Job Summary: About the Role & TeamAs a Product Development Associate, you'll support licensees and Direct-to-Retail partners by providing technical design direction, creative input, and ensuring smooth execution of the product design, development, and approval process.
Join us to bring inspiring Disney products to life with quality and attention to detail.This role is a fixed-term contract role running until the end of September 2025, and will require you to be onsite 4 days a week.What You Will DoComplete the approval process from initiation to production in a timely manner, ensuring all product submissions are routed through Disney's Online Product Approval (OPA) system as per global product integrity guidelinesStrong understanding of global trend, market segmentation, country specifics, franchise diversity, and product design trends, elevating product accordinglyDiverse Product Knowledge Extensive expertise in any or all in the design and development of footwear, bags, and watches, with a strong understanding of the unique materials, construction techniques, and market trends specific to each categoryProvide product design and trend direction to licensees on both 2D application and 3D product submissions to drive product qualityParticipate in internal trend and design workshops throughout the year across providing product design support to the licensees and partnersParticipate in comp shops, design workshops, franchise brainstorm sessions across region, collaborating and exploring untapped categoriesUnderstanding within the licensee and partner base of what does and doesn't work commercially in relation to style guide development, collecting hindsight and feedback to foster the style guide development processTrain and develop all new and existing licensees on the Disney brand, property portfolio, creative assets and approval systemsResponsible for ensuring licensees have the appropriate creative assets for product developmentDevelop and maintain successful working relationships with licensees and other internal and external partnersBuild product pitches, new product design visuals, and dedicated core design mock ups under supervision of Senior Product Design and Development Manager/Product Design and Development ManagerDevelop a good knowledge of Disney's characters, films, properties, heritage and creative assets in order to assist in their usage on consumer productsSupport the needs of the wider team at regional, local and global level as the need arises including involvement in design projects, as advisedAs the need arises, attend 'inspiration' trips to broaden understanding of the EMEA marketplace, seeking out ideas and new creative solutions to better understand the industry and drive innovation and creativityRequired Qualifications & Skills Knowledge of trends within the industry of relevant category and the broader world of design with proven understanding of common manufacturing techniques and their application in productionCommunicate a clear product design brief and basic design ideas using CAD drawing, computer techniques and/or third party design resourcesAn ability to deliver against set deadlines and budgets as advisedStrong design and conceptual skillsUnderstanding of fabric, colour and product design, with an in depth knowledge of fabrics and stitching techniques, preferredPresentation skills with the ability to optimally present design ideas to internal/external partners at all levelsUnderstanding of production techniques and graphic applications with a consideration for colour and shape, preferredComputer literate including Mac OSX, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and MS OfficeCultural sensitivity and an understanding of local markets across EMEAProven commercial product development experience in relevant categories or product design role at a licensee, retail head office or supplier, beneficialProven experience crafting prototypes or modelsThe Perks 25 days annual leavePrivate medical insurance & dental careFree Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for freeDisney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketingExcellent parental and guardian leaveEmployee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, 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.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.