About the Role & Team

The Operating Participants organization develops and implements strategies related to the procurement and subsequent management of unique and relevant third party “Operating Participant (“OP”)” relationships within Disney Theme Parks, Resorts, Retail, Dining and Entertainment (RD&E) environments as well as any other businesses operated by an OP which supports or enhances the overall Guest Experience at the Walt Disney World® Resort

What You Will Do

The Operating Participants Manager will have the primary responsibility of managing and developing a varied portfolio of existing Operating Participant Tenants in alignment with organizational priorities and business needs. Specifically, the Manager will be responsible for understanding Tenant obligations and ensuring compliance with Disney Standards for Operating Participant hotels, retail, restaurant, recreation, cart & kiosk, and service provider operations. Assist with the development of OP business recommendations to executive partners, negotiating leases, and supporting design and development activities related to renovations and refurbishments of venues currently open for operation or new venues prior to opening to the public. Additionally, this role will provide operational expertise needed to support the business development team and master planning efforts of large scale future tenant related projects. While this role will have the support of the Operating Participants organization, the person in this role is expected to be able to work independently, be resourceful and skilled in demonstrating strong networking with internal and external partners to;

• Drive business performance of your portfolio

• Streamline effective processes

• Prioritize work, stay forward-thinking and focused on key priorities

• Ensure OP Tenants deliver on product and service excellence

Lease management:

Partner with stakeholders to negotiate Lease Amendments, Services Agreements, letter Agreements and Lease renewal terms related to their portfolio accounts. In addition, this role will be expected to develop and maintain existing lease database/documentation and ensure any changes to deal terms are accurately documented. Partner with Tenant Coordination (“TC”) Team on all OP design review meetings/coordinate tenant drawing submittals to Disney internal collaborators/partners and track progress, prepare mitigation/contingency plans and identify any applicable risks to Disney customers, monitor Lease obligations to ensure delivery dates required by lease are met, and leverage tenant design criteria manuals provided by TC.

Account management:

Act as Lease administrator or “Landlord” by coordinating of all approval processes, partnering with key internal partners including Walt Disney Imagineering; adherence to Disney standards, ensure routine operational audits are conducted and action plans are established and managed; act as owner’s representative on new projects; assist with development, documentation and implementation of any new processes and procedures.

Guests/client satisfaction:

Nurture internal and external business relationships at corporate executive and local levels; develop, drive and manage Operating Participant business opportunities; provide guidance and support to Disney operational leadership and LOB/functional key customers.

Cast excellence/department:

Maintenance and development of departmental operating guidelines, policies and procedures; build alliances with key internal and external customers, at all levels of the organization to articulate an understanding of the value of Operating Participant business, make informed recommendations, be a trusted resource, influential partner and consultant in tenanting strategy.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Operational management experience and expertise in retail, food & beverage, hotel and/or real estate management/development experience

• Shown capability to manage and drive strategic problem solving and the development of practical business solutions

• Proven self-starter; motivated

• Proven ability to communicate in a highly organized, persuasive, confident and credible manner when dealing with executive level partners (internally and externally)

• Proven ability to lead and serve as subject matter expert related to lease enforcement efforts

• Demonstrated success as an effective leader/partner/collaborator

• Demonstrated skills in developing and maintaining effective business relationships

• Demonstrated skills/experience with successful Project Management

• Strong negotiation skills, specifically of lease Agreement deal terms for new Leases or renewal of existing Lease Agreements

• Ability to work in a flexible environment with competing priorities – should have strong multi-tasking abilities

• Skilled verbal and written communication skills with proven ability to facilitate challenging discussions in a professional manner

• Solid financial competence; ability to manage/forecast business trends; understanding of financial statements (P&L, Cash Flow)

• Experience working with contractual agreements; ability to manage legal contracts/agreements

• Ability to influence Tenants and internal customers

• Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in business related field or equivalent

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business related field or equivalent

Disability accommodation for employment applications

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

The Walt Disney Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.