Design Manager, Hardlines

Wherever you are in the amazing world of Disney, you are contributing to the stories of our iconic brands, recognised by audiences everywhere for entertainment, information and inspiration. Innovation, imagination and inclusion are at the core of Disney, defining the experience that we deliver as well as providing the foundation of our success. The scope of our business, combined with global growth and collaboration result in an inclusive employee experience characterized by continuous learning, development and achievement.

Job Summary

Disney Korea’s Product Development team is seeking a passionate, experienced and bold Design Manager with great ideas, an active hands-on approach to design and infuse storytelling into product design. Grab this unique opportunity to work with the world’s best stories, most loved characters and leading entertainment brands. “Be part of the story”

This position reports directly to the Director of Product Design, Greater China and Korea.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product development in South Korea with various licensees across multiple product categories mainly focusing on Consumables (such as Food, Health, Beauty and Pet) and Home category.

• Work closely with licensees, Business Managers and Product Design Director in developing new product lines.

• Involve in product review process for product approvals of licensees via on/off-line to ensure Disney’s standards are upheld.

• Give design advice/suggestions internally to Business Managers and externally to existing and potential licensees on product concepts and designs to increase the revenue for the Company.

• Initiate and perform product line reviews, and new licensees’ induction meetings on a regular basis.

• Provide support in marketing program / tie-in promotions, artworks & special projects assigned.

• Provide brand and creative training to existing and new licensees

• Supervise and direct locally created characters arts and design in products, print materials, advertising and promotional and retail projects.

• Build and add into existing library and manage the distribution of art resources, i.e. style guides, art portfolios and brand manuals received from the head office

• Update and revise the manual and tool kit for Business Managers and Licensees on Disney characters’ usage, brand guideline and product approval procedures

• Recruit and train freelance character artists, designers well versed in Disney standards for referral to licensees or any for special projects.

• Manage and display product samples provided by licensees.

• Perform all other duties, as may from time to time be assigned from management team

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, or a related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in product design, preferably within a multinational company or design agency.

• Strong creative visionary with a knack for innovative ideas and concepts that drive strong results.

• Capability to develop storytelling-based product design concepts

• Exceptional attention to detail and sensitivity to consumer experience.

• Passionate about the Disney brands across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Nat Geo and 20 Century.

• Strong capability to communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders on multi-projects

• Strong presentation skills, adept at conveying ideas, concepts, and mood boards effectively.

• Excellent project management and analytical skills with a proven track record of meeting deadlines.

• Proficient in product, market, and trend research.

• Advanced knowledge of Mac OSX, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Keynote, and PowerPoint or other industry-standard tools.

• Excellent proficiency in Keynote and PowerPoint.

• High enthusiasm and a strong team player.

• Business integrity and professional attitude.

• Multi-tasking capability that allows you to carry out creative and operational work at the same time

• Native-like proficiency in Korean and business English is crucial.

Portfolio Requirements

• A strong portfolio showcasing proficiency in graphic and industrial design skills.

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