Job Summary:
The Sourcing Manager, Collectibles, Seasonal, Souvenirs drives product development and sourcing strategies for a category or portfolio of product categories across all markets and distribution channels worldwide Direct to Consumer Retail (DTCR), shop *** .com, Domestic and International Theme Parks & Resorts and global Shop-In-Shop retail partners). The Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing short and long range global, omni-channel supplier strategies to support distribution of a global product line while balancing need for localization and speed-to-market. Strategies must balance meeting key financial strategies and seasonal merchandise/design objectives while driving progress on key sourcing initiatives such as sustainability and source country diversification.
The Sourcing Manager will 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.
This individual will have a detailed knowledge of the product categories, intimate understanding of global retail and sourcing market trends, a passion for product and the development process, and a drive to maximize quality and value to the consumer while meeting internal financial and strategic objectives.
This position reports to Senior Manager, Global Sourcing and Product Development, and requires domestic and international travel.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Sourcing Strategy
Drive short and long-range Supplier strategies in partnership with *** Global Sourcing (DGS) and Production/Responsible Sourcing teams. Complete the Annual Supplier Scorecard/GMDE/S**** with input from cross-functional partners and hold collaborative business planning and performance review meetings with suppliers.
Partner with 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.
Support and execute all Sourcing initiatives, including:
Sustainability - achieving materials and Scope 3 emissions targets.
Elevated product quality, including adherence to global regulatory requirements. Monitor global labeling and product composition changes to ensure product consistently meet standards for the global marketplace.
Cost Control and Profitability: 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.
Country of Origin (COO) Diversification: 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.
International Labor Standards (ILS) Work with TWDC Global Product & Labor Standards to ensure compliance policies are met.
Innovation: Proactively seek new opportunities, ideas, techniques and materials to drive product innovation with both new and existing suppliers. Organize vendor innovation weeks to review market and manufacturing innovation on a seasonal basis.
Product Development and Costing
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.
Complete preliminary costing and final business placement roll - inclusive of COO distribution, margin by channel, and vendor loads.
Approve finalized costing and vendor placement, including all variant costing or sourcing for all adopting regions as per the commit report.
Partner with Trade Compliance on Tariff Engineering opportunities with a global distribution mindset.
Direct any re-costing/re-development activities based on production challenges that impact item aesthetic.
Productivity and Process
Supervise all samples and shepherd approvals up until an approved pre-pro sample. Accountable for monitoring progress of development and sampling against key milestone dates; communicate development and sampling status to Merchandise and Design during weekly cross-functional meetings.
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.
Manage the workflow for data entry tasks including item setups, financial roadmaps, and invoicing.
Collaboration and Communication
Develop and cultivate strong partnerships with best-in-class suppliers and across TWDC and in particular with the global merchant, Design, Production, Buying and Planning teams as they pertain to the sourcing and development of best-in-category *** -branded merchandise.
Facilitate quarterly meetings with suppliers/vendors to review volume of business, verify the accuracy of provided data, resolve routine issues, and ensure supplier alignment with *** processes and procedures.
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
Develop high performing teams and bench to support organizational growth needs. Foster teams that are flexible and willingness to adapt to changing priorities.
Act as a role model by coaching and teaching team members with regular feedback.
Lead 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 changes and on-time deliveries.
Lead and direct employee development, engagement and diversity to advance a culture of collaboration and organizational vibrancy.
QUALIFICATIONS AND S****S:
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.
Minimum of 3 years of experience leading and developing high performing teams
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.
Strong team player with collaborative and effective management style. Successful experience working in a highly matrixed company structure; Ability to work collaboratively with multiple design, merchandising, and channel commercial partners.
Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills as a Brand and *** representative for global teams, suppliers, manufacturers, and business partners.
Interpersonal skills with the ability to i *** uence a diverse audience including experience working with external clients and business owners to bring product and assortments to the market.
Negotiation, financial acumen and strategic thinking with the ability to drive execution against margin goals and annual operating/financial plans.
Ability to manage multiple SKU's and timelines/deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Passion for product creation and item detail.
Command of manufacturing processes, materialization, and the key drivers of cost in development.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Schedule flexibility to accommodate global time zones.
This role is considered hybrid, which means the employee will work a portion of their time (usually 3 days) on-site from a Company designated location in Central Florida and the remainder of their time remotely.
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree in Merchandising/Product Development/Design, Retail Management, General/International Business, Supply Chain, or 5-8 years of related experience.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to: Sr Manager, Merchandise Sourcing and Product Development
Leads: Associate Manager, Assistant Sourcing Manager, Sourcing Specialist
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, *** Global Sourcing and Agent partners, Manufacturing suppliers
var jobInfo = { category: 'Merchandising', location: 'Kissimmee, Florida, United States', req: '10047001', }
About *** Parks, Experiences and Products:
The *** Parks, Experiences and Products segment includes *** 's iconic travel and leisure businesses, which include six resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia, a top-rated cruise line, a popular vacation ownership program, and an award-winning guided family adventure business. *** 's global consumer products operations include the world's leading licensing business across toys, apparel, home goods, digital games and apps; the world's largest children's publisher; *** store locations around the world; and the shop *** e-commerce platform.
About *** :
*** , together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and *** enterprise with the following business segments: *** Entertainment, *** , *** Parks, and Experiences and Products. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, *** proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. *** 's stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with *** Merchandise Sourcing & Dist., LLC , which is part of a business we call *** Parks, Experiences and Products .
*** Merchandise Sourcing & Dist., LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. *** fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.
This is not an exclusive Staff Me Up job. This partner requires you to apply on its own site.