Manager, Licensing- Softlines Direct- to- Retail

Job Posting Title:

Manager, Licensing- Softlines Direct- to- Retail

Req ID:

10132233

Job Description:

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 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 Sr Manager-NAM Brand Comm Softlines

What you will do:

Finance and Business Planning:

• Develop and execute strategic business plans by brand, property, and retail distribution channel.

• Manage annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting for assigned categories.

• Identify and evaluate new business opportunities to enhance strategic planning.

• Analyze business performance and develop growth objectives that are aligned with Disney Consumer Products’ initiatives.

• Develop executive presentations with leadership.

Category Management:

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

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

• Manage licensee portfolio including contract negotiation, onboarding, resolving issues, 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.

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

• Schedule and develop agendas for partner touch bases, joint business planning meetings, content updates and other collaborative meetings.

• Compile sample requests for internal teams.

• Update and maintain DTR launch calendar.

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 the Franchise team to provide category/business input to strategic and brand planning.

• Provide any license/product information for sales and marketing to support retail road shows, brand presentations, and sales meetings.

• Develop presentations in support of brand and category management.

Product Development:

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

• With Sales team define and plan product development for retailer exclusive products

• Set-up line reviews with licensees and Product Development team

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

• Route bespoke packaging

Retail, Sales, and Marketing:

• Partner with marketing teams to create go-to-market, retail, and marketing strategies.

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

• Build relationships with cross-functional teams to secure product placements, new business, and/or cross-promotional opportunities and ensure licensee participation.

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

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 5 + years of relative experience (or 3 + years of experience w/ Master Degree)

• Strong understanding of brand and property positioning, retail business development function, retail distribution, the retail environment, and consumer products trends

• Strong understanding of licensees' productio