Sr. Manager, Softlines 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.

The Sr. 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.

You will report to the Director, NAM Softlines

You Will

Leadership

• Experience managing a team providing leadership, direction, and coaching
• Develop strategic growth opportunities for assigned global partnerships within the direct-to-retail space
• Build strong team-oriented relationships with peers and other key business units, global and regional partners that result in new business and/or cross-promotional opportunities

Finance and Business Planning:

• Develop and present annual operating plans
• Present quarterly revenue forecasts and business insights; strong analytical skills
• Identify new business and revenue opportunities and strategize toward building incremental business
• Set team objectives and priorities to ensure financial success

Licensee and Category Management:  

• Provide business vision and set strategic direction for assigned partnerships within softlines
• Identify new opportunities, including the on-boarding of new direct-to-retail partners, where necessary
• Includes deal negotiation and developing growth plans aligned with consumer, retailer, and regional teams
• Pitch companies to develop consumer products programs in connection with content and marketing events
• Manage day-to-day relationship with Licensees including on-boarding, contract negotiation, identifying opportunities, resolving issues, approvals, and promotion  
• Research and understand the competitive landscape; analyze and understand market trends, consumer trends, retail, and industry needs

Retail, Sales, and Marketing:

• Create retail strategies and identify ways to expand retail presence for assigned partners / portfolio
• Provide product and Licensee information to the retail and marketing teams to support meetings and presentations
• Inform and guide Licensees in the execution of marketing initiatives
• Ensure Licensee participation in retail promotion and marketing plans
• Proactively engage internal Marketing, Communications, and Social Media teams to drive awareness of product lines
• Monitor retail sales performance of key Licensees and programs

You Have

• At least 7 + years of related experience (Licensing, business development, account management, merchandising, brand management); experience with apparel, accessories and home categories preferred
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Strong relationship building skills, flexible and adaptable; able to collaborate, influence, and persuade at all levels of an organization, both internal and external
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills
• Capable of working independently and managing a variety of initiatives / opportunities simultaneously 
• Self-starter, motivated, proactive, dependable, entrepreneurial, and able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel (as needed)

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, master’s degree is a plus

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 California is $139,200.00-$186,600.00 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.