Licensing Manager, Softlines (Peanuts Worldwide)

Join our Peanuts Worldwide team to make us part of your story!
The characters of Peanuts and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide, which is 80% owned by the Sony Group, and 20% owned by the family of Charles M. Schulz. First introduced to the world in 1950 in the Peanuts comic strip, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the gang have made an indelible mark on popular culture. In addition to enjoying beloved Peanuts shows and specials on Apple TV, fans of all ages celebrate the brand around the world through thousands of consumer products, as well as amusement park attractions, cultural events, social media, and comic strips available in all formats, from traditional to digital. Peanuts recently celebrated its 75th Anniversary with unprecedented worldwide exhibitions and activities, collaborations, digital marketing campaigns, and more.
POSITION SUMMARY
Peanuts Worldwide, LLC is seeking a Licensing Manager, Softlines. Reporting to the VP of Global Softlines, the Licensing Manager, Softlines will lead the day-to-day management and growth of assigned domestic softlines categories. This role will own licensee relationships and category performance, identify and secure new business opportunities, lead deal negotiations, and partner cross-functionally to deliver commercially successful products that support Peanuts' brand and business objectives.
This position will be on a Hybrid schedule with 2 days per week in the NYC office.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage Peanuts licensees in the following categories:
Sleepwear, Health and Beauty Aids
Develop and execute growth plans for assigned categories, identifying, pitching, evaluating, and securing new licensees against defined revenue targets and annual growth objectives.
Manage day-to-day business for assigned categories, including financial performance, contract management, category analysis, product development, and retail placement.
Oversee contract negotiations for new deals, amendments, and renewals, recommending commercially sound terms that meet company requirements and advance overall business objectives.
Maintain market knowledge of assigned categories, competitive activity, consumer trends, and the retail landscape; translate insights into actionable business recommendations.
Partner with the VP, Global Softlines to shape and implement category strategies across all levels of retail and e-commerce, aligning priorities with broader brand and revenue goals.
Monitor licensee performance against contractual obligations, sales targets, and quality standards; identify risks and opportunities, drive corrective actions, and communicate business results and recommendations to leadership.
Domestic travel is required.
Honesty, trustworthiness and ethical conduct are material requirements for the responsibilities outlined above
QUALIFICATIONS FOR POSITION
Your qualifications and experience should include:
7+ years of progressive experience in the licensing industry, including ownership of sales and/or brand management responsibilities and demonstrated accountability for business results
Bachelor’s Degree preferred
Demonstrated success pitching properties, securing new business, negotiating complex deal points, and independently managing licensee relationships; experience in character or entertainment licensing preferred
Proven track record of building and establishing strong relationships and industry contacts across softlines categories; established retail relationships are a plus
Proficient in MS Office programs (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
Motivated self-starter who demonstrates strong initiative, creativity and excellent work ethic
Flexible team player with positive attitude and ability to work collaboratively across the company
Strong organizational skills and ability to think strategically to complete tasks in a timely fashion
Strong attention to detail and a high level of administrative organization
Exceptional verbal, written and interpersonal skills
Problem solver that acts decisively and demonstrates good judgement
Thrives in a fast paced, changing environment that necessitates working on many different projects simultaneously
Must be authorized to work in the US without restrictions.
We are committed to creating an inclusive employee experience for you to thrive as part of Sony’s purpose to “fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology.”
Benefits:
Peanuts Worldwide participates in the Sony Corporation of America (SCA) benefits program and offers benefits-eligible employees (generally regular employees scheduled to work 20 or more hours a week) a comprehensive benefits program that offers coverage and support for employees and their family’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
What we offer you:
Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage with coverage for spouses/domestic partners and child dependents, including access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Employee assistance plan and comprehensive behavioral health benefits
Fertility benefits, including, surrogacy, and adoption assistance programs
Basic and supplemental life insurance for employees as well as supplemental life insurance coverage for their spouses/domestic partners and children
Voluntary benefits such as group legal, identity theft protection, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance
Short-term & long-term disability plans
Up to 12 weeks of paid parental and caregiver leave
401(k) Plan with pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax options and company match with immediate vesting
Education assistance and student loan programs
Other Programs:
Flexible Work Arrangements, including hybrid work schedule
Time off to include vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, Summer Fridays (early release), and a winter break between Christmas and New Year’s Day (based on business needs)
Referral bonuses (subject to eligibility)
Matching gift program
A wide variety of employee business resource groups (EBRGs)
Special discounts on Sony products, offered exclusively to Sony employees
Employee stock purchase plan (Sony covers commissions and fees for your Sony stock purchases made through after-tax payroll deductions)