Senior Licensing Manager.

We are currently partnered with a globally recognised entertainment, sports and brand licensing agency that has built an outstanding reputation over several decades.

They are now looking to appoint a Senior Licensing Manager to join their APAC team based in Tokyo, working closely with the commercial leadership. This is a strategic and commercially focused role responsible for shaping and delivering long-term licensing strategies, driving sustainable revenue growth and managing high-value brand portfolios across the Japanese market and region.

Key responsibilities:

• Source and secure new licensing partnerships aligned with licensor strategies and regional objectives
• Identify category gaps and drive new product opportunities to meet revenue and growth targets
• Act as the main commercial lead for licensees, managing day-to-day relationships, contracts, renewals and performance
• Lead negotiations for new and existing agreements, ensuring commercial terms align with broader business goals
• Oversee product strategy, category planning, market analysis and trend forecasting to support retail placement and sell-in
• Manage multiple brands and stakeholders, building trusted partnerships both internally and externally
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, product development, legal, finance and other regional teams
• Deliver accurate forecasting, budgeting and account performance tracking across complex licensing portfolios
• Conduct regular business reviews with partners to maximise revenue per contract and optimise performance
• Resolve client and partner challenges efficiently while maintaining a high standard of service

Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in licensing, sales or commercial account management, ideally within entertainment related consumer products or brand-led industries
• Strong track record of managing client relationships and delivering commercially driven solutions
• Experience within the licensing sector is highly advantageous
• Excellent stakeholder management, networking and communication skills across all levels
• Highly organised with the ability to manage deadlines, KPIs and multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong commercial mindset with a creative and innovative approach to business growth
• Native or business proficient in Japanese
• Confident communicator with strong written and verbal English skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Willingness to travel as required

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a market-leading organisation managing globally recognised brands, in a role that offers strong regional exposure, strategic influence and long-term career growth.

We Are Aspire is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.