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Sr. Manager, Product Design & Development (Softlines)
Entertainment & Media Industry Company
Universal City, CA, United States
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About Us
Company is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Company owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. Company’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Responsibilities
The Company Brand Development Consumer Products group is seeking a Senior Manager of Softlines Product Design & Development to oversee the North America fashion and home décor business. This position will report to the Director of Softlines Product Design & Development and will contribute to the overall entertainment licensing objectives that drive worldwide brand awareness and deliver revenue to the studio. The Product Design & Development Team’s goal is to extend Company’s film and television franchises through products that consumers desire and embrace. The Senior Manager of Softlines is a key position that leads product vision/merchandising strategies, process efficiencies/effectiveness and trend based creative asset development, with a focus on innovation and quality, and the goal of driving growth in the overall business.
Job Duties
Oversee all aspects of product development (establishing merchandising strategies, product vision, processes, guidelines, and timelines) for the softlines categories: apparel, accessories, footwear, home décor, furniture, & tabletop.
Establish & maintain relationships with external partners (licensees, agents, retailers & creative vendors) & internal partners (category, creative, franchise, marketing, retail sales & marketing, leadership, content developers) to ensure open communication and alignment on product development strategies.
Establish seasonal product direction & vision by establishing the appropriate assortments for priority franchises and ensuring development from licensees is adhering to business strategy.
Manage process and flow for product approval meetings to ensure submissions are reviewed by all necessary parties, appropriate feedback/approvals are gathered, and turnaround times are met within the appropriate time frame.
Develop PD tools, guidelines and communication to onboard and inform licensees/partners on priority franchises in order to inspire innovative and compelling product design and ensure alignment with business strategy.
Partner with the Creative Design & Development team to set strategy, vision and timelines for all style guides and branding assets. Collaborate with category teams to ensure assets align with business strategies for each season. Act as the liaison between category and creative teams for creative resource needs and requests.
Identify & define seasonal trends that translate into commercially viable product ideas and inform/drive the creation of fast fashion assets based on business strategy and need.
Oversee planning and execution of line reviews (alignment with category and CDD, managing creation of master product decks, determining layout of boards and product sample displays)
Manage retail visits and conduct market research to:
1. 2. Keep informed and up to date of the retail and product environment.
3. Understand how to keep DWA products on trend and competitive.
4. Identify white space and incremental business opportunities.
5. Identify emerging product trends to implement into product development.
Inspire and challenge the team to push boundaries while developing compelling and innovative products to uniquely position the Company brand at retail.
Manage, mentor, and train the team to develop their knowledge, skills and career path within product development and licensing.
Qualifications/Requirements
Qualifications:
Bachelors or Associates Degree desired.
8+ years of product development experience required.
5+ years of managerial experience required.
Must be knowledgeable in the film and entertainment licensing business.
Possess a well-versed knowledge of fashion and home manufacturing, industry trends and brands.
Strong product merchandising and planning skills.
Ability to deliver thoughtful, clear and concise creative art direction. Possess a broad understanding of developing effective and useful creative assets specifically for softlines products.
Must have strong presentation skills. Able to effectively present and communicate product vision, strategies, and ideas to senior management to gain support and buyoff.
Must have strong organizational skills, be proactive, and able to work efficiently, multi-task and prioritize within a fast paced environment.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Flexible and ability to find solutions in challenging situations.
Possess strong leadership skills and able to identify and develop talents on the team.
Participate in travel – both domestic and international.
Mac proficient and advanced skills in Adobe and Microsoft applications required.
Additional Job Requirements
Interested candidate must submit a resume/CV through Company website to be considered
Must be willing to work in Company City, CA
Willingness to travel