Sourcing Manager

Sourcing Manager – Req ID 10153195 The Sourcing Manager for Merchandise Sourcing and Product Development leads product development and sourcing strategies for the confectionery and packaged consumables portfolio, focused on domestic Theme Parks & Resorts. The role drives short‑ and long‑term supplier strategies, oversees the product development lifecycle from concept through Final Line Review, and balances financial targets, seasonal design objectives, sustainability, and source country diversification. Responsibilities Lead the development of short‑ and long‑range supplier strategies in partnership with Merchandise Strategy and Product Development teams. Complete annual Supplier Scorecard and evaluations, and conduct business planning and performance review meetings with suppliers. Partner with Trade Compliance, Product Integrity, Food Safety, and Sourcing & Procurement to ensure compliance with laws and safety requirements. Execute sourcing initiatives covering: Sustainability – achieve material and Scope3 emissions targets. Product quality – enforce regulatory requirements, labeling, and composition standards. Cost control – monitor macro‑economic and commodity impacts on sugar, cocoa, dairy, nuts, flavorings, packaging, and labor. Supplier diversification – identify, vet, and onboard new suppliers and manufacturers. International labor standards – collaborate with TWDC Global Product & Labor Standards. Innovation – identify new materials, techniques, and collaboration opportunities with suppliers and attend trade shows. Product development and costing – recommend materials, packaging engineering, and sustain sustainability goals. Packaging and labeling – manage finalization, samples, costing, and placement for launch dates. Tariff engineering, if applicable, with Trade Compliance. Supervise sampling and approvals, monitor development milestones, and communicate status to Merchandise and Design in weekly cross‑functional meetings. Prepare and deliver standard and ad‑hoc reports, including time‑action calendars and status updates. Ensure product safety and quality, monitor Product Review Requests, and maintain data entry workflows. Track item production, update cross‑functional teams, and mitigate supply‑chain disruptions. Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, lead development and costing meetings, and support new initiatives. Lead high‑performing teams, manage complex projects and resources, and drive accountability and integrity. Qualifications and Skills 7–10+ years of progressive experience in product development, merchandising, or sourcing within the candy/confectionery industry. Demonstrated success in managing confectionery products from concept through commercialization, including supplier selection, costing, packaging, and regulatory compliance. Knowledge of confectionery commodities, ingredient inputs, flavor development, packaging formats, and manufacturing capabilities. Understanding of packaging production (paperboard, flexible, seasonal gifting), labeling, shelf‑life, and food‑safety regulations. Strong team‑player skills, collaboration across design, merchandising, and channel partners. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills. Negotiation, financial acumen, and strategic thinking to execute margin goals and annual operating plans. Ability to manage multiple SKUs, timelines, and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Domestic and international travel required. Must comply with TWDC requirement of 4 days in‑person presence at a designated Central Florida location (subject to change). Preferred Qualifications Direct experience in branded, licensed, seasonal, novelty, or giftable confectionery product lines. Established network of candy/confectionery suppliers, co‑manufacturers, and packaging partners. Experience with formulation changes, flavor development, ingredient sourcing, and commercialization of confectionery items. Knowledge of confectionery‑specific consumer trends, innovation pipelines, and market dynamics. Experience managing global or multi‑market confectionery sourcing and regulatory requirements. Required Education Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Product Development/Design, Business, Supply Chain, or 7–10+ years of related experience. Compensation Annual base salary in Florida: $100,100.00 – $134,200.00; bonus and/or long‑term incentive may be offered. Full benefits package including medical, financial, and other benefits. Employment Details Full‑time position. Primary location: Kissimmee, FL, USA. #J-18808-Ljbffr 1969 Disney Merchandise Sourcing & Dist., LLC