Category Manager, Strategic Sourcing (Ride & Show Systems, Contract Administration)

Job ID 10102485 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Dec. 06, 2024

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Job Summary:

About the Role & Team

At Disney, we are storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world.

As part of the Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) Ride and Show Strategic Sourcing Team, you’ll partner with the best in the business responsible for the creation – from concept initiation through installation – of all Disney Resorts, Theme Parks and Attractions and Live Entertainment. Our group constantly pursues new ideas and technologies to help the Company’s many businesses drive value, with the overall mission being to steer compliance with internal policies and procedures, protect the Disney brand through risk mitigation and partner with the best the marketplace has to offer. Come be part of the most interesting Company from the most interesting point of view.

What you Will Do

The Category Manager is responsible for leading and developing one or more direct-report Sourcing professionals, along with the concurrent responsibility of prime oversight, support and implementation of the entire procurement process for multiple complex Ride and Show related projects and contracts. You will be developing and implementing category sourcing and contracting strategies while ensuring the timely acquisition of materials optimizing total cost of ownership, sustainment, optimal value, safety, and quality assurance and control (QA/QC). This role requires proven and effective collaboration skills, and the ability to identify needs to support their Sourcing direct-reports, stakeholder teams, finance & controls, legal, project management and external partners, suppliers and vendors throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities of the Role:

Identify, evaluate, and qualify category-specific suppliers, and other consultants based on defined selection criteria
Early engagement in project development timeline from blue sky ideation, feasibility, concept, schematic, design development through completion of construction documents
Manage the competitive bidding processes (RFQ/RFP) in accordance with TWDC policy and procedures, including sole/single/preferred source evaluation
Execute contracts and change orders with post-award administration and negotiations, through contract close-out
Assist, implement and influence supplier performance management programs that focus on contractual responsibility, quality, responsiveness and cost
Ensure compliance with Strategic Sourcing policies and best practices
Analyze market industry trends and conditions
Communicate and report to management the status of any critical external relationships and/or market conditions or constraints that could affect planning and decision-making
Provide input into the development of Strategic Sourcing’s annual plan

Required Qualifications & Skills

Experience with design/production/and creative services sourcing strategies, including the development of contract/delivery strategies and process facilitation from bid to award
Familiarization with the negotiation of key contractual language/terms and conditions (i.e. indemnification, limits of liability, ownership, etc.)
Proven track record demonstrating integrity and ethics in all instances
Ability to engage and establish confidence and trusted relationships with senior leadership and all position levels; both internal and external
Solid leadership with experience coaching, managing, and developing talent
Advanced analytical and problem-solving
Refined written and oral communication, and proficient presentation abilities
Strong negotiation skills, and project management experience
Proven track record of meeting commitments and prioritization in a schedule-driven environment
Ability to collaborate in a team environment (i.e., legal, controls, finance, risk management, safety, project management team, etc.) and desire to work in a diverse and inclusive environment
Internal stakeholder focus – ability to identify/solicit key stakeholder needs and develop and implement strategies, processes and solutions
Proven ability to quickly master new systems/platforms and tools
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with multiple key Ride and Show vendors and suppliers

Work Experience:

7+ years of experience in one or more of the following disciplines/roles:
Sourcing and Procurement with a focus on associated contractual processes and strategies
Design and Engineering with a preferred focus on mechanical and/or structural engineering
Legal
Project Management (PM)
Estimating and/or Scheduling and Planning
Finance/Controls
Internal or external business consulting
Management/development of individuals

Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree required in construction, design, engineering (mechanical and/or structural preferred), business administration, supply chain, or other associated discipline.

Preferred Education

Master’s degree in business or another quantitative discipline preferred
Legal and/or engineering background/knowledge desired

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, California is $124,900 to $152,500 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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About Walt Disney World Resort:

Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.

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 Worldwide Services, Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. 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, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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