Assistant Sourcing Manager, Merchandise Sourcing & Product Development

Assistant Sourcing Manager, Merchandise Sourcing & Product Development (Modern & Traditional Collectibles)

We are seeking a motivated and talented Assistant Sourcing Manager – Collectibles to join our team, reporting to the Senior Manager, Merchandise Sourcing & Product Development. As part of the Merchandise Sourcing & Product Development (MSPD) organization, the Assistant Sourcing Manager is responsible for executing sourcing strategies and product development across the Modern and Traditional Collectibles category - bringing innovative collectible concepts to life from initial design consultation through final product execution. You will contribute to our strategic business objectives and ensure the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective products that resonate with our guests.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in managing the product development lifecycle, ensuring on-time delivery and on-budget execution without compromising quality.
• Monitor and support the Sourcing Manager by communicating key milestones and deadlines within the sample approval process, proactively troubleshooting any delays.
• Assist in cost negotiations with suppliers and identify opportunities for value engineering to achieve optimal quality and meet margin goals.
• Partner with the Sourcing Manager to recommend and allocate projects to international suppliers, prioritizing partners that consistently meet quality and delivery standards.
• Support and execute sourcing initiatives, including:
  • Sustained growth: optimizing margin and minimizing risk with a goal of year-over-year improvement.
  • Sustainability: supporting materials and Scope 3 emissions targets.
  • Elevated product quality: ensuring adherence to global regulatory requirements.
  • Cost control and margin strategies: recommending alternative construction, materials, and manufacturing methods.
  • Supplier loading: awarding projects to ensure optimized project distribution and production efficiency.
  • International Labor Standards (ILS): working with TWDC Global Product & Labor Standards to ensure compliance policies are met.

• Assist the Sourcing Manager in maintaining sourcing data within the PTC Windchill Flex PLM tool.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including Product Design, Merchandising, Disney Global Sourcing, Product Integrity, Production, Planning, and Quality Assurance—to ensure alignment with product strategy.
• Drive measurable improvement in team communication, workflow, and task management to support continuous improvement.
• Track and shepherd the packaging development process from prototype through production.
• Assist with the preparation of ad-hoc reports (timing and action calendars, status updates, etc.).

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in global sourcing, merchandising, or product development
• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience working with international suppliers and manufacturers; understanding of global supply chain dynamics.
• Familiarity with sourcing strategies that diversify country of manufacture to reduce risk, and an understanding of factors that optimize total acquisition cost.
• Basic to intermediate knowledge of construction standards, materials, manufacturing techniques, and cost engineering, with a desire to deepen expertise.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• An enthusiastic and proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation.
• Proficiency in PLM, Adobe Workfront, MS Excel, MS Planner, and Smartsheet is a plus.

This role is critical in bringing new and exciting collectibles to market within an expanding category. You will grow your expertise in product development and international sourcing while partnering with a passionate, high-performing team.

This role is on-site in Kissimmee, Florida. Employees are expected to be on-site Monday–Thursday, with flexibility in work location on Fridays.