Sr Manager, Licensing, Hardlines, Disney Baby

The Senior Manager is responsible for managing the Disney Baby hardlines business through the associated licensee base with the goal of meeting or exceeding predetermined revenue targets and growth objectives. ResponsibilitiesCategory Management:

• Research & understand competitive landscape in the Infant Toy, Feeding, Travel, Bath, and Furniture markets. Analyze and understand market trends, consumer and retailer and industry needs.
• Develop strategies and business plans by retailer, brand and property
• Accountable for management of all licensees within the assigned portfolio, which includes contract negotiation, resolving issues, reviewing/approving submissions (product, marketing, & PR), and guiding promotion/advertising initiatives
• Identify growth opportunities by category, franchise, and distribution and select, pitch, and execute new deals to fill gaps
• Negotiate financial deal points and other material terms on new deals and renewals with the support from management
• Set-up and lead licensee business review as well as internal and external retail presentations and line reviews

Finance and Business Planning:

• Fiscal responsibility for assigned categories to include annual budget planning and quarterly revenue forecasting
• Build and present category forecast and budget
• Develop, present, and monitor annual plan, including management buy-in, objective setting, and team prioritization
• Finalize/negotiate licensee business plans
• Develop strategy for, and execute against, new business opportunities; manage the process lifecycle

Brand, Franchise Management, and Marketing:

• Develop Disney Baby franchise strategy & supporting materials: Brand plan, Creative rollout, pitch deck, bi-annual summits

In conjunction with the Franchise teams:

• Partner in the development of marketing plans and approvals related to advertising, social media, and PR
• Provide licensee /product information in support of marketing, brand, and sales presentations
• Assist in cost assessment (ROI), recommendation, and input for research relevant to managed categories
• Ensure timely approvals of licensees’ marketing materials

Product Development:

• Work with the Product Development (PD) team to ensure licensing strategies and objectives are met
• Partner with licensees, PD, and sales teams on assortment planning for retail presentations
• Prepare and lead product presentations
• Ensure licensee product lines reflect Disney quality and brand/property objectives

Retail Sales:

• Liaise with the Integrated Retail (IR) team to define account promotion and marketing plans
• Provide IR with Franchise updates; Ensure product and licensee information is provided to support retail presentations
• Work with IR to determine “white space” opportunities for new business development

Management:

• Coach, manage, and mentor a team of two
• Perform supervisory functions: hiring, onboarding, coaching, development, performance, and expense
• Build relationships across DCPI and other business units to exchange best practices and drive TWDC enterprise value

Basic Qualifications

• ​Experience in financial analysis, market research, retail management, brand/product development, and CP marketing
• Experience in the Infant Toy, Feeding, Travel, Bath, and Furniture hardgoods business is a plus
• 4+ yrs. management of people

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong leadership skillsExcellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Strong relationship building skills, flexible, patient; able to collaborate, and influence at all levels (internal/external)
• Capable of working independently and managing a variety of initiatives / opportunities simultaneously
• Self-motivated, ability to manage projects with minimal direction, strategic thinker, entrepreneurial
• Excellent knowledge of brand / franchise positioning, retail / e-comm business development, distribution, and environment
• Comprehensive knowledge of licensees' production and creative capabilities/limitations
• Willingness to travel

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree with 7+ yrs. of directly related experience or Masters with 3-5+ yrs. experience

Company Overview DCPI is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company that brings stories and characters to life through innovative and engaging physical products and digital experiences across more than 100 categories, from toys and t-shirts, to apps, books and console games. DCPI comprises four main lines of business: Licensing, Retail, Games and Apps, and Content. The combined segment is home to world-class teams of app and game developers, licensing and retail experts, a leading retail business (Disney Store), artists and storytellers, and technologists who inspire imaginations around the world.