Job Description

Job Category: Learning & Content Development
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Your Opportunity
The Director, Rights & Permissions, will direct the overall management of asset research and permission clearance activities, fulfil rights and sourcing strategies, leading on best IP practices, driving efficiency and standards, leveraging automation and AI, working with all functions, and achieving continuous improvements.
The director will manage and develop R&P teams, optimally engage the rights and royalties' management systems (IPM), and work with stakeholders in different businesses/locations.
The director will liaise with businesses to align with business objectives, develop collaborative relationships, ensure end-to-end engagement with R&P, and drive the success, suitability, and sustainability of rights policies and programs.
He/she will implement processes and support resourcing/vendor strategies as necessary to fulfil strategic objectives of R&P and Pearson.
Key Responsibilities:

• Direct and coordinate R&P teams and activities across media for all products, functions and services, including revisions, versions and updates, encompassing asset research and sourcing; permissions negotiations and securing; rights assessments and evaluations; tracking of uses and keeping permissions up to date; monitoring pipeline and finances; and optimal use of rights systems and associated tools.
• Direct and coordinate affiliate licensing for versions of product, including systematic processing and data management and rights/financial reporting, to fulfil global publishing goals.
• Direct and implement rights management policies and practices (e.g., 3-Tier Rights Framework and Preferred Sourcing) to fulfil rights and sourcing strategies and meet business objectives.
• Successfully manage changes in tools, ways of working and skills as programs become digital first or otherwise evolve, optimizing performance and outcomes.
• Using data and other research, continuously analyse and improve programs and procedures to meet or exceed SLAs and KPIs, achieve ongoing compliance, fulfil strategic goals, and enable evolving publishing models.
• Build consistent processes and roles across businesses and functions as required to increase efficiency and reduce costs, attain operational excellence, and enable global portfolios.
• Develop and manage staff, anticipating emerging ways of working and requirements. Conduct performance reviews and prepare individual professional development plans. Problem solve with staff, help them achieve their goals, and create a pleasant and stimulating working environment.
• Aligning with overall outsourcing strategies and operating models, manage work with vendors and continuously improve vendor performance by participating in governance, executing certification programs, ensuring effective QA, negotiating fees/prices, and maintaining productive relationships.
• Support the best use of rights and royalties' management systems for all licensed, permissioned and commissioned assets to achieve accuracy and completeness of activity and records, traceability of rights and uses, and proper project accounting.
• Compile reports and assess data on project and product activity, asset use, sourcing, spend, rights levels and license types, and level of effort to track and accelerate the achievement of business and learning goals.
• Work with R&P Managers, business leaders, product managers and content developers, marketing groups, and production teams to forecast work volumes and plan assignments, meet publishing deadlines, align with editorial policies, and overcome obstacles.
• Work with managers to set and adhere to budgets and schedules in alignment with project requirements.
• Review permissions agreements to make sure that terms of agreements are executed.
• Manage partner relationships as required.
• Direct training programs and materials for product and content, production, marketing, and sales staff, in coordination with R&P directives and programs, and the senior leadership team.
• Oversee the paying and collection of invoices and permissions/licensing fees; ensure that payments are completed properly and on time.
• Promote and exemplify an attitude of teamwork and cooperation within the organization, working collaboratively with all R&P directors as well as all stakeholders.
• Interact with the relevant VP to problem solve, alert him/her to possible risks, and provide monthly and other reports/information as requested.
• Proactively develop productive relationships and interact with businesses from planning to release and thereafter throughout the product lifecycle.

• You have an extensive experience in intellectual property within publishing or media, including 7+ years in management with proven results
• Strong understanding of copyright/IP law and familiarity with rights/asset management systems
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with a record of operational excellence
• Highly organized, self-driven, and adaptable, with strategic problem-solving and leadership abilities for the digital era
• Sound business sense, political awareness, and ability to work under pressure while meeting deadlines
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams, Adobe Acrobat, and OneDrive