreements and build relationships with potential partners.
An established licensing agency may be looking to strengthen its account management team, develop new territories or recruit specialists with experience in particular product categories.
For manufacturers and licensees, the priority may be building product development, design, sourcing and sales teams capable of bringing licensed products to market.
And for retailers, licensing growth can create demand for additional buying, merchandising, marketing and commercial expertise.
We can support businesses at each of these stages, adapting the recruitment approach to the size, structure and ambitions of the organisation.
Our wider recruitment services include:
Whether you need one experienced Licensing Manager or support across several functions, we’ll help you identify the right approach.
LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT ROLE IN LICENSING?
Licensing offers career opportunities across brand partnerships, commercial management, product development, buying, marketing, wholesale and senior leadership.
Whether you’re working for a brand owner, licensing agency, manufacturer or retailer, finding the right next move means understanding more than the job title.
The brands, product categories, commercial relationships, working environment and opportunities for progression all matter.
We take time to understand your experience and what you’re looking for next.
You might be a Licensing Manager ready to take responsibility for a larger portfolio, a National Account Manager interested in working with licensed consumer products, or a Product Developer looking to join a business with a wider range of brand partnerships.
We’ll help you explore opportunities that suit your skills, experience and ambitions.
Moving into licensing from another consumer sector
You don’t always need direct licensing experience to develop a career in the industry.
Experience in consumer products, wholesale, fashion, toys, gifts, brand partnerships or commercial account management can be relevant, particularly where you’ve developed strong retailer relationships or product knowledge.
Some specialist roles, including licensing negotiations, intellectual property management and royalty administration, may require more specific experience.
We’ll be clear about what employers are looking for and where your skills could transfer.
Register your interest confidentially
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What roles does Zachary Daniels recruit for in licensing?
We recruit across licensing and licensed consumer products, including Licensing Managers, Brand Partnership Managers, Account Managers, Product Developers, Buyers, Marketing Managers, commercial specialists and senior leaders.
Do you recruit Licensing Managers and Licensing Directors?
Yes. We can support businesses recruiting professionals responsible for licensing partnerships, commercial agreements, brand portfolios and licensing strategy.
Can you recruit for brand licensing agencies?
Yes. We can discuss recruitment requirements for licensing agencies, rights holders and brand management businesses, including commercial, account management and leadership appointments.
Do you recruit for licensed consumer product manufacturers?
Yes. We recruit across relevant product development, design, sourcing, wholesale, commercial and operational functions for consumer product businesses.
Can you recruit licensing professionals for toys and entertainment merchandise?
Yes. We can support recruitment for businesses operating across licensed toys, gifts, character merchandise and related consumer product categories.
Do you recruit for licensing head office positions?
Yes. Our specialist teams recruit across licensing, buying, product development, marketing, ecommerce, finance, legal, supply chain and senior leadership.
Can somebody move into licensing without previous licensing experience?
Yes, depending on the role. Experience in consumer products, wholesale, brand partnerships, account management or commercial operations can be relevant. Specialist licensing and intellectual property positions may require direct industry experience.
Can you help recruit a complete licensing team?
Yes. We can support individual appointments and wider recruitment projects across licensing, commercial, product development and supporting business functions.
Do you recruit licensing professionals across the UK?
Yes. Zachary Daniels supports recruitment across the UK and can discuss international requirements where relevant.
Why use a specialist recruitment agency for licensing?
Licensing roles often require a combination of commercial judgement, brand understanding, product knowledge and relationship management. A specialist approach helps identify candidates whose experience suits the specific licensing model and business.
Ready to talk?
Hiring for a Licensing Business?
Whether you’re recruiting a Licensing Manager, strengthening your commercial team or building the leadership structure behind a growing licensing business, we’ll help you find people who understand your market.
Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll discuss the best approach.
Thinking About Your Next Move in Licensing?
Whether you’re already working in licensing or considering a move from another consumer products or commercial sector, we’d be happy to hear from you.
Tell us about your experience and where you’d like your career to go next.
Get in touch about your next role
Looking to recruit? Get in touch with your local office below...
London Office (South East)
16 Great Chapel St, London, W1F 8FL
Birmingham Office (Midlands)
Spaces Lewis Building, Bull Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 6AF
Warrington Office (North West)
Riverside Court, Chester Road, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6AR
Glasgow Office (Scotland)
204-206 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HW
Belfast Office (NI & ROI)
Forsyth House, Cromac Street, Belfast, BT2 8LA
We take pride in understanding your business needs through industry knowledge. Whether you need professionals in fashion retail, e-commerce, or traditional store management, our tailored approach ensures that we find the right candidates for your needs.
