Manager, Product Design, Hardlines

Wherever you are in the amazing world of Disney, you are contributing to the stories of our iconic brands, recognized 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.

This role will oversee the product design and development process, from artwork creation to finished product, with a focus on various hardline, targeting both kids and adults across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, 20th century brands.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Design Manager / Director in developing and managing the creative output from licensees, ensuring product innovation, brand consistency, and compelling execution within a commercial context for the Korean market, with a key focus on fashion.
  • Oversee the creation and implementation of design concepts, ensuring they meet brand guidelines, project requirements, and user needs.
  • Manage creative relationships with internal and external partners, providing inspiration and ensuring product is brand appropriate and adheres to Disney guidelines.
  • Regularly conduct design reviews to assess project progress, identify potential issues, and recommend solutions to ensure timely delivery of high-quality designs.
  • Manage and execute where required, the internal 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.
  • Ensure all new and existing licensees/retailers are trained and kept up to date on the Disney brand, property portfolio, creative assets and approval systems.
  • Provide guidance, feedback, and support to licensees throughout the design process while ensuring licensees are provided with appropriate creative assets and style guides.
  • Offer creative input and trend direction to inspire licensees/retailers and help drive quality product based on APAC market/industry/consumer trends research
• Identify new product opportunities, produce first class conceptual designs and pitch to prospective/existing partners.
• Responsible to lead a sub-categories in hardlines and support commercial team to drive the business.
• Develop and maintain an expert knowledge of Disney’s characters, films, properties, heritage and creative assets to assist in their usage on consumer products.
• Report key product progress updates on a weekly basis and regularly archive product development images.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and design best practices, and incorporate them into the design process.
• Manage and organize digital assets, including design files, images, and other creative resources, to ensure accessibility and version control.
• Contribution to bi-annual franchise workshop projects and other ad-hoc projects such as marketing program / tie-in promotions, artworks & special projects as the business requires.
• Recruit and train freelance character artists, designers well versed in Disney standards for special projects, when needed.
• Sample management & selection for internal/external presentations and support seasonal display updates, managing temporary workers.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial / product Design related.
• 5-8 years of experience in product design or graphic design, with at least 2 year’s experience for leadership
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex concepts clearly & to effectively present design ideas to internal/external stakeholders at all levels.
• Committed to excellence with attention to detail, and sensitive consumer experience.
• Able to set up or refine product development processes with a good understanding of product planning cycles.
• Passion for Disney franchises
• Enthusiastic team player with cultural sensitivity and an understanding of local markets across APAC.
• Product/market/trend research skills.
• Strong project and time management skills.

• A creative flair and be able to work in a highly innovative and dynamic environment.

• Advanced knowledge of Mac OSX, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Keynote, and PowerPoint or other industry-standard tools. Strong 3D design knowledge is a must

• Flexible to domestic and/international travel as business requires.

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.