Sourcing Specialist

The Sourcing Specialist, Global Sourcing develops and manages 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 Sourcing Manager, Global Sourcing, s/he is responsible for executing Sourcing strategies across categories and/or departments. The Sourcing Specialist, Global Sourcing will develop, collaborate and produce results with regard to product quality, time/cost efficiency and revenue growth.

This person possesses the 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 Sourcing Manager, Global Sourcing, and provides support and assistance with operational and organization functions to develop and source merchandise under the strategic guidance of the Manager, Sourcing within a given department and/or sub-category of product.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sourcing and Product Compliance

• Assist/Manage the merchandise sourcing & production of select product categories for Theme Parks & Resorts retail locations, Disney Stores, and alternative business model opportunities in partnership with the Manager, Sourcing
• Partner on vendor strategy, product costing/placement, manage vendor communication and production management related to designated product categories
• Responsible for ensuring products meet established standards for safety and quality including monitoring quarterly Product Review Requests (PRRs) with product integrity partners

Productivity and Process

• Manage the workflow for data entry task including item setups, price changes, financial roadmaps, and invoicing
• Track progress of production cycle against key milestone dates through daily maintenance of the Development Tracking Report (DTR)
• Contact vendors to follow-up and verify the accuracy of provided data, resolve routine issues and ensure vendor alignment with Disney processes and procedures
• Follow up with vendor communication regarding any outstanding samples (Approval, PP/TOP, etc.)
• Liaise with vendors and ticket/label suppliers to ensure Disney guidelines are followed to avoid late deliveries and charge backs due to non-compliance
• Ensure all products are shipped on time to support established in-store and online launch dates
• Provide accurate shipment status information from factory to DC.

Collaboration and Communication

• Prepare standard any ad-hoc reports as requested (Time and Action Calendars, production timelines, status updates, etc.)
• Build strong collaborative relationships with internal and external partners
• Attend weekly cross-functional meetings and quarterly product line review meetings to understand key sourcing issues and action items
• Communicate production status to global and regional partners during weekly cross-functional meetings as required

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• 1+ years related experience preferably in specialty retail or consumer products
• Exposure to Sourcing & Production of multiple product categories
• Proven track record of effectively communicating with manufacturers
• Ability to manage multiple SKU’s an timelines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple design and development partners, a team player
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability and desire to be flexible, adapt to change and grow with organization

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Associate degree or Technical Degree in Merchandising/Product Development/Design, Business or Supply Chain or 1+ years of related experience