Sr. Manager, Softlines Direct-to-Retail

Job Posting Title:

Sr. Manager, Softlines Direct-to-Retail

Req ID:

10134955

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 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.

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