Director of Licensing, Emerging Growth Categories

About the role

Calling all originals: At Levi Strauss & Co., you can be yourself - and be part of something bigger. We're a company of people who like to forge our own path and leave the world better than we found it. Who believe that what makes us different makes us stronger. So add your voice. Make an impact. Find your fit - and your future.

Director of Licensing, Emerging Growth Categories is responsible for accelerating the growth of Levi's licensing portfolio by developing new category opportunities, strengthening emerging businesses, and building a scalable growth strategies and capabilities.

You will identify, evaluate, negotiate, and launch new licensing partnerships while creating category growth strategies that expand the Levi's brand into new consumer spaces. You will serve as the primary business owner for emerging categories and work closely with Marketing, Design, Merchandising, Legal, Finance, and commercial teams to ensure new opportunities align with Levi's strategic priorities and brand standards.

About the Job

• Lead the strategy and growth roadmap for Levi's emerging licensed categories and future category expansion opportunities.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize new licensing opportunities that expand Levi's consumer reach, enhance brand relevance, and drive profitable growth.
• Build category business cases, growth strategies, and commercialization plans to support investment decisions.
• Lead end-to-end partner sourcing processes, including market mapping, prospecting, RFP development, partner evaluation, negotiation, and onboarding.
• Own strategic relationships with licensees and drive performance against product, distribution, sales, royalty, and financial objectives.
• Develop and execute category growth plans, including product strategy, channel expansion, geographic opportunities, and long-range planning.
• Partner with Design, Merchandising, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Product Development, and Commercial teams to bring licensed products from concept through commercialization.
• Negotiate and manage licensing agreements, royalty structures, contract renewals, and key commercial terms.
• Monitor category performance, identify risks and opportunities, and drive actions that improve business results.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team while helping build the capabilities, processes, and operating model required to scale Levi's global licensing business.
• You will report to the VP, Global Commercial Operations

About You

• 10+ years of experience in licensing or brand licensing, consumer products, merchandising, category management, or related commercial leadership roles.
• Experience identifying, launching, and scaling new product categories, partnerships, or growth initiatives.
• Track record sourcing, negotiating, and managing strategic partnerships and licensing relationships.
• Experience developing licensing strategies, category roadmaps, and commercial growth plans.
• Experience with licensing agreements, royalty structures, partner economics, and contract negotiations.
• Experience influencing and leading cross-functional teams across product, merchandising, marketing, legal, finance, and commercial organizations.
• Evaluate market trends, consumer opportunities, competitive dynamics, and category white-space opportunities.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including business case development, forecasting, and investment analysis.
• Executive-level communication skills with the ability to represent a brand internally and externally.
• Experience within apparel, accessories, footwear, lifestyle, beauty, home, consumer products, entertainment licensing, or related industries.

Additional information

This is a hybrid work schedule based in either our San Francisco, CA or New York, New York offices. You will be expected in office 3 days per week typically Tuesday-Thursday. Note, time in office can vary depending on business needs.

Pay and benefits

The expected starting salary range for this role is $168,000 - $220,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.

Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) offers a total rewards package that includes base pay, incentive plans, 401(k) matching, paid leave, health insurance, product discounts, and more designed to help you and your family stay healthy, meet your financial goals, and balance the demands of your work and personal life. Available benefits and incentive compensation vary depending upon the specifics of the role; details relating to a specific role will be made available upon request. Read more about our benefits here.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must not require current or future employment visa sponsorship. The company does not participate in the H-1B cap lottery or sponsor initial employment visas. Candidates with an existing H-1B visa that is eligible for transfer may be considered.

• #LI-Hybrid
• EOE M/F/Disability/Vets
• LOCATION
• San Francisco, CA, USA
• FULL TIME/PART TIME
• Full time
• FILL DATE

This position is expected to be filled by 12/26/2026.

Current LS&Co Employees, apply via your Workday account.