Manager of Development & Strategies

About the Role: The Mgr-Development & Strategies is a key leader within Disney Experiences, responsible for guiding a multi-disciplined team of engineers and architecture who develop and optimize facility related strategies and asset management systems across the Walt Disney World Resort. This role shapes the long-term technical asset strategies and integrated facilities planning to support safe, reliable, and innovative environments that elevate the Guest and Cast experience in our theme parks, resorts, and related operations. This position will report to the Senior Manager-Design Integration. Responsibilities: In this management role, you will provide strategic direction and operational leadership for asset lifecycle strategies across multiple facility systems. You will align technical roadmaps with business priorities, partner across Disney Experiences to support complex sitewide initiatives, and ensure that facilities projects and asset strategies are creative, customer-focused, and operationally sound. This role matters because it connects long-term facilities planning, data-driven systems, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver reliable, innovative environments for Guests and Cast, requiring a strategic, knowledgeable leader who can prioritize, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team. • Lead the development and execution of integrated facilities planning strategies, actively shaping scope, technical direction, and asset investment priorities to support long-term portfolio performance. • Balance strategic leadership with direct contribution, guiding organizational priorities while participating in critical planning, assessment, and problem-solving efforts across the business. • Apply technical expertise to inform asset evaluations, scope development, and investment decisions, ensuring risks are proactively addressed and resources are aligned to business needs. Lead development of discipline inspection programs partnering with QA, ES, and IFP teams. • Partner across project management, operations, and engineering organizations to deliver integrated solutions that enhance reliability while protecting the Guest and Cast experience. • Influence decision-making through trusted relationships, clear communication, and practical insight, connecting enterprise initiatives to effective site-level execution. • Develop organizational capability through coaching, mentorship, and hands-on leadership, fostering team growth, accountability, and technical excellence. • Lead by example in creating a collaborative, innovative, and service-focused culture where Disney values are demonstrated through action and results. Required Qualifications: • Licensed Architect or Professional Engineering (PE) license in Florida or in a state with reciprocity to Florida. • 10+ years of professional experience in a multi-discipline architecture/engineering or technical environment. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with Autodesk Revit and Forma or comparable design and planning applications. • Knowledge of safety procedures and protocols applicable to facilities, construction, and operational environments. • Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to envision future possibilities and create breakthrough systems and planning strategies. • Demonstrated ability to plan and prioritize work aligned with organizational goals, managing multiple complex initiatives in a dynamic environment. • Excellent collaboration and influencing skills, with experience partnering across multiple lines of business and levels of leadership to resolve issues and drive integration. • Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical topics to non-technical peers and executives to support clear decision making. • Demonstrated experience building, mentoring, and leading high-performing, diverse teams in a collaborative, service-minded, and customer-focused environment. Education • Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field such as Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline. Preferred Qualifications: • Master's degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, or MBA. • Five or more years of experience leading project or organizational teams with salaried direct reports in complex, multi-site or campus environments. • Experience in themed entertainment, hospitality, or large campus facilities integrating multi-discipline design, operations, and planning teams. • Active participation in professional organizations related to architecture, engineering, facilities management, or systems planning to stay current with industry trends and best practices. Additional Information Benefits and Perks: 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 #DXMEDIA #LI-MC1 #DXFOS The hiring range for this position in Florida is $120,800.00-$161,900.00 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.