Senior Manager, Menu Planning & Development

About the Role & Team

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive changes in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us!

At WDI, the Menu Planning team drives the collaborative development, approval, and communication of the WDI “product” view of Disney Parks global experience strategic planning, known as the menu plan, and leads global strategic projects that help inform decision-making. 

You will report to the Executive Menu Planning.

This is a Full-Time role.

What You Will Do

The Senior Manager, Menu Planning and Development will drive the collaborative development, approval, and communication of the WDI “product” view of Disney Parks global experience strategic planning, known as the menu plan, and lead global strategic projects that help inform decision-making. The team works closely with WDI leaders and groups outside of WDI including Operations, Finance, CIMA, Commercial, & Global Business Development to lead and evolve WDI's project slate for all global locations to guide the greatest strategic value.

As a Senior Manager, Menu Planning and Development, you will:

• Develop comprehensive, menu plan strategies that connect business and audience need with an experience solution, influencing new concepts and formats.

• Convene strategic forums to guide experience menu decisions and facilitate early development alignment between WDI and site leadership.

• Lead cross-menu strategic projects to deepen the value of WDI’s delivery against Guest, business, and creative objectives.

• Drive transformative Menu opportunities and strategies for improving the planning and development process within WDI and with segment partners.

• Lead the creation and synthesis of presentations and analytical tools which communicate planning strategy for WDI & DX leadership.

• Leverage global purview to connect insights and opportunities across the various global sites.

• Measure and recommend the potential impact and performance of new development while summarizing multiple sophisticated inputs into clear strategies and clear paths for decisions.

• Provide analytical guidance on menu programming scope to site portfolio leadership to guide decision making.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 7+ years of experience in strategic planning, portfolio/program management, or integrated producer/manager roles.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, global and cross-functional teams, people and initiatives.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across creative, business, and operational stakeholders.

• Proven ability to balance creative ambition with operational and financial realities.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Understanding of the WDI creative development process and knowledge of Disney Parks organization

• Demonstrated experience with the 5 and 10-year capital planning process, Menu Planning, and staffing strategies

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Finance, or related field

Preferred Education:

• Master of Business Administration

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. 

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $139,200 to $186,600 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The number of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay offered will consider internal equity and 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, depending on the level and position offered.