Director, North America Softlines - New Business

Job Summary:

Reporting to the VP, Americas Softlines, the Director, North America Softlines, will be responsible for building a pipeline of newness to grow softlines over the long-term plan, signing new business and managing brand partnerships/collaborations as well as leading the Global Softlines business in the Americas, across all core subcategories and licensees. The role will lead data-led, transformative strategies, identifying the right category, brand and retail partners in which to optimize revenue ensuring the business is positioned to deliver a sustained growth trajectory.

Key priorities will include identifying new business opportunities and future needs, delivering a data-led and insight driven approach to business development. Strong collaboration is key in this role, given close partnership with creative, product development and global teams to optimize the regional “go to market” strategy. You will be required to actively manage and cultivate the engagement, partnership, and joint business planning with each account to negotiate contracts and collaborate daily with your regional, and functional counterparts. The key to success will be providing strong and engaging leadership, mobilizing talent and ensuring the teams are operationalizing the strategies and the culture represents an organization that operates with pace and executes with excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Category Strategy & Management

• In line with the global strategy, develop, set and execute strategies for softlines in conjunction with relevant stakeholders including plans for new business for each sub-category and brand.

• Unlock category growth through data driven insights and identifying white space.

• Build a pipeline of new initiatives to secure growth for the long term.

• Optimize partnership management, leading selection, contract negotiations, and relationships with top licensees and retailers.

• Research and understand competitive landscape. Analyze and understand market trends, consumer trends, retailer and industry needs.

• Lead complex deal negotiations and support team in finalizing deal terms/licensing agreements.

• Drive significant new business opportunities to achieve budget and drive growth.

• Manage the annual operating plan and quarterly forecasting process, developing licensee objectives and initiatives to drive growth, working with global brand commercialization, marketing, creative, product development and finance

Leadership

• Provide leadership, direction and coaching to the team, setting clear objectives and KPIs in alignment with business and talent goals.

• Ensure team has category expertise to manage the business holistically and is properly resourced.

• Develop/execute strategic plan driving sustained, long-term growth in Softline categories (Apparel, Accessories, Footwear and Home subcategories).

• Foster relationships with shared service functions, global and regional partners, and other business segments to drive overall growth for The Walt Disney Company.

• Prioritize talent management and progression opportunities – provide opportunities that add depth and breadth of experience to existing roles.

Collaboration

• Build credibility with key stakeholders, both internal and external.

• Partner with brand commercialization teams to implement consistent region-wide strategies for our top brands, targeting long term brand growth that grow existing base business and unlock brand and demo growth.

• Partner with creative/product development to deliver consumer led and fashion forward products.

• Partner with marketing team to optimize ROI on all consumer-led and retail investments.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10+ years of experience in Softlines industry preferred, with deep understanding of retail/distribution channels.

• Licensing or retail experience required.

• Demonstrated global mindset with experience in unlocking and executing (global) brand collaborations.

• Ability to demonstrate strategic thinking, executive level clarity of communications and management of multiple senior stakeholders.

• Excellent presentation and negotiating skills.

• Adaptable and responsive – can thrive in ambiguous business situations.

• Ability to collaborate, influence and persuade at all levels of an organization.

• Comfortable working through a matrix structure to deliver business objectives.

• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments.

• Financial acumen and understanding retail marketplace, P&L, market research and data analysis.

• High level of corporate professionalism, maturity, leadership and political savviness

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field, strongly preferred

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $185,500 - $248,800 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also 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, dependent on the level and position offered.