Category Manager

About the Role & Team

At Disney, we are storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world.

As part of the Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) Ride and Show Strategic Sourcing Team, you’ll partner with the best in the business responsible for the creation – from concept initiation through installation – of all Disney Resorts, Theme Parks and Attractions and Live Entertainment.  Our group constantly pursues new ideas and technologies to help the Company’s many businesses drive value, with the overall mission being to steer compliance with internal policies and procedures, protect the Disney brand through risk mitigation and partner with the best the marketplace has to offer.   Come be part of the most interesting Company from the most interesting point of view.

What you Will Do

The Category Manager is responsible for leading and developing one or more direct-report Sourcing professionals, along with the concurrent responsibility of prime oversight, support and implementation of the entire procurement process for multiple complex Ride and Show related projects and contracts. You will be developing and implementing category sourcing and contracting strategies while ensuring the timely acquisition of materials optimizing total cost of ownership, sustainment, optimal value, safety, and quality assurance and control (QA/QC). This role requires proven and effective collaboration skills, and the ability to identify needs to support their Sourcing direct-reports, stakeholder teams, finance & controls, legal, project management and external partners, suppliers and vendors throughout the project lifecycle. 

Responsibilities of the Role:

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify category-specific suppliers, and other consultants based on defined selection criteria
• Early engagement in project development timeline from blue sky ideation, feasibility, concept, schematic, design development through completion of construction documents
• Manage the competitive bidding processes (RFQ/RFP) in accordance with TWDC policy and procedures, including sole/single/preferred source evaluation
• Execute contracts and change orders with post-award administration and negotiations, through contract close-out
• Assist, implement and influence supplier performance management programs that focus on contractual responsibility, quality, responsiveness and cost
• Ensure compliance with Strategic Sourcing policies and best practices
• Analyze market industry trends and conditions
• Communicate and report to management the status of any critical external relationships and/or market conditions or constraints that could affect planning and decision-making
• Provide input into the development of Strategic Sourcing’s annual plan

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Experience with design/production/and creative services sourcing strategies, including the development of contract/delivery strategies and process facilitation from bid to award
• Familiarization with the negotiation of key contractual language/terms and conditions (i.e. indemnification, limits of liability, ownership, etc.)
• Proven track record demonstrating integrity and ethics in all instances
• Ability to engage and establish confidence and trusted relationships with senior leadership and all position levels; both internal and external
• Solid leadership with experience coaching, managing, and developing talent
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving
• Refined written and oral communication, and proficient presentation abilities
• Strong negotiation skills, and project management experience
• Proven track record of meeting commitments and prioritization in a schedule-driven environment
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment (i.e., legal, controls, finance, risk management, safety, project management team, etc.) and desire to work in a diverse and inclusive environment
• Internal stakeholder focus – ability to identify/solicit key stakeholder needs and develop and implement strategies, processes and solutions
• Proven ability to quickly master new systems/platforms and tools
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with multiple key Ride and Show vendors and suppliers

Work Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in one or more of the following disciplines/roles:
• Sourcing and Procurement with a focus on associated contractual processes and strategies
• Design and Engineering with a preferred focus on mechanical and/or structural engineering
• Legal
• Project Management (PM)
• Estimating and/or Scheduling and Planning
• Finance/Controls
• Internal or external business consulting
• Management/development of individuals

Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree required in construction, design, engineering (mechanical and/or structural preferred), business administration, supply chain, or other associated discipline.

Preferred Education

• Master’s degree in business or another quantitative discipline preferred
• Legal and/or engineering background/knowledge desired