Product Design and Development Associate

About the Role

We are looking for a creative and detail-oriented Product Design & Development Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will develop trend-driven, brand-right products for licensees and Direct-to-Retail (DTR) partners, providing design direction, inspiration, and technical support. You will manage the full product design, development, and approval process for your category, ensuring alignment with our brand vision and global standards.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the product approval process from concept to production, ensuring compliance with global product integrity guidelines via Disney’s Online Product Approval (OPA) system
• Provide design direction, trend insights, and feedback to licensees on 2D and 3D submissions to maintain product quality
• Train and support licensees on brand guidelines, creative assets, and approval systems
• Ensure licensees have access to the right creative assets for product development
• Build and maintain strong relationships with licensees and internal stakeholders
• Create product pitches, design visuals, and mock-ups under the guidance of senior managers
• Stay up to date with Disney’s characters, properties, and creative assets to ensure accurate and innovative product application
• Support regional and global design projects as needed
• Ensure all products comply with corporate policies and legal requirements
• Keep current with design trends, leading brands, and pop culture to drive innovation
• Participate in inspiration trips to identify new creative opportunities in the EMEA market
   

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Product Design or related field, or equivalent experience in a lifestyle product company
• Proven experience in product development or design, ideally within licensing, retail, or supplier environments
• Knowledge of packaging and style guides is a plus
• Strong conceptual and design skills with proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and MS Office (Mac OSX experience preferred)
• Ability to create prototypes or models and communicate design briefs effectively
• Understanding of fabrics, color, and product design; knowledge of manufacturing techniques is desirable
• Excellent presentation and stakeholder management skills
• Fluent in English; additional European languages are a plus
• Cultural awareness and understanding of EMEA markets
   

Additional Information

• Flexibility for UK, European, or international travel may be required
• Occasional flexible working hours to meet business needs
   

  The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

  We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided the necessary accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive all benefits of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.