Manager, Merchandising

Manager, Merchandising Manager, Merchandising – Premium Toys, Glow & Bubbles Reporting to the Senior Manager, Merchandising, this individual will be responsible for setting the merchandise strategy and vision for a complex, multi-subclass 3D product portfolio spanning premiumtoys, glow and bubble products. This role delivers consumer-centric, trend-right, high-quality product assortments across all owned and operated channels — translating franchise priorities and guest insights into category-defining product lines that balance play pattern innovation, collectability, core offerings and gifting. This role will sit onsite in Kissimmee, FL. This role is specific to the Premium Toys, Glow, and Bubbles categories and requires demonstrated Hardlines product development and merchandising experience. Executes the daily implementation of the product strategy for Premium Toys, Glow and Bubbles Consumer obsessed, constantly balancing the art and the science of merchandising to find opportunities, elevate brand and delight our consumer Develop targeted strategies for the Kidult consumer segment — adults 18+ purchasing product for personal use, nostalgia-driven collecting, or display — including premium price tier development, limited edition and collectible mechanics Relentlessly monitor the global competitive landscape and consumer zeitgeist to capture opportunity Champions products developed in collaboration with the design teams to capitalize on trends, anticipate consumer demand and drive product innovation in category Develop product strategies that define play pattern intent — articulating how the consumer will interact with and derive ongoing value from the product — and establish deliberate packaging intent across formats Consolidates the product needs from all regions and channels to develop one product brief to design ensuring needs of all businesses are met Find commonality in consumer, customer and market trends to minimize duplication / cannibalization; identify areas to reduce complexity and increase productivity. Establish perspective on what's working and why to consistently improve product line Partners with Product Design and Sourcing to deliver seasonal product lines for vertical and wholesale business models that meet KPI business objectives including sustainability goals Lead merchant-initiated product development independent of the formal Product Design structure— authoring product briefs, identifying category gaps, and driving concept through commercialization in direct partnership with sourcing and manufacturing vendors Understand and support the worldwide segmentation at right price/value from value to premium Execute against opportunities to leverage products, co-brands and collaborations globally Track development counts and KPIs targets Leadership / Management Serve as the category ambassador across cross-functional teams — showing up with a clear point of view, energy, and deep product knowledge at every stage of the go-to-market process and in every partner interaction where the business is represented Actively participate in conversation and activities with sourcing to cost the line, run financial scenarios Actively participate in conversation with design to create a product line in all activities, key milestone meetings Manages direct report(s) (if applicable) with immediate feedback on performance and weekly touch bases to review deliverables, regular development and coaching Qualifications 5+ years of progressive experience in Hardlines Merchandising Demonstrated hands-on Hardlines merchandising and product development experience across 3D categories, including familiarity with the distinct manufacturing, regulatory and quality control requirements Experience in building an omni-channel product line for a category or categories of business Experience working in highly matrixed and/or global product companies a plus Demonstrated ability to capitalize on market trends and consumer zeitgeist to maximize value creation throughout the trend cycle Demonstrated understanding of the Kidult consumer segment, with experience developing product or assortment strategies that balance traditional child-focused play value alongside premium, nostalgia-driven, and display-oriented product strategies that resonate with adult collectors Experience developing play pattern briefs and packaging intent strategies across Hardlines categories, with fluency in how packaging format decisions directly impact consumer perception, purchase behavior, and collecting engagement Strategic thinker with the ability to drive execution against a financial plan Strong 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 market Strong Team Player – The ability to build & foster collaborative partnerships across functions & departments Required Education Associate's Degree or equivalent work experience The hiring range for this position in Kissimmee, FL is $110,000.00-$147,500.00 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. 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 Disney Global Product Dev & Creative, which is part of a business we call Disney Experiences. Disney Global Product Dev & Creative is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.