Manager, Franchise Strategy - Western

JOB SUMMARY:

The UDX Franchise Strategy team drives the global vision and strategic development and execution of franchise strategy and plans to cultivate Intellectual Property (IP) growth and drive revenue throughout the franchise ecosystem. We are a high-performing team of makers, thinkers, leaders and rebels whose passion is to ignite ideas every day, in a culture that celebrates creativity, fresh thinking, executional excellence and each other.

The Manager, Franchise Strategy is responsible for partnering with the Director and Vice President to lead the growth and development of UDX licensed properties (Western) into global franchises. Key functions include long term strategic planning for priority IP, ideation and execution of new business models, and creation of innovative marketing plans that maximize licensed IP cross-company, ensure long-term success, and ultimately drive revenue and brand value for NBCUniversal.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Franchise Management
  • Partner with Director on the development of strategic global business plans for external franchises for Western IP and support in guiding implementation to drive UDX revenue and build brands.
  • Partner with Director and with the Destinations in annual business planning considering lifecycle, revenue potential, portfolio fit and long-term proposition.
  • First point of contact with Warner Bros. and Western IPs Franchise external partner teams to develop strategies that are mutually beneficial across the portfolio.
  • Provide input as a thought leader to drive innovation with new models, unique partnerships and first of its kind go to market strategies.
  • Support the analysis and tracking of relevant metrics to support business case modelling and scenarios.
• Franchise Stewardship
  • Support Director and Vice President as the franchise champions and ambassadors for internal and external needs.
  • Partner with Director to connect key franchise stakeholders and oversee cross-company activations, including bridge year campaigns.
  • Support the creation of creative briefs to ideate authentic and merchandisable franchise extensions and refreshes.
• Communication & Collaboration
  
  • Ensure presentations and other communications are best in class and shared among all relevant parties and support clarity of message and alignment.
  • Support the Director in franchise communication to and in support of all Destinations: UOR, USH, USJ, UBR, USS, UKR, and UHU on franchise vision, ideation and strategies.
  • Contribute to the advancement and actualization of UDX’s inclusion commitments
• Professional Leadership
  
  • Serve as a champion for best-in-class culture with an emphasis on collaboration, innovation and inclusion
  • Lead the professional development of direct reports through continuous training and coaching
  • Manage direct reports full-cycle including but not limited to managing team member performance, concerns, engagement, performance reviews and goals
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 years’ general experience; or combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years in Franchise Management or Brand Marketing preferred 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Based in Orlando with periodic travel (up to 10%) to Los Angeles or other partner locations.
• Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred in marketing or related field
• Experience working with entertainment brands is a plus
• Proven presentations skills with executive presence and leadership
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to think strategically and conceptually
• Comfortable adapting to change in a continuously evolving environment

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

Universal Orlando Resort. Here you can.

Universal Orlando is an equal opportunity employer. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. EOE