Associate Sourcing Manager- Hardlines-Dolls

GLOBAL MERCHANDISE SOURCING is part of Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing (CPGP) and functions within the Global Product Creation (GPC) organization. The GPC organization is focused on product/merchandise strategy, product & design, product R & D/innovation, and merchandise sourcing, logistics and trade. Through these centers of excellence we deliver high quality, innovative product that is safe and responsibly sourced to consumers in all retail channels around the world, while providing a unique guest experience. 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. Global Merchandise Sourcing cultivates a thriving team and strong partnerships around the world and partners with best-in-class suppliers to consistently evolve our quality, sustainability, and risk management initiatives to drive productivity and profitability through strong internal/external partnerships and proactive mitigation of cost drivers. The team works towards continuously improving supplier relationships and cultivation global and cross-functional partnerships.

The Toys/Dolls Associate Sourcing Manager (ASM), 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 the Manager, Global Sourcing, the ASM is responsible for executing Sourcing strategies across categories and/or departments. The Associate Sourcing Manager 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).

This position reports to Manager, Merchandise Sourcing, and will require some domestic and/or international travel for product placement/cost negotiations exercises.

Responsibilities :
Sourcing and Product Compliance

• Manage the placement and production of a single or multiple product categories
• Responsible for managing production status reporting for key wholesale business accounts
• Responsible for vendor communication related to designated product categories
• Ensure products meet established standards for safety and quality including quarterly Product Review Requests with Product Integrity partners

Productivity and Process

• Track progress of development & production cycle against key milestone dates through daily maintenance of Development Tracking Report
• Contact vendors to follow-up and verify the accuracy of provided data, resolve routine issues and ensure vendor alignment with Disney processes and procedures
• Ensure all products are shipped on time to support established launch dates
• Liaise with vendors and ticket/label suppliers to ensure ticketing requirements are followed to avoid late deliveries and charge backs due to non-compliance
• Liaise with wholesale partners to understand retailer requirements for product/packaging to ensure vendor compliance
• Prepare standard and/or any ad-hoc reports as requested (time and action calendars, production timelines, status updates, etc.)

Strategy and Vision

• Assist with sourcing strategies that support global distribution while balancing need for localization and speed-to-market
• Execute sourcing strategies that maximize profitability and minimize risk with a goal of year-over-year improvement
• Aware of industry trends to help inform sourcing strategies. Knowledge of the dolls/ toys market a plus.
• Proactively seek new opportunities, ideas, techniques and materials to drive product innovation with both new and existing suppliers

Collaboration and Communication

• Communicate production status to central and regional partners via weekly cross-functional meetings and as required
• Build strong collaborative relationships with internal and external partners
• Attend weekly cross-functional meetings and quarterly product review meetings to understand key sourcing issues and action items
• Develop and foster cross-functional relationships to ensure all business goals are aligned

Basic Qualifications :

• 3 years related experience preferably in specialty retail or consumer products (experience with dolls and/or toys preferred but not required)
• Exposure to Sourcing & Production of multiple product categories
• Detail oriented and superior organization skills
• Proven track record of effectively communicating with 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 team player
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability and desire to be flexible, adapt to change and grow with organization

Required Education :

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising/Product Development/Design, Business or Supply Chain or related industry experience

Additional Information :
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