Costume Development Manager (Internal Assignment / Project Hire)

Job ID 10143387 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Mar. 05, 2026

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Job Summary:

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.

#DLEJobs

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About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Disney Imagineering Live, LLC, which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

Disney Imagineering Live, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. 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.

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Explore this Location Lake Buena Vista, FL

Lake Buena Vista is home to the Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment complex, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and several resort hotels are located with the City limits.