India Retail Expansion and Franchise Lead

Wherever you are in the amazing world of Disney, you are contributing to the stories of our iconic brands, recognised 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 result in an inclusive employee experience characterised by continuous learning, development and achievement.

Role DescriptionThe Manager, Integrated Retail will be responsible for shaping and executing retail and channel strategies in India. Working under the guidance of regional and country leads, this role adapts global, APAC, and local franchise strategies to India’s market priorities.A key focus is to expand product distribution across leading retailers and licensing partners, ensuring scalable growth across categories and franchises. By leveraging data and consumer insights, the Manager will identify white-space opportunities, strengthen retail presence, and deliver initiatives that drive sales and brand visibility.

The role requires building and managing senior-level relationships with retailers and licensees, aligning on joint growth plans, and delivering against Disney’s 365 franchise strategy across campaigns, theatrical releases, and consumer moments. Close collaboration with regional and local category, franchise, and marketing teams will be essential to maximise synergies and impact. Areas of Responsibility

Strategy & GrowthTranslate and localize global / APAC retail strategies into actionable plans for India.Develop retail growth plans by identifying market opportunities, category gaps, and scalable initiatives.Build joint business plans with key retailers and align shopper marketing calendars with marketing teamsRetail PartnershipsExpand product distribution and optimize sell-through across retail channels and categories.Build strategic relationships with retailers and partners to ensure cohesive execution of franchise plans.Lead franchise communication to retailers and licensees, including business reviews.Sales, Targets & BudgetsPartner with category and regional leads to set annual retail growth and distribution targets.Maximize commercial opportunities for licensees and promotional partners around key campaigns and releases.Manage local shopper marketing budgets, in partnership with marketing teams, ensuring effective allocation to drive impact.Leadership & CollaborationSet and deliver channel and retail goals for the India teamCollaborate cross-functionally with franchise, marketing, and category teams to drive unified activations.Share market feedback with regional teams to inform retail models and future strategies.Advocacy & CommunicationsBuild Disney’s retail story in India by sharing success stories with PR / communications teams.Support consumer and trade events with retailers and licensees to amplify franchise visibility.

Skills & Qualifications8–12 years’ experience in retail, channel management, licensing, or consumer goodsStrong commercial acumen with proven ability to use insights to drive growth.Demonstrated success in managing senior-level retailer and licensee relationships.Track record of executing retail and franchise activations at scale.Strong leadership skills, with experience setting goals, developing teams, and driving performance.Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.Agile, results-driven, and comfortable balancing strategic priorities with hands-on delivery.Passion for Disney franchises and ability to bring them to life at retail.