Product Development Associate

For our EMEA Head Quarter based in Hammersmith, London, we are looking for a Product Development Associate to join the existing team.

Areas of Responsibility

• Execute 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 creative 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, ensuring that they have the appropriate creative assets for product development

• Develop and maintain successful working relationships with licensees and other internal and external stakeholders

• Create product pitches and new product design visuals under the supervision of the 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 of consumer products

• Support the needs of the wider team at regional, local and global levels as required, including involvement in design projects as directed

• Ensure products comply with corporate policies and legislation

Experience and Professional Qualifications Required

• Degree-level education in a related field or equivalent work experience, e.g. product/fashion/print design

• Proven commercial product development experience in relevant categories or product design roles at a licensee, retail head office or supplier

• Some packaging experiences are desirable but not essential

Skills Required

• 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

• Communicate clear design briefs and basic design ideas using freehand drawing, computer techniques and/or third-party design resources

• An ability to deliver against set deadlines and budgets as directed

• Strong presentation skills with the ability to effectively present design ideas to internal/external stakeholders at all levels

• Ability to influence and achieve buy-in at all levels

• Written and spoken English for business use, essential; other European languages, beneficial

• Computer literate including Mac OSX, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and MS Office

Additional Information

• Flexibility for frequent UK, European or international travel may be required

• Contribution to ad-hoc projects as the business requires

• Flexible hours may be required to meet business needs

The Perks of being Part of The Story

• 25 days annual leave (plus Bank holidays)

• 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, and at our Disney Store (in-store or online)

• Flexible working is available, four days per week at the office

• Excellent parental and guardian leave

• Be part of our Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, our new disability & neurodiversity focused group - ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

• ...and many more

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. We are committed to building a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.