Retail Creative Manager

About the Role:

The Retail Creative Manager for Disney Experiences leads a team of creative professionals in shaping immersive, branded retail environments that bring Disney stories to life across theme parks, resorts, and consumer retail locations worldwide. In this management role, you will supervise and mentor designers, set strategic priorities, and ensure every retail touchpoint reflects Disney's creative, customer-focused, and innovative spirit.

Responsibilities:

As Retail Creative Manager, you will oversee the end-to-end creative process for environmental graphics, thematic overlays, and retail presentation campaigns that support a broad portfolio of Disney brands and franchises across physical and digital retail experiences. You will supervise daily activities of your team, set priorities and deadlines, and collaborate closely with partners in visual merchandising, store design, and operations to deliver strategic, guest-centric retail solutions that drive engagement and revenue. This role matters because it connects creative vision to business results, requiring a collaborative, adaptable manager who is a strategic mentor and problem-solver.

·       Lead and supervise a team of retail creative designers, holding self and others accountable for delivering high-quality, on-brand work that meets agreed commitments.

·       Plan and prioritize team workload by translating organizational and segment goals into clear creative strategies, expectations, and project outcomes for retail campaigns and store initiatives.

·       Develop strategy, design, concepts, fabrication, and implementation of environmental graphics and thematic overlays for film, seasonal, and new product launches across a large portfolio of retail locations.

·       Manage the Retail Creative process from concept through execution, including sourcing, vendor management, design specifications, and coordination of multiple simultaneous store design projects.

·       Collaborate with architects, interior designers, retail concept designers, visual merchandisers, and cross-functional partners to deliver cohesive store refreshes, new store openings, and branded retail experiences.

·       Ensure all campaigns and retail presentations reflect the highest standards of quality, maintain brand consistency, and present one cohesive look and feel across physical and digital touchpoints.

·       Distribute and assign design projects, providing continuous coaching, feedback, tools, and resources to support team members' growth, performance, and career aspirations.

·       Build collaborative partnerships with Visual Merchandising, Store Design, WDI, Operations, and external vendors to plan product presentations, fixtures, and merchandise flows that enhance the guest experience and drive revenue.

·       Create and manage communication processes related to overlays, signage, and graphics to ensure clear, timely information flow for field execution and multi-site retail initiatives.

·       Use market trend research and storytelling-driven design to propose innovative retail concepts and experiential solutions that align with Disney's creative, guest-centric values.

·       Demonstrate care, compassion, and cultural awareness by fostering a team-oriented, inclusive environment where Disney values are experienced and every voice is heard.

Required Qualifications:

·       Minimum 5 years of graphic design or closely related creative experience, including at least 1+ years in a management or supervisory capacity.

·       Bachelor's Degree or higher in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related creative field.

·       Outstanding design vision with a proven track record of delivering innovative branded retail experiences across physical and/or digital environments.

·       Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for graphic and environmental design, plus strong skills in standard office productivity tools for presentations and communication.

·       Knowledge of visual merchandising best practices, retail product presentation, and display design, with experience creating compelling, revenue-driving retail presentations.

·       Technical proficiency in print production processes, materials, vendor workflows, and installation, with the ability to standardize fixtures and support new fixture development.

·       Ability to read and work with construction documents, space planning details, and fabrication partners to achieve high-quality design execution.

·       Strong project management and organizational skills, including time management, prioritization, and the ability to manage multiple projects in parallel within evolving environments.

·       Excellent collaboration skills with a diplomatic, team-oriented approach and the ability to build credible relationships and influence partners at all levels.

·       Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills, including comfort presenting creative concepts and updates to leaders and cross-functional teams.

·       Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment, handle confidential and sensitive information, and adapt to changing protocols and business needs.

·       Service-minded, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented mindset with a positive attitude and proactive problem-solving approach in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       10+ years of graphic, brand, or retail design experience, ideally with in-house brand-side or retail environment focus.

·       Experience with 3D design and modeling software (e.g., Rhino, SketchUp, Maya, or similar) and ability to develop 3D mock-ups and renderings for retail spaces.

·       Basic understanding of motion graphics and video applications, and experience producing videos or animations for retail or marketing content.

·       Ability to sketch and quickly convey design ideas through moodboards and visual storytelling tools.

·       Experience with project management or collaboration software tools and a strong desire to learn and leverage new technologies for communication and data management.

·       Proven knowledge and understanding of The Walt Disney Company, its policies, procedures, and brand portfolio, including franchises such as Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.

·       Preferred education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Retail Design, or a closely related field with emphasis on brand or retail environments.

○ The hiring range for this position in Kissimmee, FL is $83,000.00-$111,200.00 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.