Assistant Manager, Softlines Licensing – 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.

Be Part of the Story as the Assistant Manager North America Brand Commercialization in Softlines Licensing! This role responsible for leading our focused Direct-to-Retail (DTR) relationships and the associated licensee base with the goal of meeting or exceeding predetermined revenue targets and growth objectives across a portfolio of brands. We go beyond traditional licensing to drive revenue growth through licensed brand collaborations at key retailers that leverage multiple categories, tailored creative, and corresponding marketing activations. This role will develop consumer products programs in alignment with our Evergreen Franchise teams and new content partners.

This role reports to the Sr. Manager, North American Brand Commercialization Softlines.

This is a Full Time role.

What You Will Do:

• Category Management
• Assist in defining and driving the business strategy for assigned categories
• Drive strategic direction for categories assigned to the team by the governance committee and assist on categories not directly assigned
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, competitors, business opportunities, threats and dynamics
• Research & understand competitive landscape. Analyze and understand market trends, consumer trends, retailer and industry needs. Perform retail-shopping analysis
• Lead licensee portfolio / co-manage where relevant with LOB partner (onboarding, contract negotiation, resolving issues, data management, approvals, submissions, promotion / advertising) as well as day-to-day relationship with licensees
• Provide management support in everyday responsibilities such as contract and amendment process, financial analysis, preparing presentations and other projects as necessary
• Perform all functions of “Contract Ambassador” including contract maintenance such as amendments
• Schedule and develop agendas for partner touch bases, joint business planning meetings, content updates and other meetings
• Compile sample requests for internal teams
• Update and maintain DTR launch calendar
• Finance and Business Planning:
• Annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting
• Assist in building and analyzing final forecast and present to internal management
• Identify new business and revenue opportunities and strategize toward building incremental business as needed
• Develop executive presentations with leadership
• 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
• Complete analysis and help develop presentations in support of brand and category management
• Product Development:
• Set-up line reviews with licensees and Product Development team
• With the Product Development team approve and maintain line lists
• With Sales team define and plan product development for retailer exclusive products
• Liaise with Product Development team to ensure timely approval of products which may include leading meetings, coordinating programs across all categories, reviewing line lists, responding to product development team in the case of OPA submission changes, implementing merchandising plans, public relations and advertising coordination
• Prepare product presentations included but not limited to internal line reviews
• Ensure licensee product lines reflect quality and brand/property objectives
• Route customized packaging
• Retail, Sales and Marketing
• Help to create retail and marketing strategies that complement all segments of the brand
• Provide all needed product and licensee information to the sales and marketing to support retail road shows and presentations
• Build collaborations with other DCPI key business units, X-franchise teams and/or global partners which can result in new business and/or cross-promotional opportunities
• Liaise with Sales Trade Marketing team to define account promotional and marketing plans and ensure licensee participation
• Partner with sales in assortment / retail planning / sales pitches where relevant
  

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• 3+ years of related experience
• Strong understanding of brand and property positioning, retail business development function, retail distribution and the retail environment
• Analytical/strategic thinker
• Experience in licensing, business development, account management, retail, technology, and/or consumer electronics a plus
• Strong understanding of licensees' production and creative capabilities/limitations
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and project management skills and ability to handle multiple tasks/assignments
• Self-starter, motivated, proactive, dependable, flexible, and able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication/presentation/influencing/relationship building skills
• Solid computer skills (Excel, Power Point, Word, Keynote)
  
  
  

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  
  
  

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.

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $85,800.00-$115,000.00 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.