At Microsoft, our goal is to enable every individual and organization on the planet to achieve more. In the Game Content and Studios division, we support this mission by bringing the joy and community of gaming to everyone. We are responsible for developing and publishing some of the biggest gaming franchises in history: Age of Empires, Call of Duty, Candy Crush, DOOM, Fallout, Forza, Gears of War, Halo, Minecraft, The Elder Scrolls, World of Warcraft, and more. We believe that play is the thing that unites everyone, because when everyone plays, we all win. As a part of the GC&S Ops org, you will be impacting the division by developing processes, tools and policies that enable our studios and partners to efficiently and successfully deliver against their missions. Come be a part of our team!  We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Softlines Licensing Manager to oversee our Licensing division for Apparel, Accessories, and Home categories. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to drive growth within these categories. This role requires an analytical mindset, strategic vision, and a passion for licensing. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. In the end, it’s the people of Mojang Studios that make this place truly special. When you join, you’ll find yourself in the company of incredibly bright, warm, and creative individuals – all united and working toward a single goal. Come help us reach it! **Responsibilities** + Responsible for developing and implementing business strategies for Apparel, Accessories, Footwear, and Home Categories + Identifyand analyze market trends, white space, and competitive landscape to drive category growth + Assistwith annual operating plan and manage quarterly forecast process, developing licenseeobjectivesand initiatives to drive growth + Actively manage and develop partnerships with new and existing licensees + Negotiate licensing agreements, manage contract terms, and onboarding of partners + Work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, creative, and retail to develop innovative and impactful programs + Embody our Culture (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/culture) & Values (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/about/corporate-values) **Qualifications** **Required Qualifications:** + Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, or related field AND 4+ years experience in program management, process management, or process improvement + OR equivalent experience. + 2+ years category management, product management, marketing strategy, business planning, product planning, or related work experience **Preferred Qualifications:** + Master's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, or related field AND 6+ years experience in program management, process management, or process improvement OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, or related field AND 8+ years experience in program management, process management, or process improvement + OR equivalent experience. + Understanding of consumer products business and retail landscapes in the United States + Detail-oriented and ability to multi-task with organizational and project management skills + Communication & presentation skills + Self-starter, proactive, motivated, and ability to work in fast paced environment + Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint Business Program Management IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $96,500 - $188,400 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $123,500 - $206,400 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay Microsoft will accept applications for the role until July 31, 2025. \#gamingjobs Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .