Senior Product Design and Development Manager - Food

The Walt Disney Company

Yesterday

Job
Full-time
Expert Level
Design
Product
London

AI generated summary

You need a degree in Food Product Development or Graphic Design, managerial experience, strong product design skills, ability to lead teams, and a deep understanding of global consumer markets.
You will lead product innovation, manage licensee relationships, oversee creative direction, ensure brand consistency, and identify market trends to support food product development.

Requirements

Degree level education in Food Product Development or Graphic Design preferred with a significant experience and knowledge of the food industry
Significant experience in managerial roles
Experience in designing and developing food products that resonates with consumers both globally and locally across the world
Experience working with large-scale, global retailers and partners to bring product designs to market for a variety of different consumer target
Previous experience managing and developing the performance of a team, essential
Experience within a consumer products commercialisation environment
Proven experience of building effective relationships, leading and managing change and collaboration across departments
An ability to communicate a clear design brief and ensure deliverables meet all criteria
Deep understanding of licensing and experience working with multiple global and regional partners
Ability to inspire a team and lead them towards a common goal
Demonstrated ability to lead a product design team in the creation of consumer-led items through the development cycle
Demonstrated ability to capitalize on market trends and consumer zeitgeist to maximize value creation throughout the trend cycle
Demonstrated ability to create, leverage and scale innovation in consumer products
An ability to deliver against set deadlines and budgets
Strong presentation skills with the ability to effectively present design ideas to internal/external stakeholders at all levels
Fluent English, essential; other European languages, beneficial
Strong influencing skills with the ability to achieve buy-in at all levels
Resilient and nimble in an ever changing landscape
Forward thinking with the ability to take industry trends and translate them into something that drives growth for TWDC
Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of local markets across EMEA

Responsibilities

Develop and manage the creative output from licensees ensuring product innovation, brand consistency and compelling execution within a commercial context
Identify new product opportunities, produce first class conceptual designs and pitch to prospective/existing partners
Establish and maintain relationships with retailers, internal stakeholders/partners and global and international creative teams
Manage and develop team, ensuring consistent and appropriate creative direction and feedback is given on all product submissions
Lead & create product pitches and new product design visuals to support the Food+ business needs, including new business with the support of the team
Manage and execute where required, the 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 licensees are provided appropriate creative assets for product development, developing new assets as required against the specific needs of the category and inputting into style guide needs
Manage creative relationships with internal and external partners, providing inspiration and ensuring product is brand appropriate and adheres to Disney guidelines
Offer creative input and trend direction to inspire licensees/retailers and help drive quality product
Run ideation sessions with licensees/retailers to drive product innovation
Lead all design projects (e.g. product toolkits, product pitches, inspiration boards) within category, utilising internal and external resources as required
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
Maintain an advanced level of market knowledge for products that fall within your sub-category
Determine market trends, using them to drive creative strategy, identify new areas of business and establish design requirements
Develop and maintain an expert knowledge of Disney’s characters, films, properties, heritage and creative assets in order to assist in their usage on consumer products
Maintain an expert knowledge of food & packaging trends, with a finger on the pulse of new innovations within the category

FAQs

Do we support remote work?

This role is primarily based in our London office, requiring 4 days a week in the office, so remote work is not supported in a full-time capacity.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A degree in Food Product Development or Graphic Design is preferred, along with significant experience and knowledge of the food industry.

Is prior managerial experience necessary?

Yes, significant experience in managerial roles is required for this position.

What is the focus of the product development in this role?

The focus is on developing innovative food products that are brand-consistent and resonate with consumers both globally and locally.

Are language skills important for this position?

Fluent English is essential, and knowledge of other European languages is considered beneficial.

What kind of relationship management is expected in this role?

The role requires establishing and maintaining relationships with retailers, internal stakeholders, partners, and global creative teams.

What are the key skills needed for success in this position?

Key skills include the ability to inspire and lead a team, strong presentation skills, a deep understanding of licensing, and the ability to capitalize on market trends.

What benefits are offered to employees in this role?

Benefits include 25 days of annual leave, private medical insurance and dental care, free park entry, Disney discounts, and excellent parental and guardian leave.

How does Disney support diversity and inclusion?

Disney is committed to forming a diverse workforce that represents its audiences and includes various voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through Employee Resource Groups.

Is experience with global retailers important for this position?

Yes, experience working with large-scale, global retailers and partners to bring product designs to market is essential.

The Walt Disney Company

Entertainment & Media

Industry

10,001+

Employees

Mission & Purpose

From classic animated features and exhilarating theme park attractions to cutting edge sports coverage, and the hottest shows on television, The Walt Disney Company has been making magic since 1923, creating unforgettable stories that connect with audiences around the world. And we’re just getting started! The key to our success…. The Cast, Crew, Imagineers and Employees who honor Disney’s rich legacy by stretching the bounds of imagination to create the never-before-seen, bringing unparalleled entertainment experiences to people of all ages. Begin a career that delivers unparalleled creative content and experiences to audiences around the world and just imagine the stories you could be part of… What is #LifeAtDisney like? It’s a series of magical moments with cast members and employees developing and telling our stories in the most innovative ways. Whether it’s a day spent as a Disney VoluntEAR, or celebrating the release of a new interactive experience, retail product or movie, our days are filled with the knowledge that we are creating entertainment experiences the whole family can enjoy. Follow @DisneyCareers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a peek behind-the-curtain, and discover how you could connect to a world of stories with Disney!