Director, License Management

Overview

New Era Cap, LLC. is an international lifestyle brand headquartered in Buffalo, NY with an authentic sports heritage dating back over 100 years. We are known for being the official on-field cap for MLB, the official sideline cap for the NFL, and the official on-court cap for the NBA. The brand supports apparel and accessories for men, women and youth and is worn to express personal style and individuality.

Since 1920, this family-owned business has pursued excellence in product quality and brand authenticity. This role is based at New Era Cap's Headquarters (HQ) in downtown Buffalo, NY and is 100% on-site, encouraging in-person collaboration five days a week. HQ offers an on-site cafe, fitness center, and Flagship store.

Apply to join New Era’s team. The Director, License Management focuses on managing relationships with clubs and leagues to drive licensing business growth within NFL, NBA, and College Football. The role balances strategic vision with operational delivery to maximize revenue and brand impact from licensed merchandise, ensuring strong financial returns and enhanced partner and brand positioning. A core responsibility is translating partnerships into tangible financial results through proactive revenue generation, financial planning, and ROI evaluation.

• Relationship Building: Establish and nurture collaborative relationships with leagues and key clubs. Regularly engage with league and club executives to align goals, share performance insights, and explore opportunities.
• Merchandise Strategy & Assortment Planning: Validate strategic merchandise plans for major partners, determine ideal product mix, and align with sports calendars and key events.
• Negotiation & Contracts: Support and inform negotiations for licensing agreements and renewals with clubs and leagues. Ensure contracts reflect favorable terms for revenue growth, brand rights, and exclusive product opportunities. Be an expert in league rights and commitments.
• Business Planning: Develop joint business plans and seasonal strategies with partners. Set shared objectives for product launches, marketing campaigns, and retail activations around the sports calendar (opening day, playoffs, finals, etc.).
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Develop annual and multi-year budgets for clubs/leagues, including royalties, minimum guarantees, marketing investments, and projected sales.
• Revenue Growth Initiatives: Identify and drive new revenue opportunities within existing and new partnerships, such as expanded product lines, exclusive fan experiences, or new licensing deals.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Coordinate with marketing, product development, e-commerce, and merchandising teams to execute partnership initiatives.
• License Expertise: Serve as resident expert in assigned licenses and stay informed about activities, games, players, standings, key moments, and trends.
• Maintain confidentiality on sensitive matters.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrated ability to profitably manage and grow a business or category.
• Ability to leverage financial principles and systems to maximize results and EBIT.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including meeting facilitation and presentations.
• Ability to clearly articulate goals and objectives.
• Ability to adapt in a changing environment and make creative decisions, escalating when needed to executive management.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to identify gaps and propose process improvements.
• Demonstrated leadership with clear and authentic communication.
• Ability to positively and proactively manage change with urgency and persistence.
• High energy, well-rounded leadership across retail, wholesale and e-commerce.

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the marketing/product field with a globally branded organization; sports marketing experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in marketing or a business-related field preferred; additional experience considered in lieu of degree.
• Proven success in a senior management position with ability to provide direction to other managers.
• Knowledge of the sportswear or apparel industry, especially marketing within sports marketing, preferred.
• Ability to manage creativity and bottom-line business needs.
• Proven ability to negotiate, influence, and collaborate with key decision-makers internally and externally.

• On-site in Buffalo, NY with up to 20% travel domestically and/or globally.

The salary range for this posted position is $140,000 - $175,000 (plus bonus & benefits) and pertains to candidates located in Western New York. Actual compensation will fall within this range and is determined by a wide array of factors including skill set, education, duties and experience.

New Era Cap, LLC’s casual work environment celebrates individuality and offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote health, financial…