Director of Licensing, Emerging Growth Categories

About the role

Levi Strauss & Co. is seeking a senior leader to drive the growth of its licensing portfolio across emerging categories. You will shape strategy, identify new partnership opportunities, and expand the Levi's brand into fresh consumer spaces.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the strategy and growth roadmap for emerging licensed categories and future expansion opportunities.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize new licensing opportunities that enhance brand relevance and drive profitable growth.
• Build business cases, growth strategies, and commercialization plans to support investment decisions.
• Manage end‑to‑end partner sourcing, including market mapping, prospecting, RFP development, evaluation, negotiation, and onboarding.
• Own strategic relationships with licensees and drive performance against product, distribution, sales, royalty, and financial objectives.
• Develop and execute category growth plans covering product strategy, channel expansion, geographic opportunities, and long‑range planning.
• Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Product Development, and Commercial teams to bring licensed products from concept to market.
• Negotiate and manage licensing agreements, royalty structures, contract renewals, and key commercial terms.
• Monitor category performance, identify risks and opportunities, and implement actions to improve results.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team, building capabilities, processes, and operating models to scale the global licensing business.

Required profile

• 10+ years of experience in licensing, brand licensing, consumer products, merchandising, category management, or related commercial leadership roles.
• Proven track record launching and scaling new product categories, partnerships, or growth initiatives.
• Experience sourcing, negotiating, and managing strategic licensing partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to develop licensing strategies, category roadmaps, and commercial growth plans.

Required skills