Senior Licensing Sales Manager

About the Role & Team

Responsible for managing a Global Softlines key account alongside a portfolio of brand and retail partnerships. This role is required to implement and complete global long term and fiscal year strategies to improve the product category reach to all consumer demographics, driving sales and earned revenue.

Relationships are key to the success of this role, both internally and externally. You will be required to manage and nurture each account, to negotiate global contracts and collaborate daily with your regional, and functional counterparts.

This role will require you to be onsite 4 days a week

What You Will Do

• In line with the global strategy, develop, set and complete strategies for softlines with relevant collaborators including plans for new business for each sub-category and franchise

• Manage the annual operating plan and quarterly forecasting process, developing licensee objectives and initiatives to drive growth, working with franchise, marketing, product development and finance

• We will actively manage and cultivate the relationship engagement, partnership and joint business planning as appropriate with each licensee, new and existing

• Evaluate licensee base and drive an optimisation plan to ensure effective and focused business management to support growth across categories

• Conduct or be involved in contract negotiations with licensees and distributors to improve Disney royalty revenue and appropriately advise all key partners

• We work closely with the regional creative teams, product approvers, franchise and marketing teams to support the sale of the product as required by licensee/retailer

• Communicate the International Labour Standards (ILS) process and be the conduit between the supplier and The Walt Disney Company ILS team

• Identify, pitch and secure new licensees that improve the category growth in a substantial manner

• Collaborate and develop positive relationships with Disney market teams! Providing information and regular strategy and franchise updates as well as understanding and satisfying local market needs and differences. Utilise these relationships to share standard methodology

• Identify and develop new business opportunities

• Research and understand competitive landscape. Analyse and understand market trends, consumer trends, retailer and industry needs

• Build strong team-oriented relationships with key business units, X-franchise teams and/or global partners which can result in new business and/or cross-promotional opportunities.

• In conjunction with legal team, deal with any legal issues affecting the country/region

Required Qualifications & Skills

• A background in fashion buying and product development, merchandising or commercial fashion sales

• Degree level education in a related field or equivalent work experience

• Proven experience of building relationships, leading and handling change and teamwork across departments to achieve financial targets and joint goals

• Experience in unlocking and driving global brand collaborations

• Experience with direct-to-retail (DTR) and consumer products management

• Strong understanding of the fashion industry, established and emerging trends and brands

• Extensive knowledge of licensees’ product categories, production and creative capabilities/limitations

Preferred Skills

• Ability to analyse data, construct conclusions and implement recommendations to achieve business targets

• An ability to be agile in order to capitalise on the moment and identify new opportunities and target partners

• Computer literate including MS Word, Excel and Keynote

• Proficient English, crucial; other European languages, and Japanese beneficial

• A good eye for digital, social and brick and mortar marketing

• Excellent commercial and strategic approaches to problem solving and innovation

• Outstanding planning and organisation skills

• Strong negotiating skills with the ability to achieve consensus at all levels

• Cultural sensitivity

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave

• Private medical insurance & dental care

• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free

• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing

• Excellent parental and guardian leave

• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, our new disability & neurodiversity focused group - ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.