Design Manager, Hardlines, PD

Shanghai, China7-10 years

Job Posting Title:

Req ID:

10154027

Job Description:

Disney China Product Development team is seeking a passionate, experienced and bold design manager with great ideas, an active hands-on approach to design and hungry to innovate in the product development. Grab this unique opportunity to work with the world’s best stories, most loved characters and leading entertainment brands. “Be part of the story.”

Key Responsibilities

To lead product development with various licensees across multiple product categories mainly focusing on Consumer Electrics, lifestyle Home, Toy related products
Lead key projects and drive performance outcomes.
Supervise team members and foster talent growth.
To work closely with licensees, category managers and Creative Directors in developing new product lines
To involve in the approval process for in-house approvals of licensees so as to ensure Disney’s standards are upheld.

To give design advise/suggestions internally to category managers and externally to existing and potential licensees on quality concepts and designs for their products, so as to increase the revenue for the Company.
To initiate and perform product line reviews, and new licensees’ induction meetings on a regular basis.
To provide support in marketing program / tie-in promotions, artworks & special project assigned.
To provide brand and creative training to existing and new licensees
To supervise and direct Local Content characters/design usage in products, print materials, advertising and promotional and retail projects.
To build and add into existing library and manage the distribution of art resources, i.e. style guides, art portfolios and brand manuals received from head office
To update and revise the manual for category managers and licensees on Disney characters’ usage, brand knowledge and product approval procedures
To recruit and train freelance character artists, designers well versed in Disney standards for referral to licensees or any for special projects.
To perform any and all other duties, as may from time to time be assigned from management team

Working Relationships

Internal – Category Managers / Directors, Creative Team, cross LOB projects with other regional creative teams within APAC , Central creative team in Shanghai office.
External – Potential / existing Licensees and other business partners

Outsourced creative house / design companies

Freelance character artists, designers and sculptors

Key local retail accounts

Leading consumer product manufacturers

Requirements

Education:

Graduate degree in Product design, Industrial Design, Graphic Design or a Related Field.

Experience:

7-10+ years working experience with relevant design area as a product designer; preferably with international company or international design agency.
Bi-lingual: fluent spoken and written English and Mandarin
Creative, out-of-the-box visionary capable of bringing forth innovative ideas and concepts that deliver strong results.
Willing to travel, locations include head office in Shanghai, licensees’ offices within the north region

Exceptional eye for detail, sensitivity to the consumer experience and passion for the Disney brand.
Strong presentation skill to present ideas and concepts, mood boards
Equipped with strong project management, analytic skills and proven ability to meet deadlines
Excellent co-ordination and strong oral and written communication skills
Product/market/trend research skills
Exceptional computer graphic design skills on PC, Mac, and any related new tools, e.g. AI tool , Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, After effect, or any other design software.
Excellent Keynote or PowerPoint skill

Others:

Must possess high level of enthusiasm and be a strong team player
A portfolio showcasing strong ability in graphic and industrial design skills
Business integrity + professional attitude
Design sense + high taste level
Committed to excellence
Attention to details
A creative flair and be able to work in a highly innovative and dynamic environment
International experience is plus and ability to adapt to different cultures with open mind is required

Job Posting Segment:

APAC - Global Product

Job Posting Primary Business:

Merch & PD (APAC)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Product Development Management

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Shanghai, China

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted: