The Blair Partnership

Who we are

The Blair Partnership is a literary and entertainment agency. We offer our clients a broad range of services including rights management, client representation and franchise management. As part of those services, we help to manage several companies on behalf of our client J.K. Rowling. Those companies are Pottermore and Bronte. These businesses benefit from shared resources and expertise provided by The Blair Partnership, but they are run by their own leaders.

There are three core pillars to The Blair Partnership’s business activity:

• Franchise Management – which encompasses brand & franchise vision and strategy, creative strategy & direction, product development, brand management & comms for the Wizarding World franchise
• Client Management - we represent a large and eclectic list of clients’ literary and entertainment rights portfolios and pursue commercial opportunities for them through deal making in the UK, US and internationally, partner management and backlist rights management.
• Governance & support - we provide governance, resources and support to companies owned by J.K. Rowling. As part of that support, we cultivate close collaboration & strong, cohesive working practices between all the businesses.

Our vision remains to shape, nurture and grow the most imaginative and engaging brands for generations to come, working with our clients.

Our mission is to shape and connect stories to their audiences.

The Blair Partnership is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace where all talent and potential is valued. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives and recognise the value that this adds to our business.

 

What our team do

The Blair Partnership manages brand, franchise and creative coordination across the Wizarding World™. This includes J.K. Rowling’s print and digital publishing, stage and theatrical rights, as well as the coordination of other brand and franchise-focussed commercial activity with partners, most notably Warner Bros.

The Brand & Franchise Team operate across all elements of the Wizarding World franchise; coordinating, facilitating, and developing product, experience, brand and marketing initiatives.  We work in close collaboration with a broad range of partners including Warner Bros, Wizarding World Digital, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and our publishers. Within the team we have product development and marketing specialists – this role sits within the Product Development team.

The Product Development team lead & facilitate the development of product & experience initiatives across the franchise. Working hand in hand with our partners, we drive best in class creative development across Publishing, Games, Consumer Products, Themed Experiences, Theme Parks & many, many more.

The Marketing team support our partners across all their strategic marketing plans, launch activities & business as usual marketing plans.  We ensure that their activity is consistent and in line with franchise values and priorities and that they are supported where appropriate by other franchise partners.

 

What you will be doing

This role is focused on leading and facilitating the development of product and experience initiatives across the franchise.  Working with key internal and external partners you will drive best in class product launches, faithfully representing J.K. Rowling and her work, reflecting the Wizarding World brand values, and protecting the longevity, integrity, and legacy of the franchise for generations to come.

• Leading projects across multiple product categories and partners across the Wizarding World (including publishing, gaming, consumer products, themed entertainment, home entertainment and interactive experiences).
• Providing creative guidance and leadership, remaining faithful to the Wizarding World canon and values in all aspects of creative development across projects, driving quality and innovation in everything we do.
• Supporting the Head of Creative Development on key strategic projects.
• Proactively identifying product development opportunities & process improvements, and implementing them by developing strategies, principles, and guidelines with internal and external partners.
• Leading on strategic calls and meetings with both internal and external stakeholders and effectively managing relationships.
• Leading on future R&D projects - exploring innovative new products, experiences, and categories for the franchise.
• Consistently demonstrating the TBP values through your work.

What we are looking for

• A proven track record in a previous product development role, with strong awareness of brand guardianship and franchise management.
• Excellent visual design skills and awareness  with 3+ years of experience in a product/experience design or consumer products focused role.
• Ability to work across multiple projects simultaneously delivering against tight deadlines.
• Expertise in offering creative input and trend direction to inspire partners/ licensees and help drive quality product development.
• Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, creative, and innovative.
• Ability to work autonomously and to remain agile and prioritise projects in a rapidly changing work environment.
• Strong team-working skills and the ability to maintain good working relationships with internal and external teams.

What you can expect from us

• Competitive Salary
  
• Company Bonus Scheme
  
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
  
• Group Pension Plan where we contribute 5%
  
• Life Assurance of 4 times salary
  
• Health Insurance (currently with Vitality)
  
• Health Shield Cashback Plan
  
• Harry Potter Franchise Partner discounts
  
• Annual Creative Bursary
  
• Season Ticket Loan
  
• Cycle Scheme