Global Licensing Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title:  Sr. Director, Omni Channel Global Licensing

Reports to:  SVP, Global Licensing & International Strategy

Location: This role will be hybrid, based in our New York Design Office

About American Eagle

American Eagle is a youth culture brand grounded in denim. Our purpose extends beyond making the best jeans-we embrace self expression, culture, optimism and connection. Through the brand platform Live Your Life, we empower our community to be who they want to be all while wearing the clothes that make them most confident.

Get to Know the Role:  The Sr. Director of Omni Channel Global Licensing is the primary commercial leader between AEO, Inc. and its License, Wholesale and JV business partners.  This role is accountable for overall business performance across our network of global partners, in addition to developing new multi-channel business relationships which drive scaled lanes of growth and profitability across the AEO, Inc. portfolio of brands.

As Sr. Director, you will be instrumental in synchronizing cross-functional goals across AEO and the Licensee teams, and significantly increase transparency and speed in decision-making and execution. This role sits on the International License leadership team and works in close collaboration with International License Strategy, License Operations, Global Marketing, Sourcing & Merchandising to achieve business objectives. You have direct oversight over the License Account Management team. 

What You'll Do:

• Drives the strategic planning and execution agenda for a portfolio of License Accounts, resulting in robust multi-channel business plans.  Collaborates with Partner leadership teams to ensure capabilities are in place to achieve delivery of business plan objectives while maintaining all brand standards. 
• In conjunction with the Strategy leader, Finance & the account managers, develops the Annual Forecast and LRP (long-range plan) for relevant accounts.
• Leads AEOs cross-functional team in the execution of strategic action plans in order to achieve the LRP targets. 
• Possesses a deep understanding of the Licensee's business operations, across all channels, in addition to macro economic dynamics which may impact the Licensee's success and ability to generate profits and cash flow.
• Demonstrates an ability to identify barriers that affect performance and develops solutions to maximize improvement (growth across channels, operations, marketing, real estate, etc.) that prioritizes the sustainable growth of our brands. 
• Drives a brand-led strategy through all interactions and customer touch points, sharing business insights, best practices, and thought partnership.
• Leads the development and execution of new market expansion which includes stores, concession, digital or a combination thereof. 
• Ensures Licensee compliance with all Standard Operating Procedures (Operations Manual) and contract. As needed, drives contract negotiations inclusive of renewals, amendments, terms and conditions pivots, rights and privileges, and business goals.
• Provides clear direction and communication to direct reports and cross-functional partners which enables forward action toward our aligned goals and objectives.
• Leads and develops the account management team to new and innovative thinking, strong business acumen, and fosters a culture of excellence.
• Drive the international digital commercial strategy & execution; establishing clear playbooks and vendor governance to ensure seamless business continuity
• Lead and mentor the Sr. Manager of International E-Commerce while cross-training the broader team to build a resilient, multi-layered digital division  
• Fosters a positive and results-oriented work environment with emphasis on personal growth & development.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's Degree required 
• 10+ years of experience in International, Account Management or Sales roles
• Experience managing strategic partnerships across multi-channel specialty retail brands 
• International brand experience is required, with working outside of the United States a strong plus
• Extremely strong business acumen; Proven commercial track record of driving accelerated growth for host brand / Licensee teams
• Experience working with franchised, licensed, or JV partners across international markets 
• Extremely strong verbal and written communication
• Proven track record of succinct and effective presentation to C-suite executives 
• Strong influencing skills
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment
• Strong instincts and passion for customer and brand experience; innovative and willing to take calculated risks
• Experience working in matrixed organizational structures 
• Ability to travel internationally, frequently, and often with short notice
• Ability to work outside of standard U.S. business hours is required 
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment, which may/will require working in person/in-office for a portion or all of a week based on the needs of the business

Perks: Why You'll Love it Here

• Generous employee discount
• Summer Fridays
• Casual dress code
• Hybrid schedule
• FOMO events (Exciting company-wide events)

PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION

• Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click HERE.
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.