Senior Product Design and Development Manager

To lead the design, development and approval process of all products within the Food category for the EMEA region.This is a full-time position based out the Hammersmith office in London, 4 days a week.Area of Responsibility:Develop and manage the creative output from licensees ensuring product innovation, brand consistency and compelling execution within a commercial contextIdentify new product opportunities, produce first class conceptual designs and pitch to prospective/existing partnersEstablish and maintain relationships with retailers, internal stakeholders/partners and global and international creative teamsManage and develop team, ensuring consistent and appropriate creative direction and feedback is given on all product submissionsOversee nutritional aspects of food product development, providing nutritional advice and support across the teams. Stay up to date with latest nutritional industry developments and liaise with global stakeholders on licensed food opportunities and guideline compliance.Manage and execute where required, the approval process from initiation to production in a timely mannerEnsure all licensee product submissions are routed through Disney’s Online Product Approval system (OPA) as per global product integrity guidelinesEnsure licensees are provided appropriate creative assets for product development, developing new assets as required against the specific needs of the category and inputting into style guide needsManage creative relationships with internal and external partners, providing inspiration and ensuring product is brand appropriate and adheres to Disney guidelinesOffer creative input and trend direction to inspire licensees/retailers and help drive quality productRun ideation sessions with licensees/retailers to drive product innovationLead all design projects (e.g. product toolkits, product pitches, inspiration boards) within category, utilising internal and external resources as requiredEnsure all new and existing licensees/retailers are trained and kept up to date on the Disney brand, property portfolio, creative assets and approval systemsMaintain an advanced level of market knowledge for products that fall within your sub-categoryDetermine market trends, using them to drive creative strategy, identify new areas of business and establish design requirementsDevelop and maintain an expert knowledge of Disney’s characters, films, properties, heritage and creative assets in order to assist in their usage on consumer productsMaintain an expert knowledge of food, health and beauty trends, with a finger on the pulse of new innovations within the category.Training and Professional Development Operate with integrity, champion change and be a good ambassador for the Walt Disney CompanyOperate as part of an effective and inclusive team by demonstrating an awareness of others; welcoming and valuing unique perspectives and ideas; offering support, sharing knowledge and best practices in order to contribute to overall departmental commitmentsTake ownership of your professional development through regular career conversations with your line manager and utilising available resources such as D Learn, instructor-led courses and on the job learningProactively suggest ways to improve departmental performance and processes, leveraging technological tools where applicableBuild links with other TWDC functions to develop broader knowledge of the businessPromote and maintain an inclusive workplace, championing diversity and inclusion and make use of available resources to extend knowledge and best practiceManage the training and development of all direct reports ensuring commitments are set, regularly reviewed and feedback given using the D Achieve philosophy, where applicableContribute to maintaining and enhancing the standard of training and development, encouraging participation so that everyone has the tools and resources to do their role effectively and efficientlyArea of AccountabilityAccountable to Product Design and Development Director, Hardlines and FMCGAccountable to Vice President, Regional Merchandising and Product Design, EMEAAccountable for the development of products within relevant category across the EMEA region, ensuring timely development of compelling productsAccountable for cultivating and maintaining productive relationships and collaborating across departments internally and externallyAccountable for contributing to the success of the teamAccountable for the effective management of teamExperience and Professional Qualifications Degree level education in a related field or equivalent work experience, with good understanding of nutritionSignificant experience in managerial rolesExperience in designing and developing food or health and beauty products that resonates with consumers both globally and locally across the worldExperience working with large-scale, global retailers and partners to bring product designs to market for a variety of different consumer targetPrevious experience managing and developing the performance of a team, essentialExperience within a consumer products commercialisation environmentProven experience of building effective relationships, leading and managing change and collaboration across departmentsSkills RequiredAn ability to communicate a clear design brief and ensure deliverables meet all criteriaDeep understanding of licensing and experience working with multiple global and regional partnersAbility to inspire a team and lead them towards a common goalDemonstrated ability to lead a product design team in the creation of consumer-led items through the development cycleDemonstrated ability to capitalize on market trends and consumer zeitgeist to maximize value creation throughout the trend cycleDemonstrated ability to create, leverage and scale innovation in consumer productsAn ability to deliver against set deadlines and budgetsStrong presentation skills with the ability to effectively present design ideas to internal/external stakeholders at all levelsFluent English, essential; other European languages, beneficialStrong influencing skills with the ability to achieve buy-in at all levelsResilient and nimble in an ever changing landscapeForward thinking with the ability to take industry trends and translate them into something that drives growth for TWDCCultural sensitivity and an understanding of local markets across EMEAAdditional InformationFlexibility for frequent UK, European or international travel may be requiredContribution to ad-hoc projects as the business requiresFlexible hours may be required to meet business needsEqual opportunityThe Walt Disney Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.
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