The Associate Sourcing Manager (ASM), Apparel, develops and manages partnerships with best-in-class suppliers and internal stakeholders as pertains to the sourcing and production of best-in-category Disney-branded merchandise. In collaboration with the Sourcing Manager, Global Merchandise Sourcing and Product Development (MSPD), s/he is responsible for managing a portfolio of items driving results through product development, cost optimization, execution of corporate and sourcing strategies, and product quality innovation. 

The ASM supports the development of the seasonal line from concept through production, working closely with cross-functional partners in Merchandise Strategy, Product Design, and Technical Design.  They support the cross-functional team in developing products to realize the global vision while ensuring designs meet margin objectives and are in alignment with corporate and sourcing initiatives.  A strong knowledge of global sourcing and product development strategies is needed to drive results and efficiencies across global markets and distribution channels.

This position reports to the Sourcing Manager, MSPD, and provides support, both operational and organizational, to develop and source merchandise for a portfolio of items under the strategic guidance of the Sourcing Manager. This position may require some Domestic and International travel for cost negotiations, product placement, and on-site factory visits.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

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 maximize 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 inform and execute sourcing strategies.
• Support and execute 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 stakeholders 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 milestone meetings to understand and action on product strategies, including execution of corporate goals 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.
• Execute 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 monitoring progress of development samples through pre-production against key milestone 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.
   

QUALIFICATIONS AND 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 team player.
• 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.
• 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.
   

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

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

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Manager, Sourcing, Merchandise Sourcing and Product Development

Key Partners: Merchandising, Product Design, Packaging, Responsible Sourcing and Production, Operations, Merchandise Planning, DTCR Global Buying/Parks Location Strategy, Sustainability/CSR, Materials Sourcing, International Labor Standards, Product Integrity, Disney Global Sourcing and Agent partners, Manufacturing suppliers