Area Manager – Costume Buying (Internal Assignment / Project Hire)

Job ID 10136471 Location Orlando, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Dec. 05, 2025

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Job Summary:

About the Role & Team:

Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences. From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over. This diverse team – representing a wide variety of disciplines and talents from technical directors, writers and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, incomparable ingenuity, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust.

The Costume Buying team sources and procures raw goods & products for all facets of the Costuming business. The position will lead all aspects of the day-to-day operation of all buying functions and interface across the globe as we share standard processes with other sites enterprise-wide.

This position report to the Senior Manager - Costume Buying & Sourcing.

This role is an Internal Assignment / Project Hire with no guarantee of permanent placement.

What You Will Do:

Provide daily leadership, coaching, and mentoring to direct and indirect reports, ensuring the team receives training, understands their roles, and performs at an optimal level across Buying, Sourcing, Vendor Relations, and Quality Control support functions
Ensure appropriate sourcing decisions are made to support design integrity, timelines, quality expectations, sustainability considerations, and financial objectives by partnering closely with cross-functional partners
Build and maintain strong collaborations with internal partners and external vendors to support business needs in a fast-paced environment, fostering effective communication and streamlined workflows
Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, drive workflow optimization, and support consistent processes across the organization
Maintain strong working relationships with vendors throughout the product lifecycle to ensure products are delivered on time and meet established quality expectations
Ensure Costume Buying processes and practices align with Corporate Sourcing & Procurement guidelines and are executed accurately across applicable systems and workflows
Align Costume Buying processes and practices with Advisory & Assurance accountability requirements
Negotiate supplier contracts and agreements as needed to achieve optimal cost, quality, and terms
Oversee service-related suppliers (shoe repair, cleaning, costume rental, and other service vendors), ensuring accurate accounting, invoice validation, and proper documentation in partnership with Accounts Payable and Finance

Required Qualifications & Skills:

3+ years of experience in a leadership role overseeing direct and indirect reports
3+ years of experience in Costuming, Theater, Fashion, Apparel Development/Production, or other related fields
Prior experience with garment construction and/or textiles
Skilled in forecasting resource needs
Previous experience managing a budget and supporting financial decision-making
Proven ability in problem-solving and conflict resolution
Skilled in negotiating and influencing
Experience working in a team environment where collaboration is key
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage partners at all levels and collaborate with domestic and international vendors
Ability to work with a wide range of fibers, fabrics, furs, and other raw materials, including understanding their handling, characteristics, and production requirements
Schedule availability to work flexible hours including weekends, nights, and holidays
Ability to travel domestically up to 20% of the time and internationally up to 10%

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous experience using purchasing and workflow platforms such as SAP, SharePoint, Yunique (or other PLM systems), Smartsheet, and Coupa
Familiarity with vendor contracts and agreements, with the ability to support reviews and collaborate with internal partners as needed
Valid Passport
Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements
Experience in Project Management

Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent required
Advanced Degree in Fashion, Theatre, Supply Chain, or related fields preferred

Additional Information:

Benefits and Perks: 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.

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About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

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 Imagineering Live, LLC, which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

Disney Imagineering Live, 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.

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