The Senior Manager, New Business Development & Emerging Markets, is a key part of the global consumer products team, responsible for identifying Consumer Products opportunities, setting the strategy for NFL emerging markets and accelerating revenue growth across international CP. This role will work closely with the international strategy team, local GMs, and cross functions across the organization to identify new market opportunities and drive long term brand expansion and fandom in key emerging regions around the world. The ideal candidate brings deep international licensing experience, strong commercial acumen, and a passion for growing sport globally.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute NFL’s international licensing strategy across emerging markets, including, APAC and Middle East.
- Build licensing agency strategy for key emerging markets. Identify best in class agency partners and manage these relationships.
- Lead relationship with licensing agencies on record on expansion into key regions.
- Identify, negotiate, and manage new licensing agreements with regional and local partners across apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products; partner with licensing agency where relevant.
- Collaborate with international marketing teams to build programs and campaigns that drive revenue and support fan growth.
- Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape to inform licensing strategy and product portfolio.
- Build locally relevant programs and story telling relevant to each market/region.
- Partner with Events team on any local in-market fan events, developing event-based retail presence and execution.
- Manage ongoing relationships with licensees, including business reviews, product approvals, assortment planning, etc.
- Develop and manage key retailer relationships within each market/region.
- Develop annual consumer products business plan for each region and update quarterly.
- Partner with Sponsorship on identifying and executing joint commercial opportunities.
- Own local city or stakeholder relationship from a licensing perspective.
- Track KPIs, forecast revenue, and provide regular business reporting to senior leadership.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree required, MBA preferred
- 8+ years experience in sports licensing, with a strong emphasis on international expansion
- Proven track record of negotiating and managing complex partner agreements across multiple regions, specifically APAC and MENA
- Experience with licensing agency selection and management
- Deep understanding of APAC and MENA retail landscapes, sports product distribution models, and building market entry strategies, including branded retail
- Experience working with global sports brands
- Experience executing experiential event retail at large scale tentpole events
- Strong knowledge of American Football, specifically youth programs
- Strong financial acumen, including forecasting, budgeting, and royalty modelling
- Exceptional negotiation, communication, and partner management skills
- Ability to operate in a fast paced, matrixed, global organization
Other Key Attributes / Talent Characteristics:
- Familiarity with APAC, MENA market dynamics
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on mindset
- Multilingual a plus
Travel:
50% - international travel
Benefits Information
To learn more about our comprehensive benefits offerings, please visit: NFL BENEFITS
At the NFL, in-person work at our offices is a top priority because it allows us to collaborate more effectively, build stronger connections, and maintain the culture that drives our success. This role requires onsite presence at an NFL office or stadium location, and remote and/or hybrid working options are not offered.
NO RELOCATION ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED.
The NFL is committed to building an inclusive work environment that reflects our incredible fan base. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants without regard to status as protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.
WHO WE ARE:
NFL Core Values:
- Respect: Everyone matters. We celebrate diverse opinions, honor hard work, and value every contribution.
- Integrity: We do what's right, even when it's tough. We hold ourselves accountable and always follow through.
- Team Responsibility: We support each other and our communities. No one is bigger than the game, and every action impacts others.
- Resiliency: We set high standards, overcome adversity, and adapt to challenges, always striving for excellence.
NFL Leadership Attributes:
- Build Talent: We develop and nurture potential, empowering individuals to grow and succeed.
- Execute: We take action with precision, delivering results that drive our goals forward.
- Inspire: We motivate others through vision, energy, and a commitment to excellence.
- Live Our Values: We embody our core principles in every decision and action.
- Know the Business: We stay informed, understand our industry, and make decisions that strengthen our position.
- Think Big: We challenge the status quo, envision bold possibilities, and strive for transformative impact
WHO YOU ARE:
Talent Attributes: What we expect for our employees:
- Embody an enthusiastic, proactive can-do attitude
- Embrace grit, free from ego or entitlement
- Excel as a relationship builder, with the ability to influence
- Eager learner, driven by passion rather than just ambition
- Encompasses an incredible work ethic with an agile mindset
