Design Manager

Licensing Expertise: Possesses a solid understanding of the entertainment industry and Consumer Products business Manage and ensure brand excellence by making any necessary character revisions, infusing storytelling and providing property assets and toolkits Manage process flow and prioritize schedules based on 18-24 month product development calendar Manage product approval meetings Manage approval functionalities on product approval system (Mediabox) Lead kick off meetings/calls with licensees Prepare detailed recap notes from key meetings and share with Global team Provides input to Category/business counterparts on licensor selection to ensure excellent product execution and delivery Design Expertise and Innovation: Be the Design expert in assigned categories – execution, fabrications/materials, tech designs Understand licensee design & manufacturing capabilities to guide effective design and development Design product solutions across entire Franchise and property roadmap Prepare all necessary components for design presentations & product review meeting preparations Provide accurate design input and modifications(overlays) based on strong understanding of IP priorities, guidelines & assets through all stages of the product approval process Drive innovation by maintaining strong knowledge of retail landscape in ANZ/SEA market; monitor sales performance of key categories & programs Design Strategy: Engages in wider UP&E discussions on the company’s vision and strategy Partners with Category to identify white space opportunities for growth Understands regional retail pricing structure for product and line architecture Identifies new trends and innovation across multiple categories and properties Create and build new ideas into marketable product lines for existing properties and new initiatives Communication and Collaboration Understands and communicates strategically to team and partners Excellent ability to communicate and collaborate with partners Required to communicate weekly with US Design leads Develops effective presentations Coordinates with cross-functional partners on new projects and design development progress Build successful working relationships with key partners including (but not limited to): Licensees & manufacturers Category, Retail, and Franchise Studios & filmmakers