Job Description

Job Summary:

The Manager, Global Sourcing develops and cultivates strong partnerships with best-in-class suppliers and internal stakeholders as they pertain to the sourcing and production of best-in-category Disney-branded merchandise. In partnership with Senior Manager, Global Sourcing, s/he is responsible for building and executing Sourcing strategies across categories and/or departments. The Manager, Global Sourcing will lead, collaborate and produce results with regard to brand extension, product quality, time/cost efficiency and revenue growth.

This person serves in a strategic position utilizing knowledge of successful global sourcing and product development strategies to drive margins and improve efficiencies across all markets and distribution channels (owned & operated retail and wholesale). The Global Merchandise Sourcing team has nearly 100 team members in 6 different countries managing 450+ suppliers providing vertically developed merchandise for Disney stores, shopDisney.com, Parks & Resorts and wholesale partners worldwide.

This position reports to Senior Manager, Global Sourcing, and s/he will travel regularly domestically and internationally to ensure a presence with the various based sourcing teams and supplier community.

Responsibilities:

Sourcing and Product Compliance

* Develop and manage processes that foster a culture of protecting the Disney brand through responsibly-sourced quality merchandise that spans all categories (hardlines and/or softlines) distributed through Disneys owned and operated channels and wholesale partners
* Implement strategies in partnership with TWDC Global Product & Labor Standards to ensure compliance policies are met across all products and suppliers
* Execute merchandise quality, sustainability and risk management initiatives with best-in-class suppliers that evolve with both the needs of the business and industry standards
* Develop and deliver strategies in collaboration with cross-functional members that meet or exceed financial goals

Productivity and Process

* Optimize global merchandise productivity and profitability by identifying and mitigating cost drivers
* Actively rationalize and increase leveraging of strategic suppliers across all direct-to-consumer business (Disney Stores, shopDisney.com, Parks & Resorts and flexible business models/wholesale)
* Manage sourcing strategies that evolve with shifts in trade policies and allow for flexibility through an on-going, active knowledge of a dynamic geo-political landscape
* Ability to manage flexible product development models that drive increased creativity and innovation from suppliers and licensees

Leadership

* 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
* Lead and direct employee development, engagement and diversity to advance a culture of collaboration and organizational vibrancy

Strategy and Vision

* Identify sourcing strategies that support global distribution while balancing need for localization and speed-to-market
* Develop sourcing strategies that maximize profitability and minimize risk with a goal of year-over-year improvement
* Understand industry trends to drive and evolve sourcing strategies
* Formulate and execute clear and consistent strategies that align with the overall Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (DPEP) and Global Product Creation (GPC) vision
* Proactively seek new opportunities, ideas, techniques and materials to drive product innovation with both new and existing suppliers

Collaboration and Communication

* Develop and foster cross functional relationships via timely, accurate communication
* Leverage knowledge of the Companys products and services to manage the needs of diverse stakeholders and ensure effective collaboration with cross-functional partners and vendors

Basic Qualifications:

* 6-8+ years of significant, proven experience leading merchandise sourcing teams
* Retail leadership experience
* Skilled in gaining credibility and trust with diverse stakeholders
* Possess working knowledge of international labor and regulatory standards and other established supplier performance schemes
* Possess problem solving, efficiency and effectiveness skills that and inspires team members
* Ability to drive results, get things done effectively and with a positive can-do attitude
* A drive for continuous improvement and a focus on efficiency and scale
* Exhibits personal responsibility and commitment to his/her work; follow-through and accountability
* Ability to proactively identify issues and find solutions for potential problems
* Leadership and talent development abilities and a collaborative and effective management style
* Team Player ability to build & foster partnerships across functions & departments within The Walt Disney Company
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to manage the macro big picture strategy and solutions with a detail oriented approach
* Ability to continually evolve sourcing strategies and processes
* Able to lead teams through times of change across industry, global policies and business and product strategies

Required Education

* Bachelors degree in Merchandising/Product Development/Design, Business or Supply Chain