Licensing Director
Description:
Job Details
HOMAGE HQ - Columbus, OH
Optional Work from Home
Full Time
Description
Who We Are
Founded in 2007, HOMAGE is an apparel company rooted in nostalgia and authenticity. We pay homage to iconic personalities, styles, and moments in sports, pop culture, music, and history. We view ourselves as storytellers, honoring heroes and traditions, our passions and beliefs, and the moments that uplift us and make us feel alive and connected. We create and curate comfortable apparel that sparks connection, tells stories, and empowers you to express yourself.
Our Mission
Paying homage to exceptional stories through legendary comfort.
Our Vision
Be a go-to brand for fans, on game day and every day.
Our Values
Compassion Creativity Collaboration Authenticity Accountability
Who are HOMAGE team members?
HOMAGE team members are as eclectic as the stories they tell. They are hardworking, dedicated, creative, and a little quirky with a lot of hustle. HOMAGE team members have a passion for what they do and love to work together to create an amazing product and experience for their customers.
What kind of benefits do HOMAGE team members receive?
The opportunity to be a part of collaborative, fun team environment
Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
Life insurance paid 100% by HOMAGE with the opportunity to purchase additional coverage
401k with Employer Match
HSA, FSA & Dependent Care
Employee Assistance Program
Career growth and development
Paid Time Off
Team Member discount on HOMAGE products
Location: Open to fully remote in the U.S. or hybrid in Columbus, Ohio
What will you do as a Licensing Director at HOMAGE?
The Licensing Director is responsible for leading HOMAGE’s licensing strategy, managing key licensor relationships, and driving business growth through high-value licensing agreements. This role serves as the strategic counterpart to the Licensing Operations Lead, focusing on negotiations, portfolio expansion, and external relationship management.
The Director will partner closely with the SVP of Business Development & Licensing, who maintains primary executive relationships and serves as final signatory, while ensuring day-to-day licensing needs are owned and executed by the Licensing Operations Lead.
The Licensing Director will also play a critical and equal role in fostering a strong partnership between Licensing, Forecasting, and Finance functions. This role will ensure integrated planning, clear financial guardrails, and shared accountability for performance.
What Success Looks Like
Strategic renewals and new deals executed on time with optimal terms.
Expanded, profitable licensing portfolio aligned with HOMAGE growth.
Strong licensor satisfaction and market reputation as a top partner.
Clear alignment between licensing, wholesale, and brand strategy.
Strategic Licensing Leadership
Develop and refine HOMAGE’s licensing strategy in line with business goals and revenue targets.
Lead sourcing, evaluation, and negotiation of new IP opportunities.
Identify and evaluate new licensing partners and promotional opportunities that align with HOMAGE brand growth.
Manage major renewals and long-term planning (e.g., 2026 renewals, portfolio pruning/expansion).
Licensor & Relationship Management
Serve as the main point of contact for licensors on strategic matters, while Operations Lead manages submissions and compliance.
Build strong partnerships across entertainment, sports, and media licensors, ensuring HOMAGE is viewed as a “favorite licensee.”
Maintain close collaboration with the SVP, who will join select key meetings (e.g., NFL, Disney) and execute agreements.
Agreements & Workflow Ownership
Oversee the Licensing Agreement Workflow (coordination with Legal, Finance, Ops).
Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external counsel on contract terms, boilerplate language, and RFP for licensing-focused legal support.
Create and maintain standardized snapshots of key licensing business terms for internal alignment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Creative, Marketing, Legal, Finance, and Operations to ensure licensing strategies are executed effectively.
Provide guidance to the Licensing Operations Lead, ensuring they have the clarity, tools, and support to manage submissions, trackers, onboarding, and compliance.
Partner closely with Forecasting and Royalty/Finance teams to establish a regular cadence of information-sharing and planning, ensuring alignment on contribution margin goals, licensing forecasts, and financial guardrails.
Serve as the primary licensing counterpart to Forecasting and Finance ensuring streamlined data flow, accountability, and integration of licensing performance into broader financial planning processes.
Build a collaborative “triangle” between Licensing, Forecasting, and Finance to move from reactive to proactive performance management
Qualifications
What are we looking for in a Licensing Director?
7–10+ years in licensing/business development, ideally in sports, entertainment, or consumer products.
Proven experience in deal-making, negotiations, and portfolio management.
Strong executive relationship management skills.
Familiarity with licensing contracts, royalties, and rights.
Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to mentor and collaborate across teams.
Strong strategic thinking with commercial acumen.
Enthusiasm for HOMAGE’s brand, acting as an ambassador with external licensing partners.
Bonus: legal/IP background or experience with large-scale renewals and licensing workflows.
HOMAGE will make reasonable accommodations for team members for known physical or mental limitations unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.
HOMAGE is an equal opportunity employer.
Candidates should have the legal right to work in the United States and should be willing to submit to a background check.
Are you ready to make HOMAGE a part of your story? Apply today!