Senior Manager, Business Operations, APAC

Job Overview:

As the Senior Manager, Business Operations, Brand commercialization, APAC

for Disney Consumer Products (DCP), you will serve as a critical bridge between global strategies and regional execution, driving operational excellence across the APAC region. Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategy, Business Planning, and Operations, DCP, APAC, you will lead cross-functional collaboration, streamline processes, and enable business growth while balancing global standards with local market nuances, oversee the successful completion of projects, ranging from simple to complex, and support operations across various functions, including by franchise, category, channel, and clusters. The Sr. Manager will also drive automation, process improvement, and optimization to ensure teams operate effectively and efficiently. This role carries significant responsibility for understanding, articulating, and executing key initiatives and projects while serving as a trusted advisor to the head of cluster on operations related matters. You will play a key role in helping shape and execute regional business objectives that align with both global objectives and local market realities; ensuring that operational excellence is underpinned by forward-thinking, data driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Execution & Regional Alignment

   - Translate global DCP operations strategies (e.g., brand playbooks, workflow frameworks) into actionable plans for APAC, adapting to local market needs (e.g., consumer insights, regulatory requirements). 

   - Collaborate with cluster leads to ensure consistency in operational processes while addressing regional complexities (e.g., supply chain, licensing approvals). 

- Conduct ongoing market analysis to identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities and integrate these insights into regional business planning and operational execution.

2. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

   - Lead cross-functional initiatives with global teams (e.g., Operations, Strategy, Product Development) and APAC stakeholders (Cluster GMs, Finance, Marketing, Creative) to drive project delivery (e.g., Multi-Market Contract Approvals). 

   - Represent APAC at global monthly/quarterly meetings (e.g., Global Operations Monthly, Hardlines Quarterly) to share regional updates and align on priorities. 

3. Process Optimization & Efficiency

   - Identify and streamline operational bottlenecks (e.g., approval workflows, information sharing) using tools (e.g., SharePoint) to enhance productivity and reduce layers of review. 

   - Develop and maintain regional operational metrics (e.g., Global Category Reports) to track performance and inform data-driven decisions. 

- Champion a culture of continuous improvement by proactively identifying areas for innovation and transformation in operational processes

4. Project Management & Initiative Delivery

   - Oversee end-to-end execution of key projects in APAC, including Licensing Expo support, Brand Playbook localization, and embargo tracking, ensuring alignment with global timelines. 

   - Coordinate with global teams on cross-regional initiatives (e.g., Collaboration Tools Migration) and drive APAC adoption. 

5. Team Collaboration & Culture Building

   - Foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within APAC Operations, aligning with global priorities (e.g., cross-cluster knowledge sharing). 

   - Partner with global counterparts to strengthen professional relationships, share best practices, and address operational obstacles. 

Key Stakeholders:

- Internal: Global Operations, Strategy, Finance, Product Development & Design, Marketing, Creative, Studio teams; APAC cluster leads (Greater China & Korea, Japan, South Asia Pacific). 

- External: Regional partners, licensees, and vendors (as applicable). 

Requirements & Qualifications

Experience

   - 8+ years of operations management experience in consumer products, retail, or entertainment, with proven expertise in APAC markets. 

   - Track record in cross-functional project management and stakeholder engagement at a regional or global level. 

Skills & Competencies

   - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex strategies into actionable plans. 

   - Proficiency in operational tools (e.g., SharePoint, project management software) and data visualization. 

   - Excellent written and verbal communication in English (Japanese/Chinese proficiency is a plus for regional collaboration). 

- Proven ability to synthesize complex information and communicate strategic recommendation to leadership

Leadership & Cultural Fit

   - Ability to influence and collaborate across levels, fostering a team-oriented environment. 

   - Understanding of APAC cultural nuances and the ability to balance global standards with local needs. 

   - Passion for Disney’s brands and commitment to driving operational excellence. 

Key Meetings & Projects (APAC Focus)

Monthly/Quarterly Meetings: 

  - APAC Operations Review with cluster leads 

  - Regional alignment meetings for Global Hardlines/Softlines/Consumables 

  - Strategy & Retail Planning sessions 

Ongoing Projects: 

  - Localization of Brand Playbooks for APAC markets 

  - Regional execution of Licensing collaboration  

  - Development of APAC-specific operational newsletters and briefs 

  - Streamlining multi-market contract approvals for the region