Director, Global Brand Licensing
Description
Ookla® is a global leader in connectivity intelligence, offering unparalleled network insights through the combined expertise of Speedtest®, Downdetector®, RootMetrics®, and Ekahau®. Ookla’s complementary datasets combine crowdsourced and controlled, public and private collection methods, QoS and QoE metrics, and more to unlock correlations and actionable insights — helping organizations optimize networks, enhance digital experiences, and create better connected experiences for end-users.
Our team is a group of people brought together through passion and inspired by possibility. We are looking for team members who love solving problems, are motivated by challenges, and enjoy turning clever ideas into exceptional products. When you work for us, you are using Ookla data and insights to advance our mission of better connectivity for all.
Role Overview:
We are seeking a Brand Licensing Global Program Director to lead and manage our global team of Brand Licensing Program Managers and Coordinators. This role will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the Brand Licensing program and products, ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery to clients worldwide. You will serve as a mentor and leader to a team of Brand Licensing Program Managers who support accounts across multiple regions, with a specific focus on driving successful outcomes for the Speedtest Awards and Verified Claims products.
In addition to team management, the Brand Licensing Global Program Director will have a strong engagement with cross-functional teams, including Data Science, Design, Product, and Accounts acting as the Product Owner for the Speedtest Awards and Marketing Claims products. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of drivers behind developing and maintaining brand equity, client relations, project management, and data-driven decision-making, and will have a proven ability to collaborate across teams to ensure the global success of our programs.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management:
- Lead a team of Brand Licensing Program Managers and Coordinators spread across multiple time zones, fostering a collaborative, results-driven environment that operates similarly and smoothly across the world.
- Provide guidance and support on complex client engagements, ensuring program managers are equipped to handle varying client needs, challenges, and business objectives.
- Monitor team performance, manage resource allocation, and drive continuous improvement in team efficiency and effectiveness while the team focuses on renewals. Ensure that reporting is kept up to date and consistent from previous years revenue tracking.
- Act as the escalation point for any high-priority client or program issues, resolving them quickly and effectively.
- Conduct performance reviews, set goals, and provide feedback to help team members grow in their roles.
- Coordinates high-profile executive meetings held during Mobile World Congress in Spain, ensuring seamless execution during the event. Acts as the team expert, managing the detailed planning and preparation which takes approximately six months prior to the conference, then oversees all logistical requirements to ensure successful engagements throughout the week.
Client Engagement & Account Management:
- Oversee the Brand Licensing Program Managers as they serve as the primary points of contact for clients utilizing Ookla data for Speedtest Awards and Verified Claims.
- Ensure consistent delivery of award-related services, including creating and delivering web pages, award collateral, and marketing reports.
- Collaborate with clients on the claims process, providing guidance on claims validation, reviewing marketing materials for adherence to guidelines, and ensuring proper approval.
- Work closely with regional sales teams to identify new opportunities for marketing claims and awards, and assist in onboarding new clients.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate with Product Management, Data Science, Design, and Marketing teams to continuously improve the Speedtest Awards and Claims products, ensuring they meet client needs and are aligned with Ookla's strategic goals.
- Act as the product owner for Speedtest Awards and Verified Claims, working with product teams to develop enhancements and new features based on client feedback and market trends.
- Drive data-driven decision-making, collaborating with data teams to streamline processes and deliver accurate, high-quality results to clients.
Process Improvement & Strategic Growth:
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and scalability of the global Brand Licensing programs.
- Lead efforts to standardize global processes while ensuring that regional nuances and client needs are addressed.
- Stay ahead of industry trends and competitive landscape, ensuring Ookla’s Brand Licensing programs remain best-in-class.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop new revenue-generating opportunities, including new awards, claims types, and product offerings.
Reporting & Analytics:
- Regularly review program performance metrics, generating reports for senior leadership that provide insights into program health, client satisfaction, and areas for improvement.
- Support the team in analyzing client data and market trends to uncover opportunities for new claims and awards, ensuring maximum business benefit.
Qualifications:
- Experience:
- At least 5+ years of experience in program or account management, with a focus on global operations and leading teams across multiple time zones.
- Proven success in managing high-profile clients and delivering complex programs on time and within budget.
- Background in telecommunications (mobile or fixed internet) is strongly preferred.
- Experience in working with cross-functional teams (Product, Design, Marketing, Data Science, etc.) to deliver client-facing programs.
- Experience working for or with external marketing agencies preferred.
- Skills & Expertise:
- Strong leadership, team management, and mentorship abilities. Ability to motivate and guide a global team to achieve program success.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Data-driven mindset, with proficiency in analytical tools like Excel, SQL, Tableau, or similar.
- Deep understanding of marketing campaigns, branding, and client relations.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, global environment, managing competing priorities and changing demands.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills, with an ability to work with ambiguity and complexity.
- Technical Proficiency:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
- Experience with data visualization, web publishing, or content management systems is a plus.
- Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Telecommunications, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree is a plus.
- Languages:
- Fluency in English required. Additional languages (e.g., Arabic, Spanish, French, Mandarin) are a plus.
We care deeply about each other and the work we do, and our perks are just one way we demonstrate this. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including (but not limited to):
- 401(k) matching
- *____* PTO
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan options
- Health/dental/vision insurance coverage
- Wellness benefits (Calm app, gym reimbursement, ERG groups, etc)
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) (mental health, financial advice, legal guidance, and more)
- Maven Fertility options
- Pregnancy support
- Pet insurance
- Enhanced parental leave
- Disability coverage
You will have the best hardware, software, and tools available for you to do your work, and we provide excellent flexibility for working remotely as time and responsibilities allow. To promote your success and growth we offer educational opportunities, and anti-racism and LGBTQIA+ resource libraries, team activities, and many more.
Ookla is a division of Ziff Davis.