Product Design and Development Associate (Fixed-term contract)

Job ID 10106797 Location London, United Kingdom Business Disney Experiences Date posted Dec. 20, 2024

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Job Summary:

About the Role & Team

Join us in creating groundbreaking, brand-perfect products that captivate fans and elevate retail experiences.

We're on a mission to inspire, guide, and support our licensees and DTR partners in delivering innovative, unforgettable designs that embody the spirit of Disney. Be part of the journey from concept to creation, as we transform beloved characters and stories into products that fuel happiness for fans of all ages

This role is a Fixed-term contract running until the end of September 2025, and will require you to be onsite 4 days a week.

What You Will Do

Complete 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 guidelines
Provide product design and trend direction, inspiration and feedback to licensees on both 2D application and 3D product submissions in order to drive product quality
Train and develop all new and existing licensees on the Disney brand, property portfolio, creative assets and approval systems
Responsible for ensuring licensees have the appropriate creative assets for product development
Develop and maintain successful working relationships with licensees and other internal and external partners
Build 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 Manager
Develop and maintain a good knowledge of Disney’s characters, films, properties, heritage and creative assets in order to assist in their usage on consumer products
Support the needs of the wider team at regional, local and global level as the need arises including involvement in design projects, as advised
Ensure products align with corporate policies and legislation
Maintain modern knowledge of product design and graphic trends (in relevant category), leading brands and relevant pop culture

Required Qualifications & Skills

Knowledge of trends within the industry of relevant category and the broader world of design with working knowledge of common manufacturing techniques and their application in production
An ability to communicate a clear product design brief and basic design ideas using CAD drawing, computer techniques and/or third party design resources
An ability to deliver against set deadlines and budgets as directed
Strong design and conceptual skills
Understanding of fabric, colour and product design
Presentation skills with the ability to optimally present design ideas to internal/external partners at all levels
Understanding of production techniques and graphic applications with an eye for colour and shape, preferred
In depth knowledge of fabrics and stitching techniques, preferred
Ability to influence and support change amongst collaborators
Computer literate including Mac OSX, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and MS Office
Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of local markets across EMEA
Degree educated in related field (product design, etc.) and/or equivalent experience in lifestyle product company
Proven commercial product development experience in relevant categories or product design role at a licensee, retail head office or supplier, beneficial
Some packaging experience, and understanding of style guides for the Online Product Approval (OPA) system, desirable
Shown experience crafting prototypes or models

The Perks

25 days annual leave
Private medical insurance & dental care
Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free
Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing
Excellent parental and guardian leave
Employee 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.

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About Disney Experiences:

Disney Experiences brings the magic of Disney stories and franchises to life through theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, unique vacation experiences, products and more around the world. Disney shines in the travel industry with six resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Plus, Disney's global consumer products operations include the world's leading licensing business; the world's largest children's publishing brands; one of the world's largest licensors of games across all platforms; and Disney store locations around the world and on the web.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with The Walt Disney Company Limited, which is part of a business we call Disney Experiences.

The Walt Disney Company Limited is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

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Explore this Location EMEA

Disney EMEA aims to drive growth, innovation and brand affinity across an extremely diverse collection of countries with a team of over 6,000 employees operating in 59 markets with offices in 29 countries.