Licensing Softlines Manager Direct-to- Retail

At Disney Consumer Products, we inspire imagination around the world and are committed to creating happiness for families and fans by bringing captivating, inspiring, and inclusive products into their daily lives. From toys to t-shirts, console games, books, and more, our team brings our beloved brands and franchises into the lives of families through products and experiences that can be found worldwide, such as the Disney Store e-commerce platform, Disney Parks, local and international retailers, and Disney Store locations around the world.

The Licensing Softlines Manager is responsible for managing our focused Direct-to-Retail (DTR) relationships and the associated licensee base with the goal of meeting or exceeding revenue targets and growth objectives across a portfolio of brands. This role goes beyond traditional licensing to drive revenue growth through licensed brand collaborations at key retailers that leverage multiple categories, bespoke creative, and corresponding marketing activations. This role will develop consumer products programs in alignment with our Evergreen Franchise teams and new content partners.

What you will do:

Finance and Business Planning:

• Develop and execute strategic business plans by brand, property, and retail distribution channel
• Manage annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting for assigned categories
• Identify and evaluate new business opportunities to enhance strategic planning
• Analyze business performance and develop growth objectives that are aligned with Disney Consumer Products initiatives
• Develop executive presentations with leadership

Category Management:

• Act as ambassador for the category. Research & understand competitive landscape. Analyze and understand market trends, consumer trends, retailer and industry needs.
• Develop and implement product strategies, merchandising and marketing plans to ensure that sales are maximized and marketing objectives are met
• Manage licensee portfolio including contract negotiation, onboarding, resolving issues, data management, approvals, submissions, promotion / advertising as well as day-to-day relationship with licensees
• Support Sr. Manager in everyday responsibilities such as contract and amendment process, financial analysis, preparing presentations and other projects as necessary
• Partner with sales in assortment / retail planning / sales pitches where relevant
• Schedule and develop agendas for partner touch bases, joint business planning meetings, content updates and other collaborative meetings
• Compile sample requests for internal teams

Brand and Content Management:

• Inform and guide licensees in the execution of all brand marketing initiatives, define and integrate licensees within wider brand and marketing plans
• Work with Franchise team to provide category/business input to strategic and brand planning
• Provide any licensee/product information to sales and marketing to support retail road shows, brand presentations, and sales meetings
• Develop presentations in support of brand and category management

Product Development:

• Partner with Product Development team to innovate & bring to market compelling new product for categories managed.
• With Sales team define and plan product development for retailer exclusive products
• Set-up line reviews with licensees and Product Development team
• Ensure licensee product lines reflect Disney quality and brand/property objectives
• Route bespoke packaging

Retail, Sales, and Marketing:

• Partner with marketing teams to create go-to-market, retail, and marketing strategies
• Maintain strong knowledge of the retail landscape and monitor retails sales performance of key licensees and programs. Perform retail-shopping analysis
• Build relationships with cross-functional teams to secure product placements, new business, and/or cross-promotional opportunities and ensure licensee participation
• Partner with sales in assortment / retail planning / sales pitches where relevant

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 years of relative experience
• Strong understanding of brand and property positioning, retail business development function, retail distribution, the retail environment, and consumer products trends
• Strong understanding of licensees' production and creative capabilities/limitations
• Excellent organizational and project management skills and ability to handle multiple tasks/assignments
• Excellent communication & presentation skills.
• Self-starter, motivated, proactive, dependable, flexible, and able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Analytical/strategic thinker
• Team player with strong communication/presentation/influencing/relationship building skills
• Solid computer skills (Excel, Power Point, Word, Keynote); knowledge of financial tracking systems preferred

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

#DCPJobs

The Walt Disney Company is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. The Parks, Experiences and Products segment includes Disney's iconic travel and leisure businesses, which include six resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia, a top-rated cruise line, a popular vacation ownership program, and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney's global consumer products operations include the world's leading licensing business across multiple product categories; the world's largest children's publisher; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business segment we call Parks, Experiences and Products.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $95,500.00-$128,000.00 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.