Manager, Product Lifestyle Management & Implementation; Project

We are currently looking for exceptional candidates to fill positions in the below categories.

Apply now Job no: 657865
Work type: Regular (Full-Time)
Location: Orlando
Categories: Merchandise, UDX - Professional Generic

JOB SUMMARY:

The Manager, Product Lifecycle Management & Implementation leads the design, integration, and implementation of future state product creation, design/creative, development, and assortment planning processes and tools (PLM + upstream assortment), ensuring they integrate with merchandising, Global Merch Partners, planning, sourcing, finance, and supply chain.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own End-to-End PLM Workstream Delivery
  • Define and manage scope, roadmap, milestones, and resourcing for the PLM/product workstream within the overall program.
  • Run regular workstream forums and reviews (risks, open issues, critical dependencies, and design checkpoints) and provide clear reporting to the central PMO.
• Map current state processes for concepting, design, tech pack creation, sampling, costing, approvals, and line build; identify gaps and pain points.
• Design future state workflows across the four PLM phases (concept, development, production, launch), including hand-offs to Merch Planning and Supply Chain.
• Define standard templates (BOMs, tech packs, line sheets), status frameworks, and stage gate criteria for product decisions.
• Data, Templates, & Governance
  • Define product data standards and attributes needed for design, compliance, sustainability, pricing, planning, and reporting (e.g., collection, IP, fabrication, theming).
  • Set governance for item creation in PLM: who creates, who approves, and when data is deemed “planning/ordering ready.”
  • Align product structures and attributes with downstream merchandise hierarchy and inventory planning structures.
• Solution & Integration Design
  • SME for requirements and solution design workshops with Design, Creative, Product Development, Merch, Planning, Sourcing, and QA.
  • Translate business needs into functional designs and integration requirements (PLM → Merch/Planning, PLM → ERP/Sourcing, PLM → DAM/creative tools).
  • Ensure PLM configuration (workflows, roles, forms, libraries) adheres to vendor best practices and supports scalability.
• Own PLM-related test strategy: SIT/UAT scope, test scripts, test data, and defect triage priorities.
• Lead cutover planning for PLM (item migration, open development work, in-flight collections) and coordinate with other work streams.
• Oversee hypercare post go-live, including issue management, quick fixes, and prioritization of post go-live enhancements.
• Change, Training, & Adoption
  • Define role-based training for designers, developers, planners, and sourcing partners; leverage super users as trainers.
  • Create playbooks and visual process maps that show “how we develop products now” from the user perspective.
  • Monitor adoption (usage metrics, feedback sessions) and adjust process or configuration where necessary
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree required in related field.

EXPERIENCE:

• 7+ years’ proven experience developing products from concept through commercialization for major retail channels; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong understanding of retail requirements, including packaging, compliance, costing, timelines, and vendor management.
• Theme park retail, entertainment, consumer products, or merchandising experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of global supply chain processes, vendor management, and import logistics preferred.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Hands‑on experience implementing or optimizing product development systems (e.g., PLM, ERP, PIM, workflow tools).
• Ability to map current processes, identify gaps, and design scalable workflows that improve speed to market.
• Comfortable partnering with IT and cross functional teams to configure systems, test functionality, and train end users.
• Strong documentation skills for SOPs, process maps,…