Product Design & Development Manager

Walt Disney World News; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Product Design & Development Manager to join their vibrant team in London. This full-time position offers a unique four-day workweek, allowing you to lead the design and development of innovative products across various categories, including Apparel and Home. Collaborating with senior leaders, you will manage creative outputs, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and guide a talented team. With perks like private medical insurance and free park entry for family and friends, this role promises a rewarding experience in a dynamic environment focused on creativity and excellence.

Benefits

25 Days Annual Leave

Private Medical and Dental Insurance

Free Park Entry for Family and Friends

Disney Discounts on Products

Parental and Guardian Leave

Employee Resource Groups for Diversity and Inclusion

Qualifications

• Degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Proven commercial design experience with team management skills.
• Strong relationship-building and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage creative outputs ensuring innovation and brand consistency.
• Identify new product opportunities and pitch conceptual designs.
• Oversee the approval process and ensure adherence to Disney standards.

Skills

Commercial Design Experience

Team Management Skills

Relationship Building

Collaboration Skills

Leadership Skills

Packaging Experience

Communication Skills

Industry Trends Knowledge

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Degree in a Related Field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

CAD Software

Job description

Join us to apply for the Product Design & Development Manager role at Disney Experiences.

About The Role & Team

Join our dynamic team in London, collaborating with senior leaders to lead the design and development of products in Softlines, Apparel, Footwear, and Home categories. This full-time role, based in Hammersmith, offers a flexible four-day workweek to foster product excellence and brand consistency.

What You Will Do

1. Develop and manage creative outputs from licensees, ensuring innovation and brand consistency.
2. Identify new product opportunities, produce conceptual designs, and pitch to partners.
3. Establish and maintain relationships with retailers, stakeholders, and creative teams.
4. Manage and develop the team, providing creative direction and feedback.
5. Oversee the approval process following Disney’s Online Product Approval system (OPA) guidelines.
6. Provide creative assets and ensure product adherence to Disney standards.
7. Offer trend insights and run ideation sessions to inspire licensees/retailers.
8. Lead design projects across categories, utilizing internal and external resources.
9. Train licensees/retailers on Disney brand assets and approval systems.
10. Maintain market knowledge and leverage trends for strategic growth.
11. Develop expertise in Disney’s properties for consumer products.
12. Attend inspiration trips to understand the EMEA marketplace and foster innovation.
13. Guide design and trend directions, providing feedback on product submissions.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Proven commercial design experience, with team management skills.
• Experience in consumer product commercialization.
• Strong relationship-building, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Packaging experience and familiarity with style guides and OPA system is desirable.
• Ability to communicate clear design briefs and meet deadlines and budgets.
• Advanced knowledge of industry trends, manufacturing techniques, CAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent design, conceptual, and presentation skills.
• Understanding of fabric, color, and product design; experience creating prototypes.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity across EMEA markets.

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical and dental insurance
• Free park entry for family and friends
• Disney discounts on products, resort F&B, and tickets
• Parental and guardian leave
• Employee Resource Groups focusing on diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing

Disney is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion.