The candidate will work closely with the VP of Licensing, Consumer Products in the highly collaborative role including strategic planning, business development and execution of the League’s licensees of consumer products strategy. As part of these responsibilities, the Sr. Director will drive the identification, due diligence, execution, and management license deals that meet the strategic, commercial and fan engagement objectives. The Sr. Director will be responsible for establishing best practices, structuring deal terms, and developing new partnerships to ensure MLS in set for growth as we evolve heading to the 2026 World Cup. The ideal candidate will have significant experience evaluating category opportunities, identifying soft and hard goods licensees, deep understanding of deal terms, ability to drive the deal process including negotiating contracts, and managing partners post execution. This is an exciting opportunity to support one of MLS’s key business units and work with stakeholders, partners, and clubs across the league.

The Sr. Director is responsible for managing aspects of licensing relationships including communicating consumer product strategy, directing product development process, and supporting retail placement and promotions in conjunction with SUM CP’s Retail Development Team. The Sr. Director will manage our Fanatics relationship, including sub-licensees and Fanatics Brands.

Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities

Support development of consumer products aligned with league strategy. Focused deliverables on soft and hard goods across multiple product categories.
Proactively identify and execute business development opportunities across existing partners.
Partner with licensees to develop and grow partnership with the goal of driving revenue increasing engagement across key fan segments (e.g., avid, casual, youth) and working across the organization to activate the league wide partnership deliverables.
Work closely with licensees to develop and achieve financial plans and KPIs while driving growth strategies for the partnership.
Support Club opportunities from product innovation to in retail in conjunction with licensees and retail development.
Build and maintain a deep professional network with companies, investors, industry experts and other stakeholders in the softgoods, sports, fashion space.
Manage the relationship between key licensees and team management as applicable by property. Facilitating and monitoring all club requirements.
Manage and mentor Licensing team develop strong skill sets, partnership relations and initiating growth opportunities
Build strategic and tactical changes that drive business strategy and promote licensee efficiency.
Demonstrated experience with direct licensee product development process
Manage and delivery financial targets to the agreed budget.
Be a partner to Finance team to guarantee royalty reporting and financial payments are received in a timely manner.
Sound understanding of retail systems and practices
Demonstrated understanding of the dynamics and needs of licensing