Licensing Softlines Manager Direct-to- Retail

Job Posting

Title:

Licensing Softlines Manager Direct-to
- Retail

Req :

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, such as the Disney Store e-commerce platform, Disney Parks, local and international retailers, and Disney Store locations around the world.

What you will do:

• 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

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

• 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
• Provide any licensee/product information to sales and marketing to support retail road shows, brand presentations, and sales meetings
• Develop presentations in support of brand and category management

• 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

• Partner with marketing teams to create go‑to‑market, retail, and marketing strategies
• Maintain 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

• 5 years of relative experience
• Strong understanding of brand and property positioning, retail business development function, retail distribution, the retail environment, and consumer products trends
• Strong understanding of licensees’ production and creative capabilities/limitations
• Excellent organizational and project management skills and ability to handle multiple tasks/assignments
• Excellent communication & presentation skills.
• Self‑starter, motivated, proactive, dependable, flexible, and able to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Analytical/strategic thinker
• Team player with strong communication/presentation/influencing/relationship building skills
• Solid computer skills (Excel, Power Point, Word, Keynote); knowledge of…