About the Role & Team
Responsible for key commercial licensing activities with specific focus on relevant category. Covering a wide portfolio of licensees, implement and execute regional (EMEA) long term and fiscal year strategies to maximise the product category in order to reach all consumer demographics and maximise sales and earned revenue.
This role is a fixed term contract and will require you to be onsite 4 days a week in our Istanbul office, with one day working from home.
What You Will Do
In line with the regional strategy, develop, set and execute local market strategies for the relevant category in conjunction with relevant stakeholders including plans for new business for each sub-category and franchise
Evaluate licensee base and drive an optimisation plan to ensure effective and focused business management and strategic planning to support growth across categories
Manage the annual operating plan and quarterly forecasting process, developing licensee objectives and initiatives to drive growth, working with franchise, marketing, product development and finance
Actively manage and cultivate the relationship engagement, partnership and joint business planning as appropriate with each licensee, new and existing
Conduct or be involved in contract negotiations with licensees and distributors as appropriate to maximise Disney royalty revenue and appropriately inform all key stakeholders with the relevant information (global, EMEA and local as required)
Work closely with the regional creative teams, local 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 conduit between the supplier and The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) ILS team
Identify, pitch and secure new licensees that enhance the category growth in a substantial manner
Collaborate and develop 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. Utilise these relationships to share best practise
Work closely with the other managers within the regional licensing sales team to coordinate ranges and launches with licensees across categories (hardlines and FMCG roles only)
In conjunction with legal team, deal with any legal issues affecting the licensees
Training and Professional Development
Operate with integrity, champion change and be a good ambassador for The Walt Disney Company
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
Take ownership of your professional development through regular career conversations with your line manager and utilising available resources through D Learn, the OTS (organisation and talent solutions) online hub, instructor-led courses and on-the-job learning
Proactively suggest ways to improve departmental performance and processes, leveraging technological tools where applicable
Build links with other TWDC functions to develop broader knowledge of the business
Promote and maintain an inclusive workplace, championing diversity and inclusion and make use of available resources to extend knowledge and best practice
Manage the training and development of all direct reports ensuring commitments are set, regularly reviewed, and feedback shared where applicable
Contribute to maintaining and enhancing the standard of training and development, encouraging participation so that everyone has the tools and resources to do their role effectively and efficiently
Required Qualifications & Skills
A background in fashion buying and product development, merchandising or commercial fashion sales, desirable
A background in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) buying and product development, merchandising or commercial fashion sales, required,
Experience with toys market desirable
Degree level education in a related field or equivalent work experience
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 experience of developing the performance of a team
Financial acumen
Ability to analyse data, construct practical conclusions and implement recommendations to achieve business targets
An ability to be agile in order to capitalise on the moment and identify new opportunities and target partners
Computer literate including MS Word, Excel and Keynote
Fluent English, essential; other European languages, beneficial
A good eye for digital, social and brick and mortar marketing
Excellent commercial and strategic approaches to problem solving and innovation
Exceptional planning and organisation skills
Strong influencing skills with the ability to achieve buy-in at all levels
Cultural sensitivity
Additional Information
Flexibility for frequent UK, European or international travel may be required
Contribution to ad-hoc projects as the business requires
Flexible hours may be required to meet business needs
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.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided the necessary accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive all benefits of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.