Manager, Licensing - Softlines Sportswear Apparel

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 Manager is responsible for managing a group of product categories and licensees with the goal of meeting or exceeding predetermined revenue targets and growth objectives.

You will report to Sr Mgr., NAM Brand Comm., Softlines

What you will do:

Finance and Business Planning:

• Accountable for developing, proposing, overseeing, and implementing the business strategy for Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Simpsons, and 20th Century properties for all sportswear apparel across all consumers.

• Fiscal responsibility for assigned categories to include annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting.

• Participates and contributes to the strategic planning process. Develop strategies and business plans by brand, property, and retail distribution channel.

• Identify new business and revenue opportunities.

Brand and Content Management: (In conjunction with/support of the Franchise team)

• Provide licensee/product information in support of marketing and brand presentations and sales meetings.

Category Management:

• Acts as ambassador for the category. Research & understand competitive landscape. Analyze and understand market trends, consumer trends, retailers, and industry needs.

• Strategize and develop new business opportunities. Analyzes account (licensee and retailer) business performance and develops growth objectives that are aligned with Disney Consumer Products initiatives.

• Develop and implement product strategies, merchandising and marketing plans to ensure that sales are maximized and marketing objectives are met.

• Partner with sales in assortment / retail planning / sales pitches where relevant.

• Ensure licensee requests are researched and responded to in a timely fashion.

• Manage licensee portfolio including contract negotiation, 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.

Product Development:

• Partner with Product Development team to innovate & bring to market compelling new product for categories managed.

• Ensures licensee product lines reflect Disney quality and brand/property objectives.

Retail, Sales, and Marketing:

• Maintain a strong knowledge of the retail landscape and monitor retails sales performance of key licensees and programs. Perform retail-shopping analysis.

• Provide any licensee /product information in support of marketing and brand presentations and sales meetings.

• Build strong team-oriented relationships with other DCP franchise teams and business units, to develop opportunities of coordination with other categories, lines of business and departments and/or cross-promotional opportunities.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 5 + Years of directly related experience.

• Strong understanding of consumer product trends and brand positioning, specific to the apparel category.

• Solid understanding of the retail environment including retailer merchandising knowledge.

• Highly detail-oriented. Excellent organizational and project management skills.

• Ability to handle several tasks/assignments simultaneously and to maintain flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.

• Excellent communication & presentation skills.

• Self-starter, motivated, proactive, dependable, able to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Analytical/Strategic Thinker

• Team player with strong interpersonal skills.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, inclusive of Excel, Outlook, and Power Point as well as Apple Keynote.

Education:

• 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 $95,200 - $128,000 per year. 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.