[JOBS] HOME TEXTILE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER : THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY LONDON

Job Summary:

The purpose of the role is to lead the design, development and approval process of all products within relevant category for the EMEA region.

The Opportunity & Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage the creative output from licensees ensuring product innovation, brand consistency and compelling execution within a commercial context

• Identify new product opportunities, produce first class conceptual designs and pitch to prospective/existing partners

• Establish and maintain relationships with retailers, internal stakeholders/partners and global and international creative teams

• Manage and develop team, ensuring consistent and appropriate creative direction and feedback is given on all product submissions

• Manage and execute where required, the approval process from initiation to production in a timely manner

• Ensure all licensee product submissions are routed through Disney’s Online Product Approval system (OPA) as per global product integrity guidelines

• Ensure licensees are provided appropriate creative assets for product development, developing new assets as required against the specific needs of the category and inputting into style guide needs

• Manage creative relationships with internal and external partners, providing inspiration and ensuring product is brand appropriate and adheres to Disney guidelines

• Offer creative input and trend direction to inspire licensees/retailers and help drive quality product

• Run ideation sessions with licensees/retailers to drive product innovation

• Lead all design projects (e.g. product toolkits, product pitches, inspiration boards) within category, utilising internal and external resources as required

• Ensure all new and existing licensees/retailers are trained and kept up to date on the Disney brand, property portfolio, creative assets and approval systems

• Determine market trends, using them to drive creative strategy, identify new areas of business and establish design requirements

• Develop and maintain an expert knowledge of Disney’s characters, films, properties, heritage and creative assets in order to assist in their usage on consumer products

The Experience We Require From You:

• Degree level education in a related field or equivalent work experience

• Proven commercial design experience related to relevant category, essential, with the ability to brief and manage external/internal designers and/or agencies

• Packaging experience, desirable

• Previous experience managing and developing the performance of a creative team, essential

• Experience within a consumer products commercialisation environment

• Proven experience of building effective relationships, leading and managing change and collaboration across departments

Additional Information:

• Flexibility for frequent UK, European or international travel may be required

• Contribution to ad-hoc projects as the business requires

• Flexible hours may be required to meet business needs

The Perks:

• 25 days annual leave

• Private medical insurance & dental care

• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free

• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing

• Hybrid working is available

• Excellent parental and guardian leave

• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, our new disability & neurodiversity focused group - ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.