Business Development Manager, Licensing

Job Title: Business Development Manager, LicensingLocation: Phoenix, ArizonaEmployment Type: Full TimeReports To: VP of Business DevelopmentTravel: 20%Work Schedule: Mon-Friday 8AM-5PMCompensation & BenefitsPay Range: 76,500k-102,000k per yearIncentive Pay: Quarterly performance bonusBenefits Summary: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) profit sharing, Vacation, Holidays, Floating Holidays, Company-paid LTD and life insurance, and Sick leavePOSITION SUMMARYThe Business Development Manager, Licensing will play a pivotal role growing FoodStory Brands’ licensed portfolio by identifying, negotiating, and launching new licensing programs. Reporting to the VP of Business Development, this role delivers against annual growth targets and manages the licensing pipeline from prospecting through signed agreement and product launch. The role builds the business case for each deal, leads negotiations within parameters set by the VP, manages relationships with licensors, retailers, and manufacturer supplier partners, and identifies new business growth.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe following duties are essential to successful performance in this position. Other duties may be assigned.New Business DevelopmentIdentify, source, evaluate, and prioritize new in-licensing opportunities, brand collaborations, and strategic partnerships, against FSB’s portfolio strategyDeliver against annual growth targets for new licensing programsBuild the business case and financial model for each opportunity, including royalty rates, minimum guarantees, projected volume, and margin, and present recommendations for approvalDevelop and execute outreach strategies to identify potential manufacturing and supply partners for new licensing programsBuild and maintain relationships with licensors and manufacturer supplier partners, and join retailer calls as neededLicensing Pipeline and Deal ExecutionOwn the licensing pipeline from prospecting through signed agreement and product launch, maintaining accurate tracking and pipeline launch updatesPartner with VP of Business Development to lead deal negotiations with licensors and partners and partner with legal counsel on final agreementsExecute the business development plan to expand FoodStory’s licensed footprint across priority channels and categoriesReport pipeline activity, deal progress, forecasting, and market insights to the VP of Business Development weeklyBuild the annual licensing forecast and contribute to FSB’s annual planning processLicensor, Retailer, and Partner Relationship ManagementServe as the primary point of contact for licensors, retailers, and manufacturer supplier partners on licensed programs, managing day-to-day relationships, and renewalsPartner with internal team on licensor approval process for product, packaging, and marketing materials, keeping launches on scheduleCross-Functional Collaboration and Go-to-MarketPartner with Marketing, and Category Insights build go-to-market plans for new licensed programsDevelop pitch decks, presentations, and sell-in materials for new opportunitiesPartner with internal teams to assess white-space opportunities and inform new product developmentLead the cross-functional handoff from signed agreement to launch, including timelines, owners, and licensor milestonesMarket Intelligence and License ComplianceMonitor licensing, industry, and competitive trends, and bring new IP and partnership opportunities to the VP of Business DevelopmentSupport Accounting with royalty calculation, reporting, and payment, and track license agreement obligations, including minimum guarantees and reporting deadlinesMaintain confidentiality and use discretion when working with licensors, partners, and deal structuresAdheres to and promotes the FoodStory Brands Mission, Vision, and Values while acting as a role model for othersOther duties as assignedSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESThis position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field5+ years of experience in business development, licensing, or strategic partnerships within the CPG industry, preferably food and beverageProven track record of managing multiple relations and driving business development from ideation to new product launchDirect experience negotiating licensing agreements, including royalty rates, minimum guarantees, and approval termsExperience identifying manufacturing or co-manufacturing partners a plusProficient in Microsoft Office and CRM toolsKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESTo perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skillsWorking knowledge of licensing deal structures, licensor approval processes, and royalty reportingDeep understanding of retail dynamics, category management, and product commercializationFinancial acumen, with the ability to evaluate deal economics and build a business caseHighly organized, with the ability to manage multiple deals, partners, and timelines at the same timeAbility to work with Marketing, Product, Quality, Accounting, and Legal teams, and with NPEAbility to use discretion and maintain confidentialityEntrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and high growthDemonstrated commitment to FoodStory Brands’ entrepreneurial culture — thinking dynamically, acting with transparency, and committing to shared success and mutual growthHiring ProcessOur process may include application review, interviews, assessments, reference checks, and a conditional offer.Equal Opportunity Employer StatementThe Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status.Accommodation StatementApplicants needing accommodation during the hiring process may contact human resources @ hr@nxtphz.com.Work AuthorizationEmployment is contingent upon the ability to work lawfully in the United States and completion of employment eligibility verification after hire.Background Check / Drug TestingEmployment offers may be contingent upon job-related screening, where permitted by law.At Will EmploymentEmployment with FoodStory Brands is at-will, meaning either the employee or the company may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise required by applicable law.This job postings not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role. The company reserves the right to modify this description at any time.