📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Manager, Publishing Creative
🔹 Company: The Walt Disney Company
🔹 Location: Minato-ku, Japan
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Publishing - Creative Content-Art/Design
🔹 Date Posted: May 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Generating innovative ideas and executing concepts that align with the Disney brand across various touchpoints
- Working closely with licensees and cross-functional teams to ensure creative outputs meet business objectives
- Supervising and directing local content and characters/design usage in print, digital, product, and educational materials
- Reviewing local licensee product submissions and branded content within the online approval process system
- Managing the distribution of art resources, information, and assets between creative partners and external agencies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the Disney brand, franchises, characters, and stories. Experience and expertise in digital illustration and familiarity with Manga development are highly desirable.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Generate innovative ideas and execute concepts that align with the brand vision and standards across various touchpoints, including print, digital, product, and educational materials
✅ Work closely with licensees, category managers, and creative directors to convey creative guidelines, brand integrity, and Disney quality
✅ Supervise and direct local content and characters/design usage in print, digital, product, and educational materials, performing new licensees’ induction meetings on a regular basis
✅ Review local licensee product submissions, product line artwork, and branded content within the online approval process system
✅ Manage the distribution of art resources, information, and assets, i.e., style guides, art portfolios, and brand manuals, between creative partners and external agencies
✅ Provide creative solutions and support to commercial teams for pitches and presentations
✅ Work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product development, and sales, to ensure that creative outputs meet business objectives
✅ Support the APAC Publishing Creative team with art/design requests and tasks
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong art, design, creative, and project management skills to deliver projects within budget, to meet deadlines, using good communication skills, and to achieve creative excellence.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Design, Graphics, Visual Arts/Communication, Advertising, or a related field.
Experience: 3 to 5+ years of extensive experience in art, illustration, design, graphic arts, or media. Ideally, candidates will have a creative background in publishing, advertising agencies, or home entertainment.
Required Skills:
- Exceptional ability to develop and execute innovative ideas in graphic and/or video formats
- Possess illustration experience, with a foundation in drawing, color theory, and composition. Versatility in various illustration techniques and media is a plus
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment with a proactive approach to creativity
- Keen eye for detail and a strong passion for the Disney brand
- Excellent project management and analytical skills, with a proven track record of meeting deadlines
- Broad design skill set and a strong understanding of trends, branding communications, and digital content creation, extending beyond social media platforms
- Strong team player with a positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile, including working extended hours when necessary to meet deadlines
- Experience in managing and directing external production agencies and creative collaborators on various projects
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
- Strong English and Japanese skills
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with 3D design concepts
- Experience in multimedia storytelling
ASSUMPTION: A strong design portfolio showcasing creative work is essential for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Manager, Publishing Creative role in Japan, the estimated salary range is ¥8,000,000 - ¥12,000,000 per year. This range may vary based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Working in a dynamic and creative environment
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours. Occasional extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The Walt Disney Company operates in the entertainment industry, focusing on the creation and distribution of content across various platforms, including film, television, and theme parks.
Company Size: The Walt Disney Company has over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: The Walt Disney Company was founded in 1923 by Walt Disney and has since grown into a global entertainment powerhouse.
Company Description:
- Imagine a career at Disneyland Paris. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in a dynamic and multicultural team of talent that welcomes our Guests every day to create magical souvenirs they’ll cherish forever.
- The success in delivering these projects and their stories is thanks to our team of 15,000 Cast Members who live Walt Disney’s vision: they bring imagination and wonder to our guests while seeing their own careers flourish.
Company Specialties:
- Marketing
- Communication
- Ingénierie
- Ressources Humaines
- Ventes
- Finance
- Juridique
- Développement immobilier
- Informatique
- Evénementiel
- Supply Chain
- Logisitique
- Achats
- Revenue Management
- Etudes
- Stratégie
- Audit
- Construction
- pricing
- Accueil
- Tourisme
- and Hôtellerie
Company Website: careers.disneylandparis.com
ASSUMPTION: The company description and specialties provided are based on the information available for Disneyland Paris, as the main company website does not provide detailed information about the company's specialties.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a management position, requiring experience and expertise in art, design, and project management.
Reporting Structure: The Manager, Publishing Creative will report to the Senior Manager, APAC Creative Publishing, with dotted line reporting to the Global Art and Design team. Functional reporting will be into the VP, APAC & MENA Publishing and Digital Experiences.
Work Arrangement: This role requires an on-site presence at the Tokyo office, with occasional remote work possible.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to senior management or leadership roles within the creative department
- Expansion of responsibilities to include additional regions or product categories
- Development of skills and expertise in areas such as brand management, strategic planning, or team leadership
ASSUMPTION: Growth opportunities will depend on the candidate's performance, the organization's needs, and the availability of suitable positions.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Tokyo office is a modern and collaborative workspace, designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Office Location(s): Minato-ku, Japan
Geographic Context:
- Minato-ku is a central district in Tokyo, known for its bustling business environment and convenient access to public transportation
- The office is located near Toranomon Station, providing easy access to various amenities and attractions
- Tokyo offers a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and entertainment options
Work Schedule: Standard working hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Occasional extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on collaboration and creativity.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the senior manager or VP
- Background check and reference verification
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creativity and innovation
- Art and design skills
- Project management and organizational skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Alignment with Disney's brand and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a strong design portfolio showcasing your creative work
- Research Disney's brand, franchises, and recent projects to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the company
ATS Keywords: Disney, publishing, creative, management, art, design, illustration, project management, brand, franchise, character, storytelling, multimedia, 3D, Japanese, English
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the organization's needs.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft PowerPoint and Keynote
- 3D design software (e.g., Blender, Maya)
- Online approval process system (e.g., Adobe Experience Manager)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required may vary depending on the candidate's role and responsibilities.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Quality
- Storytelling
- Creativity
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on delivering high-quality results
- Adaptable and responsive to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Disney's core values, particularly innovation and storytelling?
- How do you handle working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with tight deadlines?
- How do you approach managing and directing external production agencies and creative collaborators?
ASSUMPTION: Cultural fit is essential for success in this role, as it requires a strong understanding of and alignment with Disney's brand, values, and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working with diverse teams and stakeholders across different regions and time zones
- Adapting to changes in priorities and project scope
- Maintaining a strong work-life balance in a fast-paced environment
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong project management skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on publishing creative content for the Disney brand in the APAC region
- Similar roles may include Art Director, Creative Director, or Senior Designer positions, but this role offers a more specialized focus on publishing and the Disney brand
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior management or leadership positions within the creative department or broader publishing and digital experiences teams
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work with the Disney brand and contribute to the creation and distribution of high-quality publishing content in the APAC region.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a new product line for a licensee, including concept creation, design, and approval
- Creating branded content for an online campaign, including concept development, illustration, and multimedia integration
- Reviewing and approving local licensee product submissions, ensuring brand integrity and quality standards
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role and may vary depending on the candidate's specific role and responsibilities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the APAC Publishing Creative team?
- How does this role contribute to the overall success of the APAC Publishing and Digital Experiences teams?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working with licensees and external production agencies?
- How does the company support the professional growth and development of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help the candidate better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, as well as to demonstrate their interest and enthusiasm for the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a strong design portfolio showcasing your creative work
- Research Disney's brand, franchises, and recent projects to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the company
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
