Senior Licensing Manager
Amsterdam (HQ), North Holland
Licensing – Licensing /
Fulltime /
Hybrid
ABOUT THE BRAND
At Karl Lagerfeld, we are driven by Karl’s mantra: “Embrace the present and invent the future.”
Always contemporary and forward-looking, the House of KARL LAGERFELD shares the creative vision and design aesthetic of its iconic founder, Karl Lagerfeld.
We are the only fashion house that carries Karl’s name on its door and we strive to live up to this responsibility in everything we do, every day, with the utmost joy and passion.
Our headquarters in Paris and in Amsterdam are home to a highly diverse and driven team of KARL family members that hail from over 50 countries. Together, we aim to create meaningful stories and product concepts that connect to Karl’s world and iconic attributes.
Women’s & Men's ready-to-wear, bags, small leather goods, swimwear and underwear are managed directly from our Amsterdam headquarters, while other categories, including footwear, fragrances, eyewear and more, are developed with best-in-class licensing partners.
We connect with our consumers on multiple levels, ensuring that our online and offline approach goes hand in hand. We thrive to maximize consumer engagement via more than 200 KL stores worldwide, our premium wholesale partners, and our strong digital footprint, spearheaded by our KARL.COM flagship store, which reaches 96 countries. Our digital channels currently represent more than 30% of our overall full-price business.
We are a dynamic, fast-growing and inclusive company built on professionalism and strong values. At KARL LAGERFELD we’re committed to working toward the highest standards of sustainability and integrity across all areas of our business,. In 2019, KARL LAGERFELD joined as a founding member of the Fashion Pact, a global sustainability initiative seeking to transform the fashion industry through objectives in three areas: climate, biodiversity and ocean protection.
THE ROLE
We are seeking an experienced, globally-minded Senior Licensing Manager (full-time). A generalist preferably with expertise in the fashion/lifestyle industry and a proven brand management and business development track record.
You will join our global licensing department based in Amsterdam, supporting the SVP Licensing & Hospitality in managing, developing, and expanding our licensing business across various categories and markets.
In this role, you will evaluate new licensing and collaboration opportunities, manage existing partnerships, support negotiations, and ensure internal cross-functional support and alignment
Your leadership will play a critical role in driving growth, ensuring brand and business alignment, and maintaining a high-quality brand image.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Management of existing partnerships and Business Development
- Act as the primary liaison for licensees across multiple categories
,geographies, and functions. Managing relationships and understanding each licensee’s business. - Maintain proactive communication with partners to ensure alignment with brand standards and objectives and support them adequately.
- Support licensees to become an integral part of the company’s strategic agenda (brand and business) and ensure licensees’ strategic agendas are aligned with the company’s
- Identify, scout, and evaluate new business opportunities and potential licensing partners.
- Support the SVP in negotiating agreements and establishing strategic partnerships.
- Contract Management & Compliance
- Oversee compliance with contractual obligations, including accounts approval, royalty payments, reporting, and brand guidelines.
- Monitor and track the performance of licensing agreements, identifying opportunities for improvement and optimization.
- Performance Analysis.
- Analyze royalty reports, business plans, and performance metrics to track licensee sales and monitor contractual spending.
- Conduct regular performance reviews of the partnership, identifying areas for growth and providing recommendations.
- Brand Alignment & Product Oversight
- Partner with design and product teams to ensure all licensed products meet the brand’s quality and aesthetic standards and maintain brand integrity.
- Develop and propose ideas to further drive brand and business.
- Team Collaboration & Leadership
- Act as a mentor to junior members of the licensing team, offering guidance and support to enhance skills and performance.
- Serve as a key liaison between the SVP and cross-functional teams, ensuring smooth communication and alignment on licensing initiatives.
THE PROFILE
- 7+ years of experience in brand, category, or licensing management, ideally within the fashion/ lifestyle
industry or in brand management in a global, structured multinational corporation. - Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
- Proven success in identifying and managing new business opportunities and nurturing existing partnerships.
- In-depth knowledge of the fashion/lifestyle industry, brand positioning, market trends, and licensing agreements.
- Strong business acumen
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and navigate multiple priorities.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with partners and internal stakeholders.
- Highly energetic, with the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and contribute proactively.
- Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to work independently.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint)
- Willingness to travel as needed.
- Fluent in English
Why #TEAMKARL? (HQ)
· Learning and development courses/training
· Opportunity to make an impact
· Remote working arrangements
· Relocation Package
· Bonus holidays
· Working in the heart of Amsterdam
· Brand discounts
· And exclusive sample sales only for #TEAMKARL
JOIN #TEAMKARL
The collective vision of KARL LAGERFELD is to be the most connected global designer brand, inspiring consumers through luxury collections and immersing them in the World of KARL. If you are interested in joining #TEAMKARL, we invite you to submit your application today.
At #TEAMKARL, everyone can give their opinion, grow in their career, and be part of a genuinely caring and inclusive team. We welcome people from all backgrounds, with different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to work with us.
