Associate Costume Buyer (Project Hire / Internal Assignment)

About the Role & Team:

 Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences. From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over. This diverse team – representing a wide variety of disciplines and talents from technical directors, writers and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, incomparable ingenuity, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust.

The Associate Costume Buyer supports the sourcing and procurement of costumes, textiles, and related materials for Disney Live Entertainment. This role focuses on executing purchase requests for projects and replenishment items while developing foundational skills in garment manufacturing, vendor coordination, cost analysis, and procurement processes. The Associate Costume Buyer works under the guidance of Senior Buyers and leaders while gaining exposure to sourcing strategy, supplier management, and compliance requirements.

You will report to the Manager - Costume Buying. 

This role is a Project Hire / Internal Assignment with no guarantee of permanent placement.

What You Will Do:

• Support vendor coordination, including following up on order status, production variances, and timeline risks, and communicating updates to cross functional stakeholders

• Process low complexity purchasing requests within defined garment and commodity categories, applying approved sources of supply and existing contract terms

• Support the buying team through purchase order setup, reporting, data entry, analysis, and participation in production meetings

• Research, place, and manage orders for garments, fabrics, trims, notions, and accessories in SAP, monitoring delivery dates and resolving order issues

• Research and support onboarding of domestic and international suppliers within a defined scope

• Coordinate inventory withdrawals and material shipments to manufacturing, verifying receipt and addressing overdue or incomplete deliveries

• Monitor production timelines and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service, and execution

• Partner with internal stakeholders to meet customer service, quality, and value goals at the lowest total cost

• Assist with sourcing initiatives and garment bid packages, providing input on cost, quality, and delivery considerations

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum of one year of experience in garment and textile sourcing, production, supply chain management, or costuming

• Working knowledge of garment construction, materials, terminology, and basic specifications

• Basic understanding of supply chain operations, manufacturing processes, and domestic shipping

• Ability to perform basic cost analysis, price comparisons, and apply existing contract terms and sources of supply

• Experience with vendor communication and follow‑up, including monitoring production variances and timeline risks

• Basic project planning experience and exposure to continuous improvement practices.

• Strong problem‑solving, influencing, and conflict resolution skills

• Effective written and verbal communication with internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities

• Ability to work around various materials (e.g., fabrics, fibers, furs)

• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and travel between locations as business needs require

Preferred Qualifications:

• Skilled in using purchasing and procurement systems, including SAP (Purchasing/Coupa) and related ERP modules

• Experience working with PLM software to support product development, specifications, and lifecycle management

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Excel, and familiarity with collaboration and data tools (e.g., SharePoint, Access, Smartsheet)

• Familiarity with Adobe and other business productivity tools

• Experience within the apparel, textiles, or related consumer products industries

• Working knowledge of garment or technical specification writing

• Exposure to international sourcing with a foundational understanding of global shipping and logistics processes

• Experience supporting apparel or textile product development, including coordination with cross‑functional teams

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required

• Advanced Degree in Merchandising, Costuming, Apparel, or related field preferred

Additional Information:

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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The hiring range for this position in Florida is $51,500.00 to $68,900.00per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.