Sales Planning & Analytics Manager

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures is seeking a manager to work within Domestic Distribution to provide strategic and analytical insight on Disney’s theatrical releases. The position will work with the team to provide film dating guidance, box office forecasts and performance analysis.  The role requires superior strategic, financial and quantitative analysis skills.  The individual must possess the ability to interface effectively with multiple levels of management.

This position requires strong presentation capabilities, both verbal and written, and expertise in Excel. It requires an individual who can analyze and translate data that will influence and drive management decisions by revealing trends and insights.  The ideal candidate is result-oriented, proactive, independent, high-energy, and consistently brings a positive attitude.

The Sales Planning & Analytics Manager is responsible for providing analytical and strategic support to executive management regarding the theatrical release of Disney films (including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century and Searchlight).

The role also serves as a liaison between the sales and operations teams as well as with ComScore, to ensure accurate film content fulfillment, reliable box office reporting, and effective management of the internal booking system. The individual is expected to work collaboratively with many different departments (Studio Operations, Finance, Auditing, Business Strategy, Sales, Cinema Partnerships, International Distribution)

This position offers an opportunity for cross-functional collaboration, as the Sales Planning & Analytics Manager is responsible for actively engaging with multiple departments to drive projects, coordinate initiatives, and ensure seamless communication and alignment throughout the division. In this role, the Manager is expected to take ownership of projects from inception to completion, driving them forward with initiatives and accountability while offering guidance and collaboration to junior team members.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze and translate complex data into a compelling narrative that inform and drive key stakeholder decisions. Conduct domestic box office forecasting and reporting, delivering in-depth new release reporting and detailed performance insights using business intelligence in support of film planning and strategic initiatives.  Develop, manage and evaluate box office reports and trackers, sharing actionable insights on performance and forecasts. Present analyses and recommendations to executive stakeholders across the organization and partner with Director and VP-level team members on new business evaluations to optimize the theatrical distribution of the film slate.

• Serve as a liaison with the Operations team to collect, monitor and report content specifications for upcoming releases; manage the internal booking system to ensure accurate and timely content fulfillment and billing; and coordinate with ComScore to ensure precise box office reporting.

• Maintain and distribute the internal release calendar while monitoring, tracking, and communicating relevant changes to the competitive release landscape.

• Act as liaison with technology and finance teams – ensuring accurate system(s) reporting and responding to forecasting and billing questions, as well as any ad-hoc analysis.

• Quarterly earnings analysis and summary reporting of exhibitor and key partner financial performance.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in finance, business planning or other quantitative field.

• Expert in Excel and PowerPoint; ability to effectively translate data onto a presentation format, with minimal oversight.

• Strong Excel modelling skills must be comfortable working in and building Excel models.

• Excellent communication skills, including presentation development and delivery.

• Ability to work well with cross-functional teams and prioritize work.

• Ability to influence others by telling a story with data to make business improvements.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• A high degree of motivation and a proficient understanding of the domestic theatrical distribution industry and landscape.

• Availability during non-office hours, including rotational early mornings, weekends and holidays.

• Excellent time and project management skills, with the ability to manage detailed work and communicate project status effectively to all levels.

• Highly collaborative and team-oriented work style.

• Ability to lead projects independently from start to finish, working with internal and external teams to make decisions and maintain momentum.

• Ability to supervise and mentor interns, providing guidance and ensuring clear understanding of project objectives and timelines.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment and deal effectively with pressure.

Education

• MBA preferred

• Bachelor degree in a field of analytical study.

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $108,900 - $140,900 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.