Sourcing Specialist

Since its founding in 1923, The Walt Disney Company and its affiliated companies have remained faithful to their commitment to produce unparalleled entertainment experiences based on the rich legacy of quality creative content and exceptional storytelling. The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: Media Networks, Studio Entertainment, Direct-to-Consumer and International; and Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products

The mission of the Strategic Sourcing team, which is part of Disney Worldwide Services under Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products segment, is “to passionately enable maximum supply chain value for our Disney stakeholders.” This mission is accomplished by a combination of segment, category, and geographic teams working collaboratively with stakeholders across every business segment around the world, utilizing a systematic approach to managing the acquisition of goods and services aimed at matching stakeholders’ needs with marketplace capabilities while achieving the lowest total cost of ownership. Strategic Sourcing’s operational goals include enabling achievement of The Walt Disney Company’s strategic priorities through effective sourcing execution, supporting margin improvement by helping deliver bottom-line financial benefits, and delivering additional business value through initiatives focused on operational excellence.

The Sourcing Specialist will be a part of the Food and Beverage Category Sourcing Team; and be responsible for Food and Beverage related Sourcing & Procurement activities with a focus on client management, category management, and technical solutions in support of business units within the Company. 

This individual will be accountable for The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts sourcing initiatives, consider supply chain processes and infrastructure improvements to drive reductions in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) without compromising business strategy and performance.
 
The Sourcing Specialist will participate on cross- functional teams responsible for developing and implementing strategic sourcing arrangements with preferred suppliers. 
 
The Sourcing Specialist will continuously improve the Company’s procure to pay process by identifying and leading efforts with affected departments to reduce cycle times, improve customer service and reduce total costs. The Sourcing Specialist will source and negotiate supply relationships for internal clients.

 

• Collaboratively contribute to an inclusive environment focusing on skills of Leadership, Management, Technical and Relationship (LMTR)
• Understand and assist in the development and execution of performance management programs with suppliers that focus on quality, service responsiveness, and cost
  • Assist with Annual Strategic Plan development; forecast and track
  • Demonstrate exemplary integrity and ethics in all instances
• Manage supplier relationships focusing on People, Performance, Disney Standards and Expectations, Conduct, Risk, Knowledge, Technology and Innovation.
• Evaluate total cost / supply analysis to identify opportunities to achieve optimal value
  • Participate in professional development activities to keep abreast of current industry best practices
  • Continually assess market conditions and develop sourcing strategies that maximize value to the Company
• Evaluate supplier fit based on pre-determined selection criteria; prepare and execute clear, structured negotiations following pre-defined Strategic Sourcing methodology
  • Ensure compliance with Strategic Sourcing and policies and best practices
• Lead cross-functional sourcing projects that meet internal client’s requirements
  • Communicate and report to management the status of any critical external relationships that could affect planning and decision-making
• Analyze marketing industry trends and conditions that affect internal stakeholders and external suppliers and/or pricing
• Develop, implement, monitor and report status, performance measures that demonstrate value and ensure supplier performance
• Position the organization for success in the ever-evolving marketplace by focusing on Total Cost of Ownership, Supplier Diversification (geographic, size, capabilities, etc.), increasing our Diverse Supplier base/spend, Innovation, Technology, and Sustainability
• Support our Clients and Partners in the areas of Competitive Bidding, Supplier Identification and Qualification (Diverse, Branded, etc.), Contracting, Risk Mitigation, Financial Benefit, Problem Resolution, Opportunity Identification, Sustainability, Supplier Food Safety, Global Sourcing, and Record Retention

• 1-3 years’ experience in the operations, strategic sourcing and / or supply chain disciplines
• Strong relationship building skills to effectively engage stakeholders
• Ability to effectively communicate with various peer / client communication styles
• Strong proficient written and oral communication skills
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Ability / desire to work in diverse environment
• Organizational and time management skills to juggle multiple projects

• 3-5 years’ experience in the food and beverage operations, strategic sourcing and / or supply chain disciplines
• Prior work experience within Distributor, Hotel, Manufacturer, or Restaurant business
• Analytical problem-solving skills to formulate calculations to support recommendations and strategic thinking ability
• Internal customer focus – ability to identify / solicit key stakeholder needs; develop solutions to address their needs
• Strong negotiation skills
• Ability to deal with ambiguity
• Knowledge of:
  • Food and Beverage industry trends and conditions
  • Sourcing & Procurement processes
• Professional certification in C.P.M., Logistics or S.C.M.

• Agricultural and / or Food Science experience a plus
• Master’s degree (i.e. MBA) would be beneficial

• Bachelor’s degree required in Business, other quantitative discipline or equivalent working experience.