Sourcing Manager - Global Sourcing/Product Development

Sourcing Manager- Global Sourcing/Product Development

About the Role & Team

The Sourcing Manager, Global Sourcing and Product Development drives product development and sourcing strategies for a sophisticated 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)! We are 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.

What Will You Do?

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, environmental policies, etc.

• Support and implement Sourcing strategies that support global distribution while balancing localization and/or parallel sourcing and speed-to-market needs.

• Implement Sourcing strategies that improve profitability and minimize risk with a goal of year-over-year improvement.

• Stay ahead 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 balanced product engineering solutions to ensure sustainability goals are met.

• Partner with Product Design to lead product finalization including final development samples, costing, and vendor placement to ensure timely handoff to Production to support established in-store and online launch dates.

• Optimize global merchandise efficiency and profitability by identifying and mitigating cost drivers.

Productivity and Process

• Supervise all samples and shepherd approvals up until an approved pre-pro sample. Track progress of development and sampling against key timeline 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 supervising 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 positive relationships with outstanding 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 handle the needs of diverse collaborators and ensure effective collaboration with cross-functional partners and vendors.

Leadership

• As project manager, led by example as a key change agent; build a culture that champions collaboration, 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 timely deliveries.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 5 years or more of dynamic experience in Product Development/Design, Merchandising, or Sourcing for specialty retail or consumer products in a global, omni-channel environment.

• Confirmed understanding 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 requirement.

• Passion for product creation and item detail.

• Command of manufacturing processes, materialization, and the key drivers of cost in development.

• Perform skills and experience to drive execution against a financial plan.

• Partner with vendor and material innovation

• Perform feasibility assessments

• Provide suggestions on design for manufacturing

• Cost analysis and estimates and supplier negotiations

• Lead and synthesize vendor communication

• Handle the sampling process and approve development sample and final cost

• Vendor placement by Final Line Review

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising/Product Development/Design, Retail Management, General/International Business, Supply Chain, or related experience

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