Senior Director, Licensing

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Consumer Products, the Senior Director, Licensing, Gap Inc. will lead inbound licensing strategy and execution for the Gap Inc. portfolio, with a primary focus on Gap and Old Navy brands. This role is focused exclusively on bringing select third-party IP into Gap Inc. in close partnership with brand merchandising, design, and marketing teams. The Senior Director will identify and structure licensing opportunities that enhance brand storytelling, drive cultural relevance, and deliver incremental commercial growth.

In addition to sourcing new inbound partnerships, this role will manage and optimize existing licensing relationships—ensuring strong brand alignment, operational execution, and compliance across all completed deals. This individual will serve as the key point person between external licensors and internal brand teams, ensuring partnerships are strategically and creatively aligned to brand long range plans, and seamlessly executed from concept through launch.
What You'll Do

• Develop and execute inbound licensing deals aligned to Gap and Old Navy brand priorities and merchandising strategies; opportunistically pursue inbound licensing for BR and Athleta 
• Collaborate with brand marketing and product teams to effectively translate brand strategies into a focused pipeline of third-party IP partnerships that strengthen brand relevance and drive business results
• Proactively evaluate and source inbound licensing opportunities across key cultural trends and pillars including film, series, talent, music, sports, gaming, and emerging platforms
• Build and maintain strong relationships with licensors, agents, and IP owners
• Support cross-enterprise discussions with entertainment studios, serving as the primary point of connection across divisional stakeholders and partner counterparts
• Lead commercial negotiations in partnership with Legal and Finance, including deal structuring, royalty frameworks, and financial modeling
• Present partnership recommendations and business cases to senior leadership
• Serve as primary relationship owner for all active inbound licensing partners for Gap Inc.
• Conduct regular business reviews and manage renewals, amendments, and expansions, while monitoring performance against financial targets and identifying opportunities to optimize results
• Ensure contractual compliance, trademark approvals, and adherence to brand standards
• Ensure brand alignment and seamless execution across product creation, marketing activation, and in-store/digital launch

Who You Are

• 12+ years of experience in licensing, brand partnerships, or business development within retail, fashion, or entertainment
• Strong experience in inbound licensing and structuring commercial agreements
• Proven track record of sourcing and managing strategic partnerships
• Deep understanding of royalty economics, margin negotiation, and financial modeling
• Experience working cross-functionally within a complex, matrixed retail organization
• Skilled negotiator with strong executive presence and the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Highly organized operator with the ability to manage multiple deals simultaneously
• Brand-forward thinker with strong cultural instincts and a passion for product innovation