License and Brand Partnership Commercial Manager

Emma Bridgewater; Stoke-on-Trent; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job description

If you have knowledge and experience in brand collaborations and enjoy boosting visibility, join us to drive revenue growth for Emma Bridgewater.

If you have experience in licensing and enjoy shaping the future of iconic designs, we want you to develop opportunities across new product categories.

If you have knowledge in licensing products and enjoy maintaining brand integrity, help us secure and integrate licensed designs.

If you have experience in contract negotiation and enjoy aligning commercial goals with brand integrity, this role is for you.

Emma Bridgewater is a quintessentially British brand known for its beautifully crafted, hand-decorated pottery and distinctive, nostalgic designs. With a loyal customer base and a reputation for quality and heritage, we continue to expand our reach through strategic brand collaborations and licensing opportunities.

We are seeking a License and Brand Partnership Commercial Manager to drive revenue growth through brand collaborations, licensing agreements, and strategic partnerships.

This role will be responsible for licensing Emma Bridgewater designs to external partners, as well as licensing in complementary designs or products that align with our brand identity. The successful candidate will have a strong commercial mindset, a passion for brand storytelling, and the ability to develop and maintain high-value partnerships.

Key Areas of Accountability

1. Brand Collaborations & Partnerships – Identify, negotiate, and manage brand collaborations that enhance Emma Bridgewater’s exposure and drive revenue. Oversee execution, ensuring seamless integration with the brand's vision.
2. Licensing Out (Brand Designs & Artwork) – Develop and expand licensing opportunities for Emma Bridgewater’s designs across complementary product categories while maintaining brand integrity and quality.
3. Licensing In (Product & Design Integration) – Identify and secure licensed-in products or designs that align with Emma Bridgewater’s brand, working with internal teams to integrate them effectively.
4. Contract Negotiation & Management – Negotiate and execute licensing and partnership agreements, ensuring commercial objectives and brand alignment are met.
5. Market & Performance Monitoring – Track industry trends, monitor partner performance, and ensure all collaborations and licensing agreements contribute to the brand’s long-term growth and reputation.

If you are passionate about brand collaborations, licensing, and commercial growth, and you have a keen eye for design, we would love to hear from you.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Brand Collaborations & Partnerships

• Identify and secure strategic brand collaborations that align with the Emma Bridgewater aesthetic and customer demographic.
• Develop and negotiate partnership agreements that drive brand exposure and commercial value.
• Manage end-to-end execution of collaborations, including concept development, contract negotiations, and marketing activation.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders internally and externally to ensure seamless collaboration delivery.
• Monitor partnership performance, ensuring collaborations deliver against business objectives.

Licensing Out (Brand Designs & Artwork Licensing)

• Identify and develop licensing opportunities for Emma Bridgewater’s designs across complementary product categories (e.g., textiles, stationery, home accessories etc).
• Manage relationships with licensing partners, ensuring brand integrity and product quality.
• Negotiate and execute licensing contracts that align with commercial objectives.
• Work with internal design teams to ensure artwork and patterns are successfully transferred to licensees.
• Monitor to ensure licensed products maintain Emma Bridgewater’s brand reputation and high standards.

Licensing In (Product & Design Integration)

• Source and negotiate licensing opportunities to bring in complementary product designs that enhance the Emma Bridgewater product range.
• Work with product development, design, and buying teams to integrate licensed products seamlessly into the brand portfolio.
• Ensure licensing-in agreements maintain Emma Bridgewater’s premium positioning and align with customer expectations.
• Manage relationships with licensing partners and designers to ensure successful product launches.

Report & Monitor

• Financial Reporting – Prepare regular reports on licensing revenue, partnership performance, and overall commercial impact.
• Budget Planning & Forecasting – Develop and manage budgets related to licensing and partnerships, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Performance Metrics – Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the success of collaborations, licensing deals, and overall financial contributions.
• Risk & Compliance Monitoring – Ensure all agreements align with company policies, brand guidelines, and financial targets.
• Stakeholder Communication – Present financial performance updates to senior management and relevant internal teams, providing insights and recommendations for future growth.

Key interfaces

•Direct report to Head of Wholesale but dotted line to Sales and Marketing Director
•Working closely with the Wholesale team to deliver opportunities.
•Close working relationship with Product, design and merchandising teams.
•Close working relationship with Web team and Shops.

Person Specification - All Essential

Education & Qualifications

·BA(hons) Marketing Degree or equivalent

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience in licensing, brand partnerships, or commercial management within a consumer goods or lifestyle brand environment.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills with a track record of successful commercial agreements.
• Understanding of intellectual property rights and licensing models.
• Excellent relationship management skills with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with a strong commercial mindset and ability to drive revenue growth.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of the homeware, interiors, or gifting sector is highly desirable.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and present ideas effectively.

The role is full-time based either in Kings Cross, London or Stoke On Trent. Hybrid working available - a minimum of 3 days office based. Monday to Friday 37.5 hours per week. Salary up to £45k depending on experience.

If you have all the essential qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experience and would like to join an exciting brand then please send us a copy of your current CV and salary expectations.