Costume Development Manager (Internal Assignment / Project Hire)

About the Role & Team:

Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences. From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over. This diverse team – representing a wide variety of disciplines and talents from technical directors, writers and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, incomparable ingenuity, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust.  

The Costume Development Manager will lead operational costume design and development projects from initial planning to final delivery and installation. This individual will act as the face of the projects to all levels of stakeholders from Executives to Hourly Union Cast.

The Costume Development Manager will report to the Manager - Costume Design & Development.

This role is an Internal Assignment/Project Hire with no guarantee of permanent placement.

What You Will Do:

• Lead project planning including scope, creative content, project timeline, and financials

• Lead and coordinate project execution including project buyer oversight, issuance of work authorizations, task prioritization, coordination of functionality, and design reviews

• Maintain the balance between cost, quality, and timeliness, to ensure the successful completion of each project on target, on time, and on budget

• Assure the creative design intent is balanced with practical manufacturing and operational considerations throughout the development phase by maintaining communications and facilitating interactions between the Designer and other members of the development team

• Collaborate with Pre-Production staff to ensure transition from development into mass production for offshore and domestic manufacturing

• Participate in creative development work sessions to facilitate scope definition and initial R.O.M. financial estimate

• Collaborate with Costume Designer, Project/Fabric Buyer, to refine project scope as materials are selected and construction methods are refined

• Facilitate creative advancement by encouraging innovation with materials, methods, and construction techniques

• Assure functional reviews are conducted of prototype costumes and the feedback is accurately considered for incorporation into the design

• Assure adequate documentation of photo, garment, and design illustrations are prepared for inclusion in PLM, GUS (Garment Utilization System), and all costume collateral or promotional materials

• Facilitate resolution of quality and functionality issues that result from the initial release and usage of costume components

• Present designs/projects to various levels of partners including senior executives

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 5+ years of experience in product development focusing on the garment industry

• 3+ years of experience in leading project teams

• Experience using SAP to track projects and/or budget health

• Skilled in delivering compelling, insightful, & accurate presentations to all levels of clients, including senior executives

• Knowledge of garment construction

• Skilled in picking the right textile for specific uses based on the textile properties and the end-use

• Experience working in a team environment where collaboration is key

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage partners at all levels

• Previous experience in planning, problem-solving, conflict resolution, influencing, and negotiating

• Ability to work around all types of fabrics, fibers, and synthetic furs 

• Valid Passport

• Willingness to travel both domestically and internationally up to 20% of the time

• Schedule availability to work flexible hours including weekends, nights, and holidays

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in Experience in the Theatre, Costume, Merchandise, or the Fashion Industry

• Skilled in purchasing software, GUS (Garment Utilization System), and PLM

• Knowledge using SharePoint, Smartsheet, and Adobe Suite

• Experience in Product Buying

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required

• Advanced Degree in Fashion, Costuming, Merchandising, Project Management, or related preferred

Additional Information:

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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