What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President, Business Development position at Funko?
Funko Overview
Welcome to the Funko-verse, a world built on pure imagination, a land governed by the philosophy that stories matter, a universe comprised of characters from countless fandoms, a galaxy of once upon a times and happily ever afters.
But what does Funko do?
Funko is a purveyor of pop culture and licensed-focused collectibles company. Funko currently holds thousands of lenses and the rights to create tens of thousands of characters – one of the largest portfolios in the pop culture and collectibles industry. Funko’s Pop! Vinyl is the number one stylized vinyl collectible on the market, selling millions of figures to fans around the world.
Overview:
The VP Business Development is responsible for driving growth by identifying new business partnerships and opportunities, expanding market presence, and building strong relationships with licensors, retailers, and distributors. This role focuses on leveraging trends in the market to enhance the company’s portfolio and sales channels. The VP Bus Dev will work closely with the Sales, Marketing, and Product teams to develop strategies that align with the market/channels
This leadership role will focus on Sports, while building out a team of Business Development professionals that will focus on other fandoms such as Video Games, Music and others.
Key Responsibilities:
- Market Development: Identify new growth areas, including partnerships with stores, online platforms, and exclusive distributors.
- Partnerships & Collaborations: Negotiate and secure licensing deals, exclusive distribution rights, and collaborations with popular brands, entertainment properties, and retailers.
- Event Representation: Represent the company at conventions, trade shows, and collector events, showcasing new product lines and networking with industry leaders and collectors.
- Market Research: Analyze trends in the sector, including demand for franchise-based collectibles, and limited-edition products, to inform product development and go-to-market strategies.
- Sales Channel Expansion: Explore and establish new sales channels, both online (e-commerce, specialized marketplaces) and offline (brick-and-mortar stores, pop-up events).
- Product Launches & Promotions: Work with Marketing to launch new lines, ensuring that limited-edition releases and special promotions are effectively timed and marketed to the right audience.
- Pricing Strategy: Develop and implement pricing strategies, considering factors like rarity, demand, and competition in the market.
- Customer Loyalty & Engagement: Help design loyalty programs, exclusive memberships, or pre-order options that cater to collectors and drive repeat business.
- Brand Partnerships: Collaborate with entertainment properties (movies, TV shows, comic book publishers, etc.) for co-branded or licensed lines.
The Candidate will have:
- 10 years of experience in business development, sales, or licensing, with a proven track record of success in the sports; music and/or video game industries are a plus
- Experience in leading high performing teams and working well cross-functionally
- Strong negotiation skills, commercial experience, and a proven track record in the sports or leisure sector, ideally having sold to sports physical and/or e-retail.
- An in-depth understanding of commercial requirements in the sector and marketplace globally, with deep expertise within the United States. • Have a black book of contacts and potential players in partnership.
- Thorough understanding of licensing and preferably experience in the function, able to add value in these discussions.
- Expertise in non-retail opportunities and the partners who may play in that sector – Stadiums, Events, etc.
- Willingness to think entrepreneurially around deal-making and revenue/marketing opportunities but to stay within the broader Funko framework.
Salary Information
The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $200,000 - 266,000 annually.Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and restricted stock units.
What Funko Offers
Funko offers a competitive compensation package with full benefits and a 401(K) plan with matching contributions from the company. Most importantly, we offer a creative work environment with people who love pop culture just as much as you do. Can’t wait to gush about your latest binge? Neither can we! Looking for a place where your favorite pop culture t-shirt will receive the compliments it deserves? We know how you feel!
Funko is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
Funko offers a competitive compensation package with full benefits and a 401(K) plan with matching contributions from the company. Most importantly, we offer a creative work environment with people who love pop culture just as much as you do. Can’t wait to gush about your latest binge? Neither can we! Looking for a place where your favorite pop culture t-shirt will receive the compliments it deserves? We know how you feel!
Funko is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Salary : $200,000 - $266,000
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