Sr Manager, Merchandising - Softlines

Job Summary:Senior Manager, Merchandising – SoftlinesAt Disney Consumer Products, we inspire imagination around the world and are committed to creating happiness for families and fans by bringing captivating, inspiring, and inclusive products into their daily lives. From toys to t-shirts, video games, home goods and more, our teams bring our beloved brands and franchises into the lives of families through products and experiences that can be found worldwide.The Senior Manager, Merchandising - Softlines drives execution of the merchandise strategy and vision for their assigned categories, contributing to a complex, multi-category Softlines division. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to deliver consumer-centric, trend-right, high-quality product assortments across all owned and operated channels, bringing franchise priorities and guest insights to life through Apparel, Accessories, and Lifestyle Home. The Senior Manager plays a key role in delivering brand equity and financial performance targets through the full product lifecycle, from merchant-led concept and brief through commercialization, applying a working understanding of the fabrication, functionality, construction, and regulatory complexities unique to Softlines development.SOFTLINES MERCHANDISINGCreates and implements the day-to-day execution of product strategies across a softlines category / categoriesTranslate product strategy into consumer-focused assortments that drive commercial success in Disney ParksMaintain deep consumer focus, balancing insights and analytics to identify opportunities, strengthen the brand, and enhance the guest experienceMonitor global market, competitive, and consumer trends to identify growth opportunitiesChampion trend-driven, innovative products developed with Design and Sourcing teams to meet consumer demand and achieve business and sustainability objectivesAnalyze product performance to identify successes, continuously improve assortments and drive productivityApply expertise in softlines development, including materials, fabrics, fit, construction, trims, embellishments, manufacturing capabilities, and production timelinesDrive merchant development and manage open-market and licensed product sourcing to fill assortment gaps, address emerging trends, and support key franchise initiativesLead the development and execution of brand collaborations and co-branded programsManage the full product lifecycle from concept through commercialization, ensuring financial, innovation, sustainability, and regulatory goals are metEnsure compliance with technical and regulatory requirements for softlines, including flammability, labeling, packaging, and care standardsLEADERSHIP / MANAGEMENTCategory and Brand ambassador to cross-functional teams showing up as a compelling, dynamic, knowledgeable leader in all stages of go to market process and partner interactions where product is discussedBuild compelling strategies that result in strong financial results and create solutions to drive category visionManage conversation and activities with sourcing to cost the line and run financial scenariosManage conversation with design to create a product line in all activities and key milestone meetingsActively manages communication and collaboration with key commercialization partnersInfluence cross-functional partners to drive execution and remove road blockMaintains and communicates strong point of view on consumer, customer and business across stakeholders and management.Leads through ambiguityManages direct reports with immediate feedback on performance and weekly touch bases to review deliverables, regular development and coachingBuilds, develops and retains best in class Merchant talent.Execute and manage simultaneous, overlapping softlines product timelines within category, maintaining clarity on development milestones, lead times, approval gates, and delivery windows, and making real-time prioritization decisions that protect on-time execution without compromising product integrity or financial targetsManage category operating budgets and financial plans, driving disciplined decision making and scenario planning to achieve performance targetsQUALIFICATIONS6-8+ years of progressive experience in Merchandising, preferably in Lifestyle HomeExperience in building a product line for a category/categories of business that is both globally leveraged and locally relevantDemonstrated ability to capitalize on market trends and consumer zeitgeist to maximize value creation throughout the trend cycleDemonstrated ability to create, leverage and scale innovationDemonstrated ability to manage revenue creation while maintaining brand integrityStrategic thinker with the ability to drive execution against a financial planStrong interpersonal skills and ability to influence a diverse audience including experience working with external partners and business owners to bring product and assortments to the marketSuccessful experience working, and thriving, in a highly matrixed company structureLeadership and talent development abilities and a collaborative and effective management styleStrong Team Player – The ability to build & foster collaborative partnerships across functions & departmentsAbility to think creatively and disruptively to bring and infuse new ideas into product developmentAbility to manage the organizational and cultural change efforts needed to ensure new, innovative concepts, business practices, and technologies are fully adopted and integrated into the businessDemonstrated hands-on experience in product development and merchandising within softlines categoriesDemonstrated experience developing fit and construction briefs and packaging/presentation strategies across softlines categories, with an understanding of how packaging and presentation format directly impacts consumer perception, purchase behavior, and brand engagement; conversant in how presentation decisions are made at the category level and how those decisions vary across softlines categoriesProven ability to operate as a merchant-led product developer, capable of authoring product briefs, identifying category and assortment gaps, and driving product from concept through production in partnership with sourcing and vendor partners, independent of or in advance of formal Product Design involvementTrack record of executing brand collaborations and co-branded product programs from end to end, including partner identification, creative and legal alignment, product development support, and commercial launch, with an ability to balance brand integrity and commercial objectives throughout the processActive knowledge of and engagement with leading apparel, fashion, and lifestyle brands, with the ability to apply competitive best practices around trend and fashion innovation, capsule and collection strategy, fit and fabrication, and consumer engagement directly to Disney's owned-and-operated retail product lineupAbility to travel domestically and internationallyRequired EducationBachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experienceOur Benefits: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at The hiring range for this position based in Kissimmee, FL is $132,600.00-$177,700.00The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, depending on the level and position offered.