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 Sourcing for Global Parks Merchandise, part of the Universal Products & Experiences (UPE) division, is responsible for developing and leading strategic sourcing initiatives for merchandise categories (including but not limited to softlines, toys, etc…) across our parks and UDX divisions. This role will lead a dynamic global, but regionally, diverse procurement team, supporting consumer product categories, with a focus on geographical production support across multiple destinations. Additionally, this role will collaborate with brand management and product development teams to drive synergies, implement sourcing strategies, and execute corporate initiatives, while developing and nurturing key relationships with suppliers worldwide. This role will be responsible for developing long term sourcing strategies and initiatives including on-going vendor management.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads the Merchandise sourcing organization and establishes sourcing strategies that set competitive expectations for vendors pursuing business new and expanded opportunities with the UDX business units Strong ability model total cost of ownership by various geographic regions including navigating geopolitical complexities by region.
• Lead and drive the development of a comprehensive manufacturing strategy that supports global and regional products, ensuring alignment with our destinations worldwide. Incorporate supply chain process efficiency to minimize transit times, manage tariffs effectively and evaluate total cost of ownership. Engage and collaborate with business partners to address critical supply issues and operating conditions on global scale, ensuring seamless operations and proactive problem solving.
• Lead and drive change management activities related to the implementation of overall strategy including applying structured approach and methodology for sourcing efforts (vendor consolidation, diversification, etc…), building relationships including regular check-ins with key operating partners from various divisions globally and project plans to address communication and training needs, and identifies resistance and performance gaps and work to develop and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and execute a supplier evaluation process that incorporates key performance indicators (KPIs) that include but is not limited to service level, cost structure, manufacturing capabilities and knowledge and adherence to global and regional compliance requirements. Drive feedback sessions with internal partners and with strategic suppliers.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive training materials on sourcing strategies tailored to our product development teams.
• Facilitate an approach to process improvement and cost optimization efforts that leverage principles like Six Sigma, lean Kaizen and other utilizing tools and approaches like value stream mapping and data analytic tools.
• 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 finance, Accounting, or Business is required.
• Master’s degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• 12+ Years experience leading global sourcing/procurements teams and initiatives supporting large matrix organizations.
• Six Sigma Black-Belt or Champion or PMP preferred.
• Experience in complex, global industries/markets with a strong customer centric focus.
• Demonstrated and proven negotiation capabilities.
• Direct knowledge of strategies, trends, and approaches in the areas of technology, labor, and indirect material.
• The ideal candidate has successfully led complex negotiations in high stakes situations and managed large budgets.

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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