Manager of Development & Strategies
Job Summary:
About the Role:
The Mgr-Development & Strategies is a key leader within Disney Experiences, responsible for guiding a multi-disciplined team of engineers and architecture who develop and optimize facility related strategies and asset management systems across the Walt Disney World Resort. This role shapes the long-term technical asset strategies and integrated facilities planning to support safe, reliable, and innovative environments that elevate the Guest and Cast experience in our theme parks, resorts, and related operations.
This position will report to the Senior Manager-Design Integration.
Responsibilities:
In this management role, you will provide strategic direction and operational leadership for asset lifecycle strategies across multiple facility systems. You will align technical roadmaps with business priorities, partner across Disney Experiences to support complex sitewide initiatives, and ensure that facilities projects and asset strategies are creative, customer-focused, and operationally sound. This role matters because it connects long-term facilities planning, data-driven systems, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver reliable, innovative environments for Guests and Cast, requiring a strategic, knowledgeable leader who can prioritize, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team.
- Lead the development and execution of integrated facilities planning strategies, actively shaping scope, technical direction, and asset investment priorities to support long-term portfolio performance.
- Balance strategic leadership with direct contribution, guiding organizational priorities while participating in critical planning, assessment, and problem-solving efforts across the business.
- Apply technical expertise to inform asset evaluations, scope development, and investment decisions, ensuring risks are proactively addressed and resources are aligned to business needs. Lead development of discipline inspection programs partnering with QA, ES, and IFP teams.
- Partner across project management, operations, and engineering organizations to deliver integrated solutions that enhance reliability while protecting the Guest and Cast experience.
- Influence decision-making through trusted relationships, clear communication, and practical insight, connecting enterprise initiatives to effective site-level execution.
- Develop organizational capability through coaching, mentorship, and hands-on leadership, fostering team growth, accountability, and technical excellence.
- Lead by example in creating a collaborative, innovative, and service-focused culture where Disney values are demonstrated through action and results.
Required Qualifications:
- Licensed Architect or Professional Engineering (PE) license in Florida or in a state with reciprocity to Florida.
- 10+ years of professional experience in a multi-discipline architecture/engineering or technical environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with Autodesk Revit and Forma or comparable design and planning applications.
- Knowledge of safety procedures and protocols applicable to facilities, construction, and operational environments.
- Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to envision future possibilities and create breakthrough systems and planning strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and prioritize work aligned with organizational goals, managing multiple complex initiatives in a dynamic environment.
- Excellent collaboration and influencing skills, with experience partnering across multiple lines of business and levels of leadership to resolve issues and drive integration.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical topics to non-technical peers and executives to support clear decision making.
- Demonstrated experience building, mentoring, and leading high-performing, diverse teams in a collaborative, service-minded, and customer-focused environment.
Education
- Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field such as Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, or MBA.
- Five or more years of experience leading project or organizational teams with salaried direct reports in complex, multi-site or campus environments.
- Experience in themed entertainment, hospitality, or large campus facilities integrating multi-discipline design, operations, and planning teams.
- Active participation in professional organizations related to architecture, engineering, facilities management, or systems planning to stay current with industry trends and best practices.
Additional Information
Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life! This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits
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The hiring range for this position in Florida is $120,800.00-$161,900.00 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 Walt Disney World Resort:
Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.
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 Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. 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.
To learn more about Disney's policies on the use of AI for candidates, click here.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS
The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.
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Hiring Process
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Explore this Location Lake Buena Vista, FL
Lake Buena Vista is home to the Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment complex, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and several resort hotels are located with the City limits.
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