Senior Licensing Sales Manager (Hardlines)

at  Disney

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• The role requires a degree level qualification and education in a related field or work experience equivalent to the role.
• Experience within consumer products management
• Proven experience of building effective relationships, leading and managing change and collaboration across departments to achieve financial targets and joint goals
• Proven leadership experience, confident in managing and developing a high-performing team
• Confident in using Microsoft Word, Excel and Keynote.
• Commercial and strategic approach to problem solving and innovation
• Exceptional planning and organisation skills
• Strong influencing skills with the ability to achieve buy-in at all levels
• Fluent English, both verbal and written

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluency in alternate European languages
• Ability to occasionally work across different time zones, e.g. for prospecting meetings

ABOUT THE ROLE & TEAM

Within this role, the responsibilities include key commercial licensing activities with a focus on non-food/non-fashion categories. A wide portfolio of licensees will need to be covered, whilst implementing and completing regional (EMEA) long-term and fiscal year strategies to improve the product category to reach all consumer demographics, enhance sales and earned revenue.
A wide range of relationships both internally and externally will be the key to success in this role. You will be required to actively handle and cultivate the engagement, partnership and joint business planning with each account, both new and existing, to negotiate regional contracts. This will drive and deliver growth in licensing sales.
The role requires application of creativity, commerciality and expertise in product development and use of knowledge of digital, social and bricks and mortar marketing alongside key trends and consumer insights to develop and drive succinct strategies cross company and departmentally.
This role will report directly to the Licensing Sales Director and it requires flexibility for occasional UK, European and international travel.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• In line with the regional strategy, develop, set and execute strategies for the relevant category in conjunction with relevant stakeholders including plans for new business for each sub-category and franchise
• Manage the annual operating plan and quarterly forecasting process, developing initiatives to drive growth, working with franchise, marketing, product development and finance.
• Evaluate licensee base and drive an optimization plan to ensure effective and focused business management and expert organization to support growth.
• Identify, pitch and secure new licensees that enhance the category growth in a substantial manner
• Conduct and be involved in contract negotiations with licensees and distributors to improve Disney royalty revenue and inform all key collaborators.
• Work closely with the regional creative teams, product approvers, franchise and marketing teams to support the sale of the product as required by licensee/retailer.
• Communicate the International Labour Standards (ILS) process and be the link between the supplier and The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) ILS team
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Disney market teams providing information and regular strategy and franchise updates as well as understanding and satisfying local market needs and differences.
• Establish a good working relationship with global counterparts to ensure regular communication flow on latest initiatives
• Work closely with the other managers within the regional licensing sales team to coordinate ranges and launches with licensees across categories
• In conjunction with legal team, deal with any legal issues affecting the country/region
• Management of two direct reports, being responsible for supporting them in their daily work, goal setting and supporting them in their development and career aspirations
• Manage the training and development of all direct reports ensuring commitments are set, regularly reviewed and feedback given
• Proactively suggest ways to improve departmental performance and processes, leveraging technological tools where applicable
• Operate as part of an effective and inclusive team by demonstrating an awareness of others; welcoming and valuing unique perspectives and ideas; offering support, sharing knowledge and best practices in order to contribute to overall departmental commitments