Associate Sourcing Manager

About the Role & Team:

The Associate Sourcing Manager (ASM), Global Sourcing develops and leads partnerships with best-in-class suppliers and internal partners as they pertain to the sourcing and production of best-in-category Disney-branded merchandise. In partnership with Sourcing Manager, Global Sourcing, this person will drive Sourcing strategies across categories and/or departments. This role will develop, collaborate and produce results with regard to product quality, time/cost efficiency and revenue growth.

Supports the development of the seasonal line from conception to delivery. They work cross-functionally and are key partners to Designers, Merchants, Technical Designers, and the Regional Office in developing product to realize the global vision. They will support the Product Design teams to ensure that all designs meet the margin goals objectives and are in alignment with the category sourcing strategy.

This person possesses the knowledge of successful global sourcing and product development strategies to drive margins and improve efficiencies across global markets and distribution channels Owned & Operated (O&O) retail and Shop-in-Shop (SIS).

This position reports to Sourcing Manager, Global Sourcing and Product Development. The ASM provides support and assistance with operational and organizational functions to develop and source merchandise under the strategic guidance of the Sourcing Manager within a given department and/or sub-category of product. This position requires some Domestic and International travel for cost negotiations, product placement and on-site factory visits. Come be part of this dynamic team!

What You Will Do:

Sourcing Strategy

• Partner with Sourcing Manager regarding supplier strategy, product costing and placement, supplier communication, and sample management related to assigned portfolio of items.
• Uphold and implement sourcing strategies that efficiently support global distribution, balancing localization, dual-sourcing, and speed-to-market needs to improve profitability and efficiency, while minimizing risk with a goal of year-over-year improvement.
• Knowledge of commodity, manufacturing, and category trends for respective assortment to advise and implement sourcing strategies.
• Support and implement all corporate and sourcing initiatives, including but not limited to:
• Sustainability: achieving targets for materials, packaging, and Scope 3 emissions.
• Country of Origin (COO) Diversification: recognize needs for new suppliers, partner with internal partners to identify new suppliers, lead costing and sampling exercises, and on-board selected suppliers to Disney requirements and expectations.
• Cost Control and Profitability: stay current on macro-economic and geo-political impacts to cost and delivery, currency fluctuations, commodity rates, labor rates, trade agreements and disputes, environmental policies, etc.
• Innovation: proactively seek new opportunities, ideas, techniques, and materials to drive product innovation, organizing vendor summits to review market and manufacturing trends with suppliers and cross-functional partners.
• International Labor Standards (ILS) Requirements: partner with TWDC Global Product & Labor Standards to ensure adherence to compliance policies, including regionally required certifications.

Product Development and Costing

• Accountable for requesting, tracking, maintaining, reporting and communicating accurate development sample and costing information in PLM for all open projects in accordance with the Product to Market (PTM) Calendar to the Sourcing Manager, cross-functional team and global/regional partners.
• Attend and lead portions of weekly cross-functional and development breakthrough meetings to understand and action on product strategies, including execution of goals of the company and key sourcing initiatives.
• Conduct detailed cost analysis, proactively recommending alternative vendor allocations, design construction, materials, and embellishment techniques to Sourcing Manager and cross-functional partners to achieve production efficiency and margin optimization.
• Collaborate with suppliers, cross-functional team and Product Integrity partners to ensure products meet established standards for safety and quality, monitoring test results, and reporting concerns with options for resolution to Sourcing Manager and related partners.
• Review and finalize project allocations, communicating final awards to suppliers to complete sell channel cost details in preparation for PO issuance.
• Implement resourcing or re-development activities related to updated annual volume projections, production or aesthetic challenges, factory concerns, sourcing strategies, etc., under the guidance of the Sourcing Manager.

Productivity and Process

• Accountable for supervising progress of development samples through pre-production against key achievement deadlines, proactively communicating status to Sourcing Manager and cross-functional partners including resolution of execution challenges or delays.
• Prepare standard and ad-hoc reports as requested, sharing with appropriate partners to support business decisions (Time and Action Calendars, production timelines, status updates, costing recaps, etc.).
• Complete data entry responsibilities according to milestone deadlines including PLM, vendor set ups, financial reporting, invoicing, etc.

Collaboration and Communication

• Build strong collaborative relationships with internal and external partners, developing trust and respect within the organization.
• Effectively communicate in a matrixed environment, tailoring information appropriately to audience with various communication styles, competing objectives and leadership levels.
• Maintain and develop supplier relationships through routine interaction and participation in seasonal review meetings, annual scorecards, and ongoing vendor relationship management.
• Advocate for change and actively support new initiatives, demonstrate flexibility within fast-paced environment.
• Volunteer for mentoring and/or project captainships to further development and grow leadership competencies.
• Actively engage in Sourcing team organizational vibrancy, collaboration, and team activities. Embrace diversity to advance a culture of inclusion.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 3+ years related experience preferably in specialty retail or consumer products.
• Knowledge of Flex PLM system.
• Technical understanding of fabrics and garment manufacturing processes.
• Exposure to Sourcing & Production of multiple product categories.
• Proven track record of effectively communicating with cross-functional partners and Suppliers/Manufacturers.
• Ability to manage multiple SKU’s and timelines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple design and development partners, a great teammate.
• Ability and desire to be flexible, adapt to change and grow with organization.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Schedule flexibility to accommodate global time zones.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising/Product Development/Design, Retail Management, General/International Business, Supply Chain, or equivalent professional experience required

This role is considered hybrid, meaning employee is expected on-site at a designated Company location in Central FL 4 days/week (usually Monday – Thursday), remainder of the work schedule remote.