COMPLETE Sourcing Manager - Kissimmee, FL, USA

Job Posting Title:

Sourcing Manager

Req ID:

10066156

Job Description:

The Sourcing Manager, Global Sourcing and Product Development drives product development and sourcing strategies for a complex category or portfolio of product categories across all markets and distribution channels worldwide (Disney stores, shopDisney.com, Theme Parks & Resorts and global Shop-In-Shop retail partners). Working with the Manager, Sourcing, the Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing short and long range global, omni-channel supplier tactics to support distribution of a global product line while balancing need for localization and speed-to-market.

The Sourcing Manager will also shepherd the product development and sampling process from concept through Final Line Review in close partnership with Product Design and Merchandising. Key responsibilities include vendor and material innovation, feasibility assessments, suggestions on design for manufacturing, cost analysis and estimates, supplier negotiations, managing and synthesizing vendor communication, and managing the sampling process to drive to a final, approved development sample and final cost and vendor placement by Final Line Review.

Sourcing Strategy

• Drive short range category supplier strategies in partnership with DGS and Production/Responsible Sourcing teams.
• Identify needs for new suppliers as applicable, partner with DGS and Responsible Sourcing to identify and vet potential new partners, including leading costing and sampling exercises. Work with TWDC Global Product & Labor Standards to ensure compliance policies are met.
• Stay current on the macro-economic and geo-political impacts to cost and delivery - currency fluctuations, commodity rates, labor rates, trade agreements and disputes, COVID policies, environmental policies, etc.
• Support and implement Sourcing strategies that support global distribution while balancing localization and/or parallel sourcing and speed-to-market needs.
• Execute Sourcing strategies that maximize profitability and minimize risk with a goal of year-over-year improvement.
• Keep abreast of regulatory changes that impact the global marketplace, particularly in the space of product quality and sustainability.

Product Development & Costing (Cross functional partnership with Product Design, and Merchandising)

• Partner with Manager Sourcing, Responsible Sourcing, Production, and Trade Compliance to build and present the seasonal Sourcing Kick-off presentation inclusive of macro-economic/trade updates and costing forecasts.
• Proactively seek new opportunities, ideas, techniques, and materials to drive product innovation with both new and existing suppliers.
• Drive material platforming and recommend sustainable product engineering solutions to ensure sustainability goals are met.
• Partner with Product Design to manage product finalization including final development samples, costing, and vendor placement to ensure on-time handoff to Production to support established in-store and online launch dates.
• Optimize global merchandise productivity and profitability by identifying and mitigating cost drivers.

Productivity and Process

• Track all samples and shepherd approvals up until an approved pre-pro sample. Track progress of development and sampling against key milestone dates through daily/weekly maintenance of the Development Tracking Report.
• Prepare standard and/or any ad-hoc reports as requested (time & action calendars, status updates, etc.).
• Responsible for ensuring products meet established standards for safety and quality in all intended sale markets, including monitoring quarterly Product Review Requests (PRRs) with product integrity partners.
• Send status report to Production team with all confirmed information and any late/pending information.

Collaboration & Communication

• Develop and cultivate strong partnerships with best-in-class suppliers and across TWDC and with the global merchant, Design, Production, Buying and Planning teams as they pertain to the sourcing and development of best-in-category Disney-branded merchandise.
• Contact suppliers/vendors to follow up and verify the accuracy of provided data, resolve routine issues, and ensure supplier alignment with Disney processes and procedures.
• Communicate development and sampling status to Merchandising and Design during weekly cross-functional meetings and as required.
• Attend quarterly product strategy meetings to develop sourcing strategies around key initiatives.
• Leverage knowledge of the Company's products and services to manage the needs of diverse stakeholders and ensure effective collaboration with cross-functional partners and vendors.

Leadership

• As project manager, led by example as a key change agent; create a culture that fosters teamwork, and innovation while driving accountability to results.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.
• Collaborate and lead cross-functional team members through all aspects of supplier strategy, cost negotiation, placement, product development, product safety/quality and on-time deliveries.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising/Product Development/Design, Retail Management, General/International Business, Supply Chain, or 5-8 years of related experience.
• 5-8 years of progressive experience in Product Development/Design, Merchandising, or Sourcing for specialty retail or consumer products in a global, omni-channel environment.
• Working knowledge of the omni-channel retail marketplace globally with experience in Sourcing and/or Product Development of multiple product categories. Relevant category experience in a Sourcing, Product Development, or Merchandising role is a MUST.
• Passion for product creation and item detail.
• Command of manufacturing processes, materialization, and the key drivers of cost in development.
• Skills and experience to drive execution against a financial plan.

Key Relationships

• Key Partners: Merchandising, Product Design, Packaging, Responsible Sourcing and Production, Operations, Merchandise Planning, DTCR Global Buying/Parks Location Strategy, Sustainability/CSR, Materials Sourcing, International Labor Standards, Product Integrity, Disney Global Sourcing and Agent partners, Manufacturing suppliers
• Reports to:  Manager, Merchandise Sourcing and Product Development
• If needed, may have 1 or 2 Sourcing Specialist or Assistant Source Mgr as direct reports

Job Posting Segment:

Consumer Products Games & Publishing

Job Posting Primary Business:

Source, Compliance, Logistics

Primary Job Posting Category:

Retail Merchandising - Sourcing

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Kissimmee, FL, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2023-10-23