The Walt Disney Company · 7 hours ago
Manager, Global Merchandise Sourcing and Product Development
Kissimmee, FL, USA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expThe Walt Disney Company is a global leader in entertainment and media, seeking a Manager for Global Merchandise Sourcing and Product Development. This role is responsible for developing supplier strategies and overseeing product development to maximize quality and value while meeting financial goals.
Amusement Park and ArcadeAnimationConsumer GoodsDigital MediaE-CommerceMedia and EntertainmentMulti-level MarketingPerforming ArtsResorts
Responsibilities
Develop supplier strategies with Disney Global Sourcing (DGS) and Merchandise Production
Complete annual supplier scorecards and SWOTs; lead business planning and performance reviews
Collaborate on seasonal sourcing presentations, including trade updates and cost forecasts
Support sourcing initiatives: Sustainability: Achieve materials and Scope 3 emissions targets
Product Quality: Ensure compliance with global standards and labeling
Cost Control: Monitor economic and geopolitical impacts on costs
Country Diversification: Identify and vet new suppliers/factories
Labor Standards: Ensure compliance with international policies
Innovation: Drive product and manufacturing innovation; organize vendor innovation reviews
Recommend sustainable engineering solutions, partner with Product Design for final samples and vendor placement
Optimize productivity and profitability by mitigating cost drivers
Manage costing and vendor placement, including variants for all regions
Partner on tariff engineering and direct re-costing/re-development as needed
Utilize tools (AI, PLM, Business Objects, Microsoft Office) for costing and development
Oversee sample approvals and monitor development progress against milestones
Communicate status updates in weekly cross-functional meetings
Prepare standard/ad-hoc reports (calendars, status updates)
Ensure products meet safety and quality standards; monitor quarterly Product Review Requests (PRRs)
Manage data entry workflows (item setups, financial maps, invoicing)
Build strong partnerships with suppliers and cross-functional teams (Merchandise, Design, Production, Buying, Planning)
Lead development and costing meetings with suppliers and international partners; accommodating global time zones
Facilitate quarterly supplier/vendor meetings to review business volume, resolve issues, and ensure process alignment
Attend quarterly strategy meetings to develop sourcing strategies and manage stakeholder needs
Develop high-performing, adaptable teams to support growth
Foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, and accountability
Coach and provide regular feedback, act as a change agent and role model
Build strong collaborative relationships with internal and external partners and collaborate and lead cross-functional team members through all aspects of supplier strategy, cost negotiation, placement, product development, product safety/quality changes and on-time deliveries
Lead and direct employee development, engagement and diversity to advance a culture of collaboration and organizational vibrancy
Qualification
Required
5 or more years of progressive experience in Product Development/Design, Merchandising, or Sourcing for specialty retail or consumer products in a global, omni-channel environment or equivalent experience and 3 or more years of experience leading and developing high performing teams
Experience in Sourcing and/or Product Development of multiple product categories. Relevant category experience in a Sourcing, Product Development, or Merchandising role is a MUST
Strong team player with collaborative and effective management style. Successful experience working in a highly matrixed company structure; Ability to work collaboratively with multiple design, merchandising, and channel commercial partners. You need to have excellent written, verbal and presentation skills as a Brand and Disney representative for global teams, suppliers, manufacturers and business partners
Interpersonal skills with the ability to influence a diverse audience including experience working with external clients and business owners to bring products and assortments to the market
Negotiation, financial acumen and strategic thinking with the ability to drive execution against margin goals and annual operating/financial plans
Ability to manage multiple SKU's and timelines/deadlines in a fast-paced environment and a passion for product creation and item detail
Command of manufacturing processes, materialization, and the key drivers of cost in development
Ability to travel domestically and internationally and have schedule flexibility to accommodate global time zones
Bachelor's degree in Merchandising/Product Development/Design, Retail Management, General/International Business, Supply Chain related experience
Benefits
Health and savings benefits
Educational opportunities
Special extras that only Disney can provide
Company
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company started as a cartoon studio and evolves into sports coverage and television shows.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
The Walt Disney Company has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (83)
2024 (63)
2023 (96)
2022 (130)
2021 (30)
2020 (40)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$11BKey Investors
Citibank
2020-04-13Post Ipo Debt· $5B
2020-03-20Post Ipo Debt· $6B
1978-01-06IPO
Leadership Team
Christine M. McCarthy
Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Jamie Power
SVP, Addressable Sales
Recent News
2026-01-08
2026-01-07
Company data provided by crunchbase