Description

The Senior Licensing & Business Development Manager will play a key role in driving the growth of Chelsea FC’s global licensing programme. The role combines strategic business development, international agent management, and retail channel development in the UK to expand the club’s licensed product footprint and maximise commercial returns.

The successful candidate will identify and secure new licensing partnerships, manage international licensing agents to unlock regional opportunities, and work closely with retail partners in the UK to expand distribution and visibility of licensed products. 

This role requires strong commercial judgement, knowledge of the licensing industry, knowledge of the UK retail landscape, and the ability to build relationships with licensees, retailers, and internal stakeholders to deliver sustainable revenue growth.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Business Development:

• Identify, develop and secure new licensing partnerships aligned with Chelsea FC’s global brand and category strategy.
• Proactively source and evaluate new opportunities across key product categories and markets.
• Lead negotiations with prospective partners, working closely with Legal, Finance, Creative and Brand teams to structure commercially successful agreements.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of strategic licensees to support long-term programme growth.

International Agent Management:

• Manage relationships with Chelsea FC’s international licensing agents, ensuring clear strategic direction and strong commercial performance.
• Set regional objectives, revenue targets and category priorities with agents.
• Work collaboratively with agents to identify new licensees, retail opportunities and market expansion strategies.
• Monitor agent performance and provide ongoing support to maximise regional growth.

UK Retail Development:

• Drive the development of Chelsea FC licensed product distribution within the UK retail market.
• Build and maintain relationships with key retail partners to expand product presence and support new programme launches.
• Collaborate with category team to develop retail-ready product ranges tailored to key retail channels.
• Identify opportunities for exclusive retail programmes, promotions and partnerships.

 Partner & Licensee Management:

• Act as a senior contact for key licensees, providing strategic guidance to support product development and commercial growth.
• Lead regular business reviews with partners to assess performance, identify opportunities and ensure alignment with brand strategy.
• Ensure licensees have access to the tools, insights and support required to build successful Chelsea FC product ranges. 

Strategic Planning & Internal Collaboration:

• Contribute to the long-term licensing strategy, identifying category, retail and market growth opportunities.
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams including Merchandising, Retail, Marketing, Creative, Legal and Finance to support programme success.
• Support the development of annual business plans, revenue forecasts and performance reporting for the licensing programme.  

Key Performance Indicators:

• Delivery of annual licensing revenue targets.
• Securing new licensing partnerships across priority categories.
• Growth of licensing revenue generated through international agents.
• Expansion of Chelsea FC licensed product presence within UK retail.
• Strength and performance of key licensee partnerships.
• Unlocking new retailers and extended retail distribution.

Skills & Experience

• Significant experience within licensing, consumer products, retail or business development.
• Strong understanding of the licensing ecosystem including licensees, agents, retailers and brand management.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating commercial agreements and developing new partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of the UK retail landscape and how licensed products succeed at retail.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and ability to influence both internally and externally.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills with experience managing revenue forecasts and business plans.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially driven with strong entrepreneurial mindset.
• Excellent relationship builder and communicator.
• Strategic thinker with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive self-starter with the ability to identify and pursue new opportunities.