Manager, Global Merchandise Sourcing and Product Development

Job ID 10140154 Location Kissimmee, Florida, United States Business Disney Experiences Date posted Jan. 14, 2026

Apply Now

Job Summary:

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

Apply Now

About Disney Experiences:

Disney Experiences brings the magic of Disney stories and franchises to life through theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, unique vacation experiences, products and more around the world. Disney shines in the travel industry with six resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Plus, Disney's global consumer products operations include the world's leading licensing business; the world's largest children's publishing brands; one of the world's largest licensors of games across all platforms; and Disney store locations around the world and on the web.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Disney Merchandise Sourcing & Dist., LLC, which is part of a business we call Disney Experiences.

Disney Merchandise Sourcing & Dist., LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

Where Does Your Story Begin?

Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.
Be Part of the Story

There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.
The Next Chapter

Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.

Explore this Location Kissimmee, FL

The Walt Disney Company entertains, informs and inspires people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.