Director, Softlines, Brand Commercialization

Job ID 10103791 Location Minato-ku, Japan Business Disney Experiences Date posted Sep. 11, 2025

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Job Summary:

INTRO
Wherever you are in the amazing world of Disney, you are contributing to the stories of our iconic brands, recognized by audiences everywhere for entertainment, information and inspiration. Innovation, imagination and inclusion are at the core of Disney, defining the experience that we deliver as well as providing the foundation of our success. The scope of our business, combined with global growth and collaboration, results in an inclusive employee experience characterized by continuous learning, development and achievement.
About the Role
The Director, Softlines, Brand Commercialization will lead the strategic direction and business growth for Softline categories (Fashion, Home) within the Japan market. This role is pivotal in aligning business strategies with the overarching goals of Japan Brand Commercialization, driving revenue targets, and fostering strong partnerships. The Director will collaborate with APAC business leaders to implement global initiatives and drive cross-border strategies, ensuring the seamless integration of Disney's brand values and market objectives.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement business strategies for Softline categories (Fashion, Home) in Japan market, in line with business priorities of Japan Brand Commercialization.
- Define and develop new business opportunities and strategic licensing partners in the responsible categories to grow the business.
- Collaborate with APAC business leaders and implement global/APAC initiatives into Japan market, as well as driving the cross-border strategy across APAC.
- Achieve AOP revenue target and sales objectives, with driving long-term strategic plan.
- Work closely with key licensees to set future strategies for the business growth including contract negotiation, product development, sales management, marketing & promotion, etc.
- Analyse responsible categories to develop strategies and tactics for the business growth.
- Proactively support licensees’ marketing & promotion initiatives for Disney licensed products, working closely with marketing team, to engage Disney guests across channels and trades.
- Understand consumer insights to improve franchise presence and drive merchandises with licensee plans and consumer engagement.
- Work closely with other LOBs (Line of Business) and global/APAC stakeholders to deliver common strategic goals and objectives as well as maximize synergy effect of Disney properties.
- Explore new and white spaces to figure out business and organizational opportunities, don’t hesitate challenges.
- Manage licensees to provide accurate sales forecasts and revenue accruals.
- Work closely with Product Design & APAC Creative teams to develop best-in-class creative products.
- Pursue operational excellence and improve the process focusing on STOP, START, CONTINUE approaches.
- Motivate teams through establishment of clear and challenging strategies and objectives.
- Engage team members to navigate them into the goals and objectives.
- Assess team members’ performance and coach them effectively to develop them as future leaders.
Required Qualifications
- Strategic thinking and ability to envision future possibilities and create breakthrough strategies.
- Accountability in holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
- Effective planning and prioritization skills to align work with organizational goals.
- Strong leadership skills to establish a vision and strategy aligned with business goals.
- Ability to connect stakeholders and build strong teams.
- Experience in managing resources and leading big functions, teams, and senior managers.
- Proven track record in developing and executing business strategies.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
- Experience in contract negotiation, product development, sales management, marketing, and promotion.
- Understanding of consumer insights and ability to drive merchandise plans and consumer engagement.
- Experience in managing licensees and providing accurate sales forecasts and revenue accruals.
- Ability to work closely with Product Design and Creative teams to develop best-in-class products.
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- 10 years of experience with 5+ years in management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the retail, or consumer products industry.
- Passionate, customer-focused, and innovative mindset.
- Team-oriented and detail-oriented approach.
- Enthusiastic and service-minded personality.
Additional Information
The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive 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.

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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 TWDC (Japan) Ltd., which is part of a business we call Disney Experiences.

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