Head of Content Licensing (UK)

Yoto is an interactive audio platform founded by experienced entrepreneurs that aims to change the way children access audio content. The Yoto ecosystem revolves around a curated library of stories, music, activities, sound effects, podcasts and radio. Children listen to the content on Yoto Player, a safely connected speaker that is controlled using physical cards with NFC technology. Additionally, the Yoto App allows parents to retain a level of control, enabling volume control, remote play and more.

Our Yoto Player is available Direct to Consumers from our website in the US, UK, France, Canada, with more to follow in 2021 and also via Amazon. We also sell via retail partners such as WHSmith (UK), Indigo (Canada), FNAC (France) and many more. Our content partners include Roald Dahl Story Company, Penguin Random House, Hachette, Macmillan, Harper Collins, Sony Music, Naxos, Scholastic and more. Luke Kelly, grandson of Roald Dahl and MD of the Roald Dahl Story Company, is on our board, and we are well-funded having recently completed our Series A investment - backed by Europe’s leading VCs.

We had an incredible 2020 despite coronavirus with stellar sales growth, high customer happiness and winning multiple awards including TIME’s Best Invention 2020.

The team

We’re a small, creative, tech-savvy team with a passion for technology, education, music, audiobooks and podcasts.

Many of us have built and exited companies at scale before and we’re bringing that experience to the world of audio entertainment and learning for children. As a start-up we don’t revel in office politics and endless meetings giving you more time to get on with the more fun part of the job.

We all love what we do. We are based in London (with a small office next to Google in King’s Cross), but currently with 100% remote working due to COVID-19. In normal times flexible working hours and/or remote working are standard. Many of the team are parents and we truly understand that life and work need to work together.

The role

We’re looking for an experienced publishing professional to become our Head of Content Licensing. Reporting into the Content Director, this role is a key senior position within our rapidly growing Content Team. Key responsibilities include:

• Working closely with the Content Director on the overall content licensing strategy for the UK and other key global markets
• Curating a diverse and commercially balanced list of audiobooks, podcasts and other audio products
• Identifying gaps in our content portfolio and seeking out relevant titles and brands for addition to the Yoto Library
• Negotiating with publishing and licensing partners in the UK and other international markets
• Developing and nurturing strong links with key content partners and licensors
• Working with legal team to ensure timely execution of contracts
• Managing the royalty reporting process and the financial aspects of existing deals (including management of minimum guarantee and advance outgoings)
• Working with the wider Yoto team to schedule new releases and ensuring that relevant third party assets are received according to critical path
• Recruitment and management of a team of licensing managers, to support Yoto’s expansion into new markets

Must have:

• Minimum of 7 years experience in children’s publishing and/or licensing
• Excellent working knowledge of the current children’s media landscape
• Impeccable negotiation skills and commercial acumen
• Comfortable juggling a diverse workload and ability to work independently
• Experience managing a team
• A demonstrable passion for children’s audio

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• EMI share options
• Fully flexible working

Closing Date 29th January 2021