Universal Orlando Resort believes in-person collaboration is key to our success. Many of our Team Members work in a hybrid capacity, contributing from the workplace a minimum of three days per week. There are also roles that require being on-site full time. Limited remote opportunities may be available within specific departments. You’ll learn more about this during the recruitment process.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Vice President Merchandise Planning is responsible for developing comprehensive business plans that integrate long-range, demand, supply, and inventory management processes across the global merchandise supply chain. This role leads that team responsible for the optimization of the merchandise inventories and achieving the revenue growth and cost of goods targets in alignment with Universal Parks and Resorts' strategic objectives. Key objectives are to drive the merchandise supply chain plans that support the long-range and annual financial plans of the owned and operated businesses, develop strategies to deliver efficiencies in the forecasting, ordering, movement and disposition of products to the supported businesses, maximize sales performance through effective inventory management, identify opportunities for improved margins either through negotiated costs or pricing strategies and the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures including turns and warehouse capacity planning. This hands-on change minded leader will develop a high-performance team, drive the implementation of new systems, and create new processes to integrate across a globally matrixes organization that includes bricks & e-commerce retail channels.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the long-range brand planning teams to develop a 3+ year strategy that delivers significant growth. Lead and develop the Brand, Demand and Supply Planning Teams to promote an environment of teamwork and cooperation between planning, product development and operating partners. Act as a key partner with broader UDX Finance and operating groups to leverage scale and efficiency.
• Develop strategies to optimize inventory levels while ensuring service level agreements are met. Analyze and respond to impacts of supply chain disruptions. Collaborate on supplier evaluations and development of strategic supplier relationships.
• Drive the holistic integration of all elements of business planning including long-range, demand forecasting, supply planning, inventory management, allocations, liquidation and product life cycle management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Park & UP&E Finance, Business Analytics, Area Merchandise, Brand Managers, and Merchandise Product Development, Sourcing, DC Operations and Logistics to align business objectives and ensure seamless flow of merchandise across the globe. Ability to bring various stakeholders together to align on key strategies for supply and demand planning and inventory optimization.
• Analyze complex data sets to understand trends or patterns affecting supply chain performance. Review decisions around product renewals, refresh or discontinuation. Prepare detailed reports for senior leadership outlining performance against key operational metrics.
• Provide leadership in developing performance metrics for evaluating overall supply chain efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency. Act as systems lead for Retail Supply Chain systems. Provides training and guidance to the entire team related to business process improvements and systems updates.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• An advanced degree like an MBA preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 12+ years of progressive supply chain experience
• Minimum 5+ years of people management including effectively leading teams through organizational change management and other strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, challenge, and partner with senior executives and peers across a highly matrixed, fast-paced, innovative, and highly energetic corporate culture.
• A high level of interpersonal and project management skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally, critical thinking and problem-solving skills; must be able to thrive in a dynamic environment using change management to coach others.
• Extensive experience in supply chain management with a strong emphasis demand forecasting and supply planning within a global retail or merchandise-focused environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement comprehensive supply chain strategies that align with company objectives.
• Proven track record of successful cross-functional collaboration with teams such as Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Finance.
• Expertise in analyzing large data sets to uncover trends and make data-driven decisions that improve supply chain performance.
• Strong project management skills with experience leading change management initiatives and system implementations related to supply chain processes.
• Excellent leadership capabilities with the ability to manage and mentor teams.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey complex information to stakeholders at all levels.; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

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