Disney - Category Manager - Fashion - Apparel

Overall Purpose of the Role:

- Spearhead the apparel category strategy, development and growth plan for Disney in India.

- Work actively with existing licensees and retailers on every operational aspect of the business

- Assist in implementing developing and achieving yearly revenue budget for the category.

- Ensure licensees have full understanding and are complying with Disney's business and quality standards.

- Will report into the Head of Fashion & Retail.

Note: The role will have a special focus on building the kids apparel business with key retailers and brands.

Areas of Responsibility:

1. Strategic Management

- Develop local market category plan in line with global & regional category strategies & plans.

- Undertake market analysis to monitor industry trends, regulations, sub-categories performance and retail channels, and determine Disney's segment share.

- Determine category key drivers (product, price, and retail channel) for the LOB to expand presence consistent with local demographic and retailer needs.

- Contribute to regional / global discussion of the category on behalf of the local market.

2. Licensing

- Develop, implement and achieve yearly revenue budget (wholesale sales and royalty revenue) for respective set of licensees.

- Work very closely with Key licensees & Retailers across all aspects of distribution, promotions, pricing, product development, and sourcing.

- Identify & contact new licensees instrumental in the development of the category (including global and regional licensees).

- Secure geographical expansion throughout the country. Focus on the key cities

- Update forecast on a monthly basis (Excel spreadsheets for renewal, new, gap with status update).

- Drive Contract Renewals consistent with Category Plans and strategies.

- Coordinate with DCP Compliance Group to ensure licensees comply with Disney's labor standards.

- Ensure licensees- thorough understanding and compliance of Disney's contract, terms and conditions.

- Identify and develop manufacturing centers of excellence (global and regional). Share information and sources from other regions

3. Product Development

- Direct product development with Product Development team consistent with category plan and ongoing product quality improvement program. Should have a good perspective on fashion trends and consumer preferences.

- Administer and coordinate licensee's product / artwork approvals with Product Development team.

- Coordinate with other regional LOB head on product development matters e.g. event days, promotion value, new guide book release, etc.

- Work closely with licensees on their category assortment plans.

4. Finance

- Responsible for the Revenue forecast for a set of licensees.

- Provide forecast of the category on monthly basis (revenue grading).

- Responsible for collection past due accounts receivable.

- Responsible for the administration and execution of the contract.

5. Retail

- Work with key retail account buyers to manage Disney's product range and presence at retail. Seek for opportunity for direct to retail.

- Work with buyers from key retail accounts to develop business opportunities, managing product sourcing, mix / range, pricing and new programs specific to each retailer's shopping profile.

- Act as communication link between Disney and licensees and retail buyers.

- Conduct key retail accounts performance review and marketing update (quarterly).

- Identify signage and merchandising needs to respective Regional Category Head.

External and Internal Stakeholders:

Internal:

- All staff in local market

- Regional Category Management Team

External

- Licensees (existing and potential)

- Key retail accounts

- Manufacturers

Qualifications and Experience Required:

Education & Training:

- University graduate, preferably Marketing or Business Commerce.

- MBA or NIFT graduate preferable

Working Experience:

- 6 - 10 years working experience either in a category management role, or in fashion industry in sales or merchandising. Ideally in a multinational environment

- Industry : Fashion, FMCG (Category Management), Consulting (Consumer Products/Retail)

Skills Required:

Personal Attributes:

- Entrepreneurial, passionate and ambitious.

- Lateral thinker

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills

- Strong negotiation and presentation skills.

- Ability to work independently

- Retail and category knowledge will be an advantage.

- Good ability to work within a team.

- Good analytical skills and understanding of business and financial concepts.

- Committed to excellence

Other requisites, languages:

- Fluency in English and local language

- Hands on experience on PC software applications (e.g. Word, Excel & PowerPoint)

- Domestic Travel across the country will be frequent

- Ability to interact with and understand kids + tween likes and dislikes in multi-cultural environment