Manager Entertainment Sourcing & IP Licensing

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This role combines procurement expertise with intellectual property (IP) management to support the sourcing and licensing of entertainment-related goods and content. The position plays a critical role in ensuring the legal, financial, and operational success of entertainment programming by overseeing contracts for physical goods as well as rights-managed assets.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Source, negotiate, and manage contracts with vendors for entertainment-related goods, including stage equipment, costumes, instruments, lighting, and audio/visual technology, with an emphasis on assets tied to intellectual property.
• Oversee the negotiation and administration of IP-related agreements, including licensing, royalties, and management fees, for all entertainment content such as music, films, branded performances, and original productions.
• Ensure full compliance with IP regulations, including copyright law, performance rights, synchronization rights, and trademark protections, in collaboration with legal and compliance teams.
• Collaborate with internal legal counsel, external agencies, and rights holders to structure and maintain clear, enforceable agreements for IP ownership, usage rights, and royalty arrangements.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of IP contracts and supplier agreements, ensuring accurate tracking of renewal dates, usage rights, financial obligations, and performance clauses.
• Monitor the sourcing and global logistics of entertainment materials to ensure timely delivery to vessels or venues, while maintaining alignment with IP terms (e.g., territorial licensing, usage windows).
• Support budgeting and financial planning for entertainment procurement and licensing, including forecast modeling for royalty expenses and IP-related spend.
• Develop and manage strategic vendor and IP partner relationships to ensure continued access to premium content and critical supply categories.
• Partner with entertainment, technical, and creative teams to understand programming needs and align procurement and IP strategies accordingly.
• Conduct market research and spend analysis in collaboration with the Spend Analysis & Reporting Team to identify opportunities for cost optimization and content innovation.
• Drive cross-functional alignment on category improvement initiatives, demand planning, and the development of forward-looking sourcing strategies.
• Track and evaluate market trends in both entertainment supply and IP licensing to inform contract decisions and supply continuity planning.
• Lead or contribute to special projects related to entertainment innovation, vendor consolidation, or new production launches based on business priorities.
• Up to 20% domestic and/or international travel to NCLH Creative Studios, ports, and/or vessels as required.
• Perform other job-related functions as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

DEGREE TYPE: Bachelor's Degree

FIELD(S) OF STUDY: Business

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years in supply chain management, logistics, procurement, or licensing, preferably in the entertainment or cruise industry.
• Experience managing content rights, intellectual property agreements, and entertainment licensing.

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS

• Working knowledge of an automated logistics and purchasing system is required, preferably with MXP and SAP
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing methodology with pragmatism to manage exceptions.
• Ability to develop category and sourcing strategies by identifying areas of opportunity.
• Ability to forecast demand, analyze supply chain trends, and optimize procurement strategies.
• Strong vendor negotiation skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
• Strong leadership presence and negotiation/contract management experience
• Must have strong organizational skills.
• Strong problem solving, analytical and report summation, and conflict resolution skills.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• MBA or equivalent preferred. Nationally recognized professional certification preferred (i.e. Certified Purchasing Manager); or any equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and work experience.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies: NCLH does not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered NCLH property, and NCLH will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to Hiring Managers without contacting the NCLH Human Resources Talent Acquisition Department.