Sourcing Manager Job at Disney (Kissimmee)

Job Description

Sourcing Manager, Merchandise Sourcing and Product Development drives product development and sourcing strategies for the confectionary and packaged consumables category portfolio for Parks Product Development and Retail with a dedicated focus on domestic Theme Parks & Resorts. The Sourcing Manager is an independent driver for developing short and long-range supplier strategies to support distribution of product lines while balancing the 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 confectionery vendor and ingredient innovation; feasibility assessments; recommendations on formulation, sourcing, packaging, and flavor profiles for manufacturing; cost analysis and estimates; supplier negotiations; managing vendor communication; and overseeing the sampling process through final approved development samples, final cost, and vendor placement by Final Line Review. This individual must have deep, hands-on expertise in the candy/confectionery industry, including significant experience in product development, sourcing, supplier management, flavor and ingredient considerations, packaging, labeling, and food safety requirements. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of confectionery market trends, related commodities, and the global supplier landscape, with the ability to translate that knowledge into compelling, high-quality consumer products. This position reports to the Senior Manager, Merchandise Sourcing and Product Development, and requires domestic and/or international travel.

Job Responsibility

Execute short- and long-range supplier strategies in partnership with the Merchandise Strategy and Product Development teams
Complete the annual Supplier Scorecard and Evaluations with input from cross-functional partners and hold collaborative business planning and performance review meetings with suppliers
Partners with Trade Compliance, Product Integrity, Food Safety, and Sourcing & Procurement to ensure compliance with applicable laws and safety requirements
Support and execute all Sourcing initiatives, including: Sustainability, Elevated product quality, Cost Control and Profitability, Supplier Diversification, International Labor Standards, Innovation
Actively identify opportunities for new products
Drive material recommendations for sustainable product ingredients or packaging engineering solutions to ensure sustainability goals are met
Partner with Product Design to manage packaging and labeling finalization including final development samples, costing, and vendor placement to ensure on-time delivery by established launch dates
Optimize merchandise productivity and profitability by identifying and mitigating cost drivers
Complete preliminary costing and final business placement rollup, inclusive of country-of-manufacture distribution, margin by channel, and vendor loads
Approve finalized costing and vendor placement, including all variant costing or sourcing for all adopting regions’ quantities
Partner with Trade Compliance on Tariff Engineering, if applicable, to implement solutions that benefit domestic and international distribution
Direct any re-costing or re-development activities based on production challenges that impact item aesthetics, formulation, texture, shelf life, or flavor profile
Manage packaging inventory and liability in partnership with Planning and Merchandising to minimize risk and liability, while maximizing in-stock position
Develop packaging that utilizes fewer materials, is sustainable, and is adaptable to changes in labeling requirements, Extended Produce Responsibility, and other applicable regulations affecting one time use food packaging
Effectively master and utilize tools and resources such as AI, PLM, Business Objects, Microsoft Office Suite, and other proprietary systems for day-to-day costing and development
Supervise all samples and shepherd approvals through delivery
Accountable for monitoring progress of development and sampling against key milestone dates
communicating development and sampling status to Merchandise and Design during weekly cross-functional meetings
Prepare standard and 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) for non-food items with product integrity partners
Complete workflow of data entry tasks including item setups, financial roadmaps, and invoicing, and supervise supplier involvement in and compliance with International Labor Standards and food safety standards
Track item production in collaboration with cross-functional Supply Chain Intelligence and Logistics teams
provide routine verbal and written updates and reporting on delivery timeliness for new and replenishment orders
Proactively mitigate any disruptions within Supply Chain and Manufacturing to ensure business continuity
Develop and cultivate strong partnerships with best-in-class suppliers across TWDC
Build teams within the global Merchandise, Design, and Planning teams as they pertain to the sourcing and development of best-in-category Disney-branded merchandise, with the goal of driving results for all partners
Influence partners, articulates a compelling business case, and drives change effort to build commitment, guide, and support new initiatives, while demonstrating flexibility in response to change
Lead regularly scheduled development and costing meetings with suppliers and international partners which may include evening hours to accommodate global time zones
Facilitate regular meetings with suppliers/vendors to review volume of business, verify the accuracy of provided data, resolve routine issues, and ensure supplier alignment with Disney processes and procedures
Attend regular product strategy meetings as requested 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
Lead high-performing teams to support organizational productivity and growth needs
Exhibit flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing priorities
Strengthen teamwork, team capability, and innovation while driving accountability to results
Build strong collaborative relationships with internal and external partners
Collaborate with cross-functional team members through all aspects of supplier strategy, cost negotiation, placement, product development, product safety/quality changes and on-time deliveries
Hold self accountable to high performance standards while managing complex projects and resources, with a strong emphasis on integrity, feedback, and resilience

Requirements

7-10+ years of progressive experience in product development, merchandising, or sourcing with significant direct experience in the candy/confectionery industry is required
Must have substantial experience sourcing and developing candy/confectionery products across a range of forms and formats, with strong knowledge of relevant commodities markets, ingredient inputs, flavor development, packaging requirements, and manufacturing capabilities
Strong understanding of confectionery packaging production, including printed paperboard, flexible packaging, and seasonal gifting formats, as well as ingredients, formulations, labeling requirements, shelf-life considerations, and applicable food safety and regulatory guidelines
Strong team player with ability to work collaboratively with multiple design, merchandising, and channel commercial partners
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
Negotiation, financial acumen, and strategic thinking skills with the ability to execute margin goals and annual operating/financial plans
Ability to manage multiple SKU’s and timelines/deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Ability to travel domestically and internationally
Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Product Development/Design, Business, Supply Chain, or 7-10+ years of related experience

Nice to have

Direct experience in the candy or confectionery industry with branded, licensed, seasonal, novelty, or giftable product lines
Established network of candy/confectionery suppliers, co-manufacturers, and packaging partners
Experience with formulation changes, flavor development, ingredient sourcing, and commercialization of confectionery items
Knowledge of confectionery-specific consumer trends, innovation pipelines, and market dynamics
Experience managing global or multi-market confectionery sourcing and regulatory requirements

What we offer

bonus
long-term incentive units
full range of medical benefits
financial benefits
other benefits

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