Sales and Business Development Manager
Guru Studio is a creative-driven entertainment company and an industry leader in animated storytelling. For over twenty-five years, our studio has brought to life some of the most recognizable and beloved children’s properties in the world.
Guru Studio's dedicated team is passionate about bringing inspired character driven stories to screens around the world. Our award winning and internationally renowned Toronto animated entertainment company is looking for a Sales and Business Development Manager!
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversee the end-to-end sales process for international content distribution including sourcing new partners, pitching, negotiating contracts, and ensuring content delivery.
- Lead agreements from pitch to follow up, negotiation to close, and from delivery of materials to invoicing
- Account management of existing content and licensing partners
- Send and deliver support materials to broadcasting and licensing partners with a careful and client-first mentality
- Work with senior executives (Production, Development, Legal, Finance) to identify, qualify and bring in new production and co-production opportunities.
- Build trust with clients by understanding their challenges, asking insightful questions, actively listening and offering strategic, creative solutions through a thoughtful and collaborative approach
- Leverage relationships with international broadcasters and investors to help secure financing for Guru’s owned IP
- Source new opportunities for licensing & merchandising to drive global brand recognition and maximize sales.
- Represent the company at international markets, conferences, and industry events, to develop new partnerships and explore growth opportunities.
- Coordinate client outreach and meetings for industry events to promote the company’s IP.
- Arrange complex travel and accommodations, compile documents for travel-related meetings
- Generate and present detailed sales reports including forecasting to senior management, highlighting key metrics, trends, and performance against targets.
- With with Finance to track sales data, invoicing and client information using Guru’s CRM
Qualifications:
- 2-5 years in sales, business development or licensing within the entertainment, media, or animation industry, with a focus on international markets.
- Proven ability to build and maintain executive level relationships.
- Track record in securing new business and managing international sales, content distribution, and licensing agreements.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills. Deep understanding of rights management, content delivery workflows, and digital distribution platforms (IPTV, OTT, social media).
- Strategic thinker with the ability to drive sales strategies and execute business plans.
- Expertise in CRM software (Salesforce) and rights management systems (e.g., MyMediaBox).
- Ability to travel internationally as required
Why Join Guru?
- We create a collaborative and creatively fulfilling work environment by promoting courage, purpose, inspiration, integrity, transparency, and empowerment as our core values
- We take great pride in our work and we always ensure it reflects a high standard of quality and creativity
- We encourage individuals to grow with us by offering learning opportunities that encourage skill development and growth
- We are proud to support philanthropic initiatives that support our local and global community through our charity committee Guru Gives
- We offer health and wellness support through an extensive benefits plan and extended mental health services and initiatives
- We allow the flexibility to work remotely while making our downtown studio available for in-person team building and collaboration
Guru is committed to providing an inclusive work environment that celebrates the diversity of its employees. We are dedicated to employment equity and welcome applications from people from all Indigenous groups, races, religions, genders and people with disabilities.
We are committed to providing an accessible candidate experience during our recruitment process and are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where candidates and employees feel valued and respected. Guru strives to respect the dignity and independence of people with disabilities and is committed to giving them the same opportunity to succeed in the recruitment process as all other candidates. If you have a disability, you may request to be accommodated at any time. Guru will work with all candidates to accommodate individual accessibility needs to the point of undue hardship.
Guru Studio would like to thank all applicants for your interest, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Guru Studio is an equal opportunity employer.