At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive licensing sales growth and manage strategic partnerships for Disney brands across EMEA.
- Company: Join the magic of Disney, a leader in entertainment and beloved by audiences worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, free park entry, and exclusive Disney discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping iconic brands while making a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in fashion sales or product development, with strong relationship-building and analytical skills.
- Other info: This is a full-time, fixed-term contract based in London, covering parental leave.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About The Role & Team
The following information provides an overview of the skills, qualities, and qualifications needed for this role. Are you ready to bring Disney magic to life through strategic partnerships and innovative licensing? As a Licensing Sales Manager, you'll shape the future of our beloved brands across the EMEA region. You'll plan and execute long-term strategies, manage existing accounts, and streamline our licensee base for strategic growth. Your role will involve identifying and securing new licensees to enhance category growth. Building and nurturing relationships is key. You'll manage engagement and joint business planning with accounts, negotiate regional contracts, and drive licensing sales growth. Your creativity and commercial acumen will shine as you develop impactful strategies using digital, social, and traditional marketing insights. You'll stay agile, seizing new opportunities to keep Disney at the forefront of the industry. This role is a full-time, fixed-term contract, covering parental leave, working from the London office in Hammersmith, four out of five days a week.
What You Will You Do
- Collaborate with the Senior Licensing Sales Manager/Licensing Sales Director to implement long-term strategies, working closely with relevant stakeholders.
- Utilize key trends, commercial insights, and consumer insights to develop and drive effective strategies across the company and departments, remaining agile to capitalize on new opportunities and target partners.
- Manage the annual operating plan and quarterly forecasting process, developing objectives and strategies for licensees.
- Work with markets, consumer demographic groups, category teams, franchise, marketing, product development, and finance to drive growth.
- Actively manage and nurture relationships, partnerships, and joint business planning with each EMEA account, both new and existing, within the Girls & Dress Up domain.
- Execute contract negotiations for certain accounts and keep all key stakeholders (global, EMEA, and local) informed.
- Collaborate closely with creative teams and, when necessary, Global Interactive Experiences on product development.
- Work with marketing teams to support product sales as required by licensees/retailers.
- Communicate the International Labour Standards (ILS) process and act as a liaison between suppliers and The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) ILS team as directed.
- Execute new business development pitches and develop research projects focused on identifying scalable opportunities in the Girls & Dress Up category.
- Coordinate and actively contribute to market meetings.
- Collaborate and build strong relationships with Disney market teams, providing regular strategy and franchise updates, and understanding and addressing local market needs and differences.
- Share best practices through these relationships.
- Build relationships with international DCP teams to share knowledge and best practices.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Experience in fashion buying, product development, merchandising, or commercial fashion sales, specifically in girls' dress-up and softlines.
- Degree in a related field or equivalent work experience, with experience in the consumer products industry.
- Proven ability to build effective relationships, lead and manage change, and collaborate across departments to achieve financial targets and joint goals, along with experience in developing team performance.
- Financial acumen to translate numbers into actionable plans, and the ability to analyze data, draw practical conclusions, and implement recommendations to achieve business targets.
- Agility to capitalize on opportunities and identify new partners, with resilience and adaptability in a constantly changing environment.
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Keynote, with proficiency in written and spoken English for business use; other European languages are beneficial.
- Strong understanding of digital, social, and brick-and-mortar marketing, with excellent commercial and strategic problem-solving and innovation skills.
- Exceptional planning and organizational skills, with strong influencing skills to gain buy-in at all levels.
- Forward-thinking with the ability to translate industry trends into growth opportunities for TWDC, and cultural sensitivity with an understanding of local markets across EMEA.
The Perks
- 25 days annual leave
- Private medical insurance & dental care
- Free Park Entry: the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free
- Disney Discounts: entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing
- Excellent parental and guardian leave
- Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, our new disability & neurodiversity focused group - ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.
The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Licensing Sales Manager - Softlines (Fixed-term contract) (London) employer: Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company
Contact Detail:
Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Licensing Sales Manager - Softlines (Fixed-term contract) (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Disney's brand values and current licensing strategies. Understanding how Disney operates in the EMEA region will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your alignment with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the licensing and fashion industries, especially those who have experience with Disney or similar brands. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed relationships and driven sales growth in previous roles. Highlight your ability to adapt strategies based on market trends and consumer insights, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in the girls' dress-up and softlines categories. Being knowledgeable about competitors and emerging opportunities will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to Disney's growth in these areas.
We think you need these skills to ace Licensing Sales Manager - Softlines (Fixed-term contract) (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in fashion buying, product development, and commercial sales, particularly in the softlines sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and drive growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for Disney and how your skills align with the role. Mention your experience in managing accounts and developing strategies, and how you can contribute to the company's success in the EMEA region.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples of how you've used data analysis to inform business decisions. Highlight your financial acumen and ability to translate numbers into actionable plans, as this is crucial for the Licensing Sales Manager role.
Demonstrate Cultural Sensitivity: Since the role involves working across various markets in EMEA, mention any experience you have in understanding local market needs and cultural differences. This will show your adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
How to prepare for a job interview at Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
As a Licensing Sales Manager, building and nurturing relationships is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed partnerships in the past, particularly in the fashion or consumer products industry.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
This role requires strong financial skills. Be ready to explain how you've used data analysis to inform your strategies and decisions. Highlight any experience you have with budgeting, forecasting, or achieving financial targets.
✨Be Agile and Forward-Thinking
The ability to adapt to changing environments is key. Share instances where you've identified new opportunities or pivoted strategies based on market trends. Show that you can think ahead and anticipate industry shifts.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Disney's Brand Values
Understanding Disney's culture and values will set you apart. Research their approach to licensing and partnerships, and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially in terms of diversity and inclusion.