Manager, Inbound Licensing - Business Dev.

CA EMPLOYEE PRIVACY RIGHTS: https://www.mgae.com/ca-employee-privacy-rights

MGA Entertainment is on a mission to inspire imagination and creativity through innovative toys, entertainment, and experiences that transform play into limitless possibilities. As the largest privately held toy and entertainment company in the U.S., MGA is a global leader in designing and delivering world-class consumer products that spark wonder and drive play forward. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices worldwide, MGA’s portfolio spans a dynamic range of original and licensed brands — from toys, dolls, games, and electronics to fashion, home décor, and entertainment content including hit movies and TV series. The company is recognized for its bold approach to storytelling, trendsetting design, and deep commitment to quality. The award-winning MGA family includes fan-favorite brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!™, Little Tikes®, Rainbow High™, Bratz®, MGA’s Miniverse™, Yummiland™, CarTuned™, Wonder Factory™, BABY born®, and Zapf Creation®.  To learn more, visit www.mgae.com and follow MGA on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. 

Role Summary

The Manager, Inbound Licensing – Business Development & Partnerships is responsible for driving the business-side growth of MGA Entertainment’s inbound licensing portfolio. This role sources, evaluates, negotiates, and secures new inbound licensing partnerships that bring third-party IP into MGA’s brands and product lines.

The Manager serves as a key dealmaker—managing prospecting, outreach, financial modeling, deal negotiations, contract execution, and relationship development. This role partners closely with the VP of Inbound Licensing to expand MGA’s access to high-value IP, unlock new business opportunities, and support the long-term licensing strategy.

Key Responsibilities

1. Licensing Business Development

• Identify, evaluate, and pursue inbound licensing opportunities aligned to MGA’s brand, category, and portfolio strategies.
• Conduct outreach to potential partners and manage early-stage conversations.
• Assess fit, risk, and business potential for new IP partnerships.
• Support the VP in developing category expansion strategies through inbound licensing.

2. Deal Negotiation & Structuring

• Lead negotiation of inbound licensing deal terms, including:
  • Royalty structures
  • Guarantees and advances
  • Term length
  • Territory and channels
  • Rights granted
  • Categories and product segments
• Partner with Finance and Category teams to build business cases and revenue projections.
• Ensure deal structures support profitability and portfolio goals.

3. Contract Management

• Work with Legal to shepherd contracts from term sheet to full execution.
• Ensure all terms are accurately reflected, including rights, timelines, approvals, and financial obligations.
• Track renewals, amendments, expirations, and key contractual milestones.
• Maintain organized contract files and deal records for the department.

4. Partner Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for new and existing inbound licensing partners on business-related topics.
• Build strong relationships across partner brand, legal, and licensing teams.
• Represent MGA in discussions around business terms, future opportunities, and portfolio expansions.
• Support ongoing lifecycle management of partners, ensuring mutually beneficial collaboration.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with:
  • Franchise (brand strategy alignment)
  • Category/Planning (product roadmaps, financials)
  • Marketing & Activation (campaign implications and usage rights)
  • Creative (asset rights, style guide access)
  • Legal (contracts, rights, compliance)
• Ensure internal teams understand partner contract terms and rights.
• Provide clear visibility into deal requirements, renewals, and obligations.

6. Market Research & Strategic Insights

• Monitor industry trends, competitor licensing activity, and emerging IP opportunities.
• Analyze categories, retailers, and consumer behavior to identify whitespace openings.
• Bring forward data-backed recommendations for new inbound licensing targets.

7. Reporting & Financial Management

• Track financial performance of inbound licensing deals, including royalties and guarantees.
• Prepare deal summaries, partner scorecards, and business performance updates.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning for the inbound licensing pipeline.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Licensing, Marketing, or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in inbound or outbound licensing, partnerships, business development, or deal negotiation.
• Proven track record negotiating licensing or commercial agreements.
• Strong understanding of licensing terms, contracts, and financial modeling.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deals at once.
• Experience working with Legal, Finance, and Executive-level stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in consumer products, entertainment, toys, gaming, youth brands, or retail-driven categories.
• Understanding of IP management and rights usage across marketing, product, and creative applications.
• Familiarity with royalty reporting and revenue forecasting.

Key Competencies

• Deal Leadership: Strong negotiator who can structure and secure complex agreements.
• Strategic Mindset: Identifies high-value opportunities and aligns them to company goals.
• Business Acumen: Understands category economics, retail drivers, and brand fit.
• Relationship Builder: Develops trust-based partnerships with licensors and internal stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures contract accuracy and compliance across all terms.
• Proactive & Entrepreneurial: Driven to uncover and build new opportunities.

Salary:

$100,000.00 - $125,000.00 /annually