Associate Franchise Planning Manager

About the Role & Team

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us!

We are seeking a collaborative Associate Manager for the Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) Menu and Franchise Planning team as part of the Creative Strategy Studio. With direction and oversight from the WDI Franchise Planning Senior Manager, will help execute the strategy, creative and brand development within WDI of TWDC (The Walt Disney Company) franchise & content priorities across Disney Experiences globally.

What You Will Do:

• Support Senior Manager (overseeing Disney, Pixar, and Parks IP) in communicating the long-term Enterprise strategy of the brand(s) & franchise(s) to partners across WDI, including ensuring an understanding of prioritization between IP and identification of new and emerging opportunities.

• Aid Franchise Planning Senior Manager in the development and communication of WDI-specific franchise plans, infusing inputs from Corporate, Disney Experience (DX) Consumer Franchise, Consumer Insights (CIMA) that are filtered through a creative decision-making lens.

• Work closely with cross-TWDC and DX research and Franchise teams to conduct, analyze, and share research on Franchise and content priorities with a thoughtful filter for WDI creative needs and use.

• Assemble and consolidate materials and presentation decks to communicate the strategies and plans as outlined above.

• Track in-flight projects and partner requests and evaluate current processes and systems for efficiency and efficacy.

• As needed, support Senior Manager on creative development projects to ensure overall partner objectives and expectations are met, and projects are delivered on budget and on time.

• Manage appropriate partner reviews and communication streams to ensure successful delivery and launch.

• Support Synergy activation and campaign coordination by being a liaison Studio Synergy and Partnerships team and WDI.

• Ensure all partners uphold brand/story guidelines, integrity, and guardrails to proactively and effectively communicate this guidance to all business stakeholders.

• Support facilitation of forums and summits where key stakeholders can share plans and findings including capturing action steps and key takeaways.

• Maintain consistent knowledge of focus franchises and Parks and Experiences worldwide.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum of 4 years proven experience in brand marketing, franchise, or strategy role

• Largely self-directed and able to move work forward with high-level direction rather than direct task management from manager

• Proven knowledge of franchise development, strategic marketing, consumer insights and multiple facets of WDI and TWDC

• Exceptional appreciation and understanding of the Disney brand

• Presentation development using Keynote, Powerpoint, Excel, etc.

• Very strong communication skills (written, verbal and ability to direct graphics)

• Highly collaborative and team-oriented work style

• Proven ability to build, manage and maintain relationships across Disney Experiences & TWDC

• Ability to operate and communicate in both highly creative & highly strategic environments

• Ability to navigate complex situations and partnerships to deliver positive outcomes

• Ability to train and mentor more junior level team members

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Additional Information

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $78,200 to $104,800 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.