IP Manager
Posted 17 days ago
pop mart groupLos Angeles (CA)
Marketing ManagersDoll, Toy, and Game Manufacturing
SENIORITY
Manager
About the role
POP MART (09992.HK), founded in 2010, is a leading global company in the trend culture and entertainment industry. Centered around IP, POP MART has built a comprehensive platform for creative incubation and IP operation, empowering global creators while delivering exciting products, services, and immersive entertainment experiences to consumers.
POP MART identifies and nurtures emerging artists and designers worldwide, creating popular character IPs through a well-established IP development and operation system. Its portfolio includes iconic IPs such as MOLLY, SKULLPANDA, DIMOO, THE MONSTERS, and Hirono. By launching art toys and derivative products based on these IPs, POP MART continues to lead trends in consumer culture.
As of the end of 2024, POP MART operates over 500 physical stores and more than 2,300 Robo Shops across 30+ countries and regions. Through multiple cross-border e-commerce platforms, the company has reached audiences in over 90 countries and regions, bringing joy to young consumers around the world.
Opportunity Overview
The IP (Associate) Manager supports the development and performance of POP MART’s owned IP portfolio by contributing to strategy, product direction, and market evaluation. This role is responsible for assessing IP performance, identifying opportunities for growth across categories and markets, and helping translate market signals into clear internal direction. In parallel, the role oversees inbound licensing execution, ensuring partners are well-managed and aligned with internal product and brand priorities.
This position works closely with cross-functional teams and HQ to support decision‑making across IP development, product, and category planning. The ideal candidate brings experience across IP, product, and licensing, along with a strong understanding of the retail landscape and a proactive, detail‑oriented approach to execution.
We follow an office policy with an expectation of five days per week working onsite. Being together in person helps us collaborate, stay connected, and build a strong team culture. At POP MART, we foster a high‑trust environment and trust our employees to make decisions that support both the team and the business.
What You Will Achieve
IP Strategy and Portfolio Development
Evaluate the performance, positioning, and potential of POP MART owned IP across categories and markets
Identify opportunities for growth, expansion, or repositioning based on market signals and product performance
Contribute to a more structured and disciplined approach to IP evaluation and decision‑making
Develop clear, actionable recommendations to inform IP development and long‑term strategy
Product and Market Translation
Translate external exposure and market observation into recommendations for product direction and category expansion
Partner with internal teams and HQ to provide clear input on what is resonating in‑market and why
Identify white space across product categories and consumer segments, and translate these into direction for IP and merchandise development
Leverage retail, consumer, and competitive insights to inform category focus and highlight areas of underdevelopment or emerging demand
Inbound Licensing and External Partnerships
Manage inbound licensing relationships across approvals, marketing coordination, and product alignment, ensuring consistent and timely execution
Support contract processes and ongoing partner management, maintaining alignment with internal priorities
Coordinate cross‑functional efforts tied to licensed IP, including campaign execution and partner deliverables
What You Will Need
3–5 years of experience in IP‑driven businesses (entertainment, consumer products, licensing, or related fields)
Experience working with licensed IP, including exposure to product development, approvals, or partner collaboration
Demonstrated ability to evaluate IP and translate insight into strategic recommendations
Strong understanding of how IP translates into product, category expansion, and market performance
Strong understanding of the retail and consumer landscape, with the ability to translate insights into actionable direction
Experience interfacing with external partners or licensors in a professional setting
Strong ability to build credibility and presence with external partners, with sound judgment in representing the brand
Highly organized with strong attention to detail; able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
Entrepreneurial and proactive mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities and follow through on execution
Strong communication skills, with the ability to present clear and structured thinking
Comfortable working across global teams and time zones
Preferred Backgrounds
Franchise, brand, or IP strategy roles within character‑driven or consumer product businesses
Consumer products or licensing roles within entertainment companies with exposure to product and brand execution
Cross‑functional roles bridging IP development, product, and licensing
What Success Looks Like
Clear, actionable recommendations that influence product and portfolio decisions
Improved consistency and rigor in how IP is evaluated and developed internallyStrong alignment between market insight, product direction, and IP strategy
Reliable, well‑managed execution across inbound licensing and partner workflows
Increased visibility into category opportunities and areas of growth
As part of the interview process, candidates will be asked to develop a short strategy presentation for one of our existing IPs, including:
Assessment of current positioning and performance
Identification of growth opportunities (product, category, or market)
Recommendations informed by prior experience working with external IP or partners
Physical Requirements
Must be able to remain in a stationary position (e.g., seated or at a desk) for extended periods while operating a computer or other office equipment
Must be able to occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 25 pounds
What We Offer
Market‑competitive packages: we provide 401k, health insurance, PTO leave, paid sick leave, and family leave, etc.
Opportunities to learn and lead: we provide on‑the‑job training to ensure employees are equipped with the most up‑to‑date skill sets and knowledge
Career development: we work with you to advance your career through short‑term assignments, and new experiences, etc.
*The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all‑inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for this job.
For Los Angeles or San Francisco applicants: POP MART is required to inform you that we conduct background checks after conditional offer and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with legal requirements per Los Angeles, Cal. Muni. Code 189.04 and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Reasonable Accommodation
POP MART Americas is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. The requirements laid out in this job description are representative of the physical demands that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions by contacting na.employeerelations@popmart.com.
POP MART Americas welcomes and encourages applications from candidates with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. If you require disability‑related accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact our HR Department at na.employeerelations@popmart.com.
The pay range(s) below has been provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may vary for different regions of the U.S. Pay offers are dependent on the location, as well as job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.
This position may be eligible to participate in a company incentive program.
*POP MART is committed to equal pay initiatives and will not ask candidates for their current or past salary.
**All sensitive personal data associated with this application will be used strictly for selection purposes and will be treated confidentially.
POP MART is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment. POP MART provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment without regard race, color, religion, gender, gender identification and expression, national origin, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic established by local, state or federal law.
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