Senior Lisencing and Brand Manager

DFS Furniture PLC; Doncaster; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 65,000

Job description

Opportunities like this are rare, so to say we're excited about this one would be an understatement.

It’s a hybrid working role, with 3 days in our office in Doncaster and 2 days at home. You’ll be working with Kellie, who heads up our upholstery and brand team, and joining a wonderful, lively bunch who absolutely love what they do!

As the Senior Licensing and Brand Manager at DFS, you will be responsible for developing and executing our brand licensing strategy to enhance our presence in the upholstery and home market. You will focus on driving commercial success by identifying and securing strategic licensing agreements and expanding house brand propositions. You’ll be managing a varied licensing portfolio, making sure we’re compliant with contractual obligations and maximizing revenue opportunities through effective negotiations and building really strong relationships with those you’ll be working with.

What you'll be doing

1. Develop and execute a comprehensive brand licensing strategy to maximize DFS brand presence in the upholstery / home market.
2. Identify and secure licensing agreements and house brand propositions.
3. Manage the licensing portfolio to ensure compliance with contractual agreements and driving commercial success.
4. Ensure all obligations are met from both sides, to deliver the required minimum guarantees.
5. Identify and negotiate licensing agreements in line with objectives, ensuring that agreements align with the DFS brand values and objectives.
6. Continuously explore commercial opportunities within the portfolio (license and own brand propositions) to leverage and maximize each collection/ partnership.
7. Lead contract negotiations with rights holders and licensors to ensure favorable terms.
8. Ensure compliance with intellectual property (IP) rights, trademarks, and brand guidelines.
9. Monitor and enforce licensing agreements, including securing agreed royalty payment deals and contract renewals.
10. Collaborate with product development teams to source unique and exclusive product opportunities.
11. Oversee control on authentic products for licensors to maintain product integrity.
12. Help identify new product opportunities for the license and own brand propositions.
13. Develop and manage the licensing spend and performances, setting financial targets and revenue goals.
14. Track and report sales performance of licensed products and optimize strategies for growth.
15. Help implement pricing strategies to maximize profitability.
16. Work closely with the marketing, online, retail and in-store property teams to promote licensed products through channels.
17. Develop brand plans to enhance brand offering via the partner and licensing programme.
18. Attend industry trade shows and expos to foster relationships and expand the licensing portfolio.
19. Inspire and motivate internal teams to achieve commercial objectives.
20. Provide line management, guidance and mentorship to foster talent and drive team performance.

The role is for you if...

Don't let it discourage you if you don't have all of this experience, it's a guideline that will help you hit the ground running. If the role sounds like it would be a great fit for you and you're confident that it suits, we'd love you to apply.

1. 3-5+ years of experience in licensing or brand partnerships.
2. Strong negotiation skills with experience in contract management and intellectual property licensing.
3. Deep understanding of the home industry and interior trends.
4. Strong leadership and team management skills.
5. Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
6. Proficiency in financial analysis and revenue forecasting.

About DFS

Make yourself at home with DFS Group!

It takes a whole lot of passion to be at the centre of what makes a house feel like home - and that’s just what we do at DFS. We’re the leading sofa retail specialist in the UK, helping people find a comfy seat on their great quality sofas since 1969.

We're a market leader in the UK because of one thing: our people. Our people made us who we are and will drive us into our ambitious future, together. We offer incredible opportunities to get stuck into fun and meaningful work as well as learn new skills — so you can really ‘find your thing’.

DFS Group is proud to be an equal opportunities employer; celebrating diversity and committed to a culture of inclusion and belonging. We extend a warm welcome to everyone, embracing a variety of voices and perspectives. As we continue to work on building a workplace that is representative of the customers we serve and the communities we live and work in, we strongly encourage applications from members of minority and under-represented groups. Across the Group, we want to create an environment where everyone feels at home.

Are you ready to make yourself at DFS?

Excellent salary plus company bonus, plus extensive benefits package.

Progression and Development opportunities to grow your skills.

Generous holiday allowance – the time you need to rest and relax and the longer you’re with us, the more time you’ll get! Opportunity to purchase additional holidays each year!

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to give you the time you need to settle in with your new family member.

Access to a range of high street & online discounts from: Sainsbury’s, ASOS, Currys PC World, IKEA, John Lewis and more.

Discounted Gym and Cinema memberships to help you unwind.

• Salary Competitive - Dependant on experience
• Frequency Annual
• Contract Type Full Time
• Closing Date 30 April, 2025
• Job Category Office and Home Working
• Business Unit DFS Corporate
• Location Doncaster, United Kingdom (Incl. Northern Ireland)