Product Design and Development Manager - Hardlines

The Walt Disney Company

26d ago

Job
Full-time
Senior & Expert Level
Creative Arts & Fashion
London

AI generated summary

You need a related degree or equivalent experience, proven design skills, team management, packaging knowledge, and strong communication and presentation abilities in a fast-paced environment.
You will manage creative output, pitch designs, maintain relationships, oversee product approval, provide assets, lead ideation sessions, and track market trends to drive product innovation.

Requirements

Degree-level education in a related field or equivalent work experience.
Proven commercial design experience in the relevant category, with the ability to brief and manage external and internal designers and agencies.
Experience in the field of consumer electronics and technology is desirable.
Packaging experience is desirable.
Previous experience managing and developing the performance of a creative team.
Experience within a consumer products commercialization environment.
Proven experience in building effective relationships, leading and managing change, and collaborating across departments.
Ability to communicate a clear design brief and ensure deliverables meet all criteria.
Advanced knowledge of trends within the relevant industry category and the broader world of design, with working knowledge of common manufacturing techniques and their application in production.
Ability to communicate design ideas using freehand drawing, computer techniques, and third-party design resources.
Ability to deliver against set deadlines and budgets.
Strong presentation skills with the ability to effectively present design ideas to internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Advanced knowledge of Mac OSX, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Office.
Fluent in English; other European languages are beneficial.
Strong influencing skills with the ability to achieve buy-in at all levels.
Resilient and adaptable in an ever-changing landscape.
Forward-thinking with the ability to take industry trends and translate them into growth opportunities for TWDC.
Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of local markets across EMEA.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage the creative output from licensees, ensuring product innovation, brand consistency, and compelling execution within a commercial context.
Identify new product opportunities, produce first-class conceptual designs, and pitch to prospective and existing partners.
Establish and maintain relationships with retailers, internal stakeholders, and global and international creative teams.
Manage and develop the team, ensuring consistent and appropriate creative direction and feedback on all product submissions.
Oversee the approval process from initiation to production in a timely manner.
Ensure all licensee product submissions are routed through Disney’s Online Product Approval system (OPA) as per global product integrity guidelines.
Provide licensees with appropriate creative assets for product development, developing new assets as required and contributing to style guide needs.
Foster creative relationships with internal and external partners, providing inspiration and ensuring products are brand-appropriate and adhere to Disney guidelines.
Offer creative input and trend direction to inspire licensees and retailers, helping to drive quality products.
Run ideation sessions with licensees and retailers to drive product innovation.
Lead all design projects (e.g., product toolkits, product pitches, inspiration boards) within the category, utilizing internal and external resources as required.
Ensure all new and existing licensees and retailers are trained and kept up to date on the Disney brand, property portfolio, creative assets, and approval systems.
Maintain an advanced level of market knowledge for products within your sub-category.
Determine market trends, using them to drive creative strategy, identify new areas of business, and establish design requirements.
Develop and maintain an expert knowledge of Disney’s characters, films, properties, heritage, and creative assets to assist in their usage on consumer products.
Stay informed about consumer electronic and tech trends, with a focus on new innovations within the category.

FAQs

What is the location of this job position?

The position is based out of the London office in Hammersmith, with 4 days a week in-office and 1 day hybrid.

What qualifications are required for this role?

A degree-level education in a related field or equivalent work experience is required.

Is experience in consumer electronics and technology necessary for this role?

Yes, experience in the field of consumer electronics and technology is desirable.

How many days of annual leave does this position offer?

The position offers 25 days of annual leave.

What type of team will I be managing in this position?

You will be managing a creative team, ensuring consistent and appropriate creative direction and feedback.

Are there any benefits related to Disney Theme Parks?

Yes, the position offers free park entry for you and your family and friends.

What software skills are required for applicants?

Advanced knowledge of Mac OSX, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Office is required.

Is knowledge of languages other than English beneficial for this role?

Yes, fluency in other European languages is beneficial.

Does Disney provide medical insurance for employees?

Yes, private medical insurance and dental care are provided.

What initiatives does Disney support regarding diversity and inclusivity?

Disney supports several employee resource groups including WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, and others focused on mental health and wellbeing.

The Walt Disney Company

Entertainment & Media

Industry

10,001+

Employees

Mission & Purpose

From classic animated features and exhilarating theme park attractions to cutting edge sports coverage, and the hottest shows on television, The Walt Disney Company has been making magic since 1923, creating unforgettable stories that connect with audiences around the world. And we’re just getting started! The key to our success…. The Cast, Crew, Imagineers and Employees who honor Disney’s rich legacy by stretching the bounds of imagination to create the never-before-seen, bringing unparalleled entertainment experiences to people of all ages. Begin a career that delivers unparalleled creative content and experiences to audiences around the world and just imagine the stories you could be part of… What is #LifeAtDisney like? It’s a series of magical moments with cast members and employees developing and telling our stories in the most innovative ways. Whether it’s a day spent as a Disney VoluntEAR, or celebrating the release of a new interactive experience, retail product or movie, our days are filled with the knowledge that we are creating entertainment experiences the whole family can enjoy. Follow @DisneyCareers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a peek behind-the-curtain, and discover how you could connect to a world of stories with Disney!