Licensing Manager, Toys
New Zealand, Auckland
ZURU Toys – Licensing /
Full-Time /
On-site
Partner with the world’s biggest brands like NBA, Netflix and Hershey's.
This rare opportunity in Auckland calls for someone with strong commercial and partnership skills to own a core function critical to ZURU’s global growth. You’ll work closely with ZURU’s Head of Licensing and Partnerships to elevate our global licensing game. Be the driving force with a winning mindset to take our brand collaborations to the next level.
Brands:
👉 Snackles
About ZURU
ZURU is on a mission to disrupt across industries, challenge the status quo and catalyst change through radical innovation and automation advances. This is in play in different pillars of the company: ZURU Toys are re-imagining what it means to play; ZURU Tech is shaping a better future by leading the next building revolution; ZURU Edge is pioneering new generation FMCG brands to better serve modern consumers.
Founded in 2003 by EY Entrepreneur of the Year and World Entrepreneur Hall of Fame brothers Nick and Mat Mowbray, ZURU has quickly grown to a team of over 5000 direct and indirect members across more than 30 international locations.
One of the largest toy companies in the world, globally recognised and award-winning brands include Bunch O Balloons, Mini Brands, XSHOT, Rainbocorns and Smashers. Our global FMCG brands include MONDAY Haircare, Rascals, NOOD, BONKERS, Gumi Yum Surprise, and more!
For more information, visit www.zuru.com.
Position Impact
You will play a pivotal role in executing and managing inbound licensing partnerships across ZURU’s portfolio of brands. You will oversee the onboarding, negotiation, and day-to-day relationship management of licensors, while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure seamless integration of IP into our products. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on operational excellence, can manage complex relationships, and is passionate about delivering standout licensed products to market.
You will be the go-to liaison between ZURU brands and licensors pre and post-signing, ensuring all aspects of licensing partnerships, from contracts to creative approvals and compliance, are tightly managed. You’ll work hand-in-hand with various teams from Commercial to Legal to ensure handover from pitch to contract is seamless, and with Product Development, Marketing, and Sales to ensure licensed programs are optimally executed. You will drive the business development to output driven, through development processes and KPI’s orientated around outreach, conversion, and success.
Business Development
- Utilise persuasive communication techniques to craft compelling emails for potential licensors.
- Maintain a licensing contact database and keep detailed records of meeting notes, brand updates, and progress made.
- Report back to the Licensing Director and product team on any developments with licensors.
- Build and tailor pitch decks for licensor meetings and provide support during pitching, note-taking, and follow-up processes.
- Work with agents on building licensing pipelines & closing deals
- Building presentations on brand success including circulating success slides with licensors & retail marketing teams
- Support relevant commercial case studies.
Licensor Relationship Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all assigned licensor relationships.
- Manage day-to-day communication, issue resolution, and strategic planning with licensors.
- Lead regular licensor check-ins, QBRs, and performance reviews.
- Maintain strong knowledge of licensor brand guidelines, marketing calendars, and approval processes.
Contract and Deal Management
- Work with legal and business development to manage term sheets, contracts, and renewals.
- Ensure timely execution of agreements and that all contractual obligations are met.
- Track and manage key dates such as option periods, product submission deadlines, and reporting windows.
Creative and Product Development
- Liaise between licensors and internal teams (design, product development, marketing) to manage asset requests, product submissions, and feedback loops.
- Ensure products and marketing materials are submitted and approved in accordance with licensor guidelines and timelines.
- Following up on licensing opportunities following NPD & MAD calls
- Presenting back progress with licensing deals during NPD & MADcalls
- Providing feedback from licensors to PD teams
- Working with PD teams on licensing approvals
Brand and Portfolio Management
- Own and maintain an overview of all active licenses by brand within your portfolio.
- Partner with Brand and NPD teams to identify licensing needs and opportunities.
- Work cross-functionally to ensure licensing is integrated into product strategy and timelines.
Reporting and Forecasting
- Feed into commercial forecasts and licensing performance updates.
- Coordinate with Finance and Legal to ensure timely royalty reporting and compliance.
Process Optimization
- Improve tools and trackers for approval management, contract milestones, and deal calendars.
- Maintain centralised documentation for each license, including meeting notes, contracts, approvals, and assets.
Event and Trade Show Participation
- Support in preparation for Licensing Expo and toy fairs.
- Represent ZURU in meetings with licensors alongside senior team members.
Skills & Expereince
- Proven experience managing partnerships, client accounts, or commercial relationships
- Strong communicator, confident in presenting and building trust with external stakeholders
- Comfortable navigating contracts, timelines, and cross-functional projects
- High attention to detail with strong organisational and follow-up skills
- Thrives in a fast-paced, agile environment with global collaboration
At ZURU, we have cultivated a high-performing culture that encourages excellence. Our team works towards ambitious goals, learning, performing, and improving together, all while having fun. We empower talented individuals to do their best work every day.
At ZURU, you get out what you put in. You are responsible for driving your own career and we provide the platform to achieve it. As ZURU is on such a fast growth trajectory, there are opportunities here that you won’t find anywhere else.
We recognise that ZURU’s success stems from our people and you can only be at your best when you are looking after yourself. ZURU encourages all our team members to invest in their wellbeing by providing an array of benefits and tools.
WHAT WE OFFER
🌱 Culture for Growth
💡 Surrounded by an A Player Team
💰 Competitive Remuneration
ZURU – Tomorrow Reimagined
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