Manager, Global Merchandise Sourcing and Product Development

Manager, Sourcing, Global Sourcing and Product Development

We lead product development and sourcing strategies for global product categories across all markets and channels—including Direct to Consumer Retail, shopDisney.com, Theme Parks & Resorts, and Partner Led Retail. This role develops short- and long-term supplier strategies to support global distribution, balancing localization, speed-to-market, financial goals, and seasonal objectives. Strategies also advance sustainability and source country diversification.

Success in this role requires detailed knowledge of product categories, a strong understanding of global retail and sourcing trends, and a passion for product development. You must maximize quality and value for consumers while meeting internal financial and strategic goals. Domestic and international travel is required.

What Will You Do?

Sourcing Strategy

• 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.

Product Development and Costing

• 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.

Productivity and Process

• 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).

Collaboration and Communication

• 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.

Leadership

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• 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.

EDUCATION:

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

Additional Information

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