Show Sourcing Spec

GENERAL INTRODUCTION:

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is the master planning, creative design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of Disney's Parks and Resorts business segment. Representing more than 150 disciplines, its experienced teams of Imagineers are managing the creation of Disney resorts, theme parks and attractions, hotels, water parks, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, cruise ships and new media technology projects.

The Show Systems studio is where we produce, make, and build the magic. Our processes and tool sets take us from concept design or mock-ups all the way through to full-on production, assembly, and installation. Our procurement team plays a vital role in this process by ensuring that our production and engineering teams can effectively work with external vendors to source, purchase or produce components on-time and within budget.

GENERAL ROLE DESCRIPTION:

The Sourcing Specialist is responsible for sourcing, identifying, evaluating, and securing suppliers of goods or services to meet the company’s strategic procurement needs. This role involves researching the market, negotiation with vendors, and managing relationships to ensure cost-effective, timely, and quality sourcing solutions. The Sourcing Specialist plays a critical part in improving procurement process, reducing supply risks, and driving cost-efficiency initiatives while maintaining product quality standards.

Additionally, the Sourcing Specialist will track goods deliveries, receive goods into the system, managing and monitor inventory storage, take initiative when the frequently used parts are in low stock levels. Collaborate with engineers on goods’ substitutions and assist with kitting tasks as needed. This role is key in improving procurement processes, reducing supply risks, and supporting the production team in their project execution.

Responsibilities:

• Assist studio leadership in developing sourcing and procurement strategies across all products within the Show Systems studio, focusing on Audio-Animatronics.
• Work cross-functionally between engineering, production, scheduling, and project management teams to execute procurement plans, and streamline procurement processes.
• Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers, assess their capabilities, and ensure they meet the company’s standards for quality and delivery with a competitive price.
• Coordinate negotiations on pricing, contract terms, and other supply chain conditions in collaboration with production team, finance, legal, and contract admin partners to achieve favorable outcomes.
• Develop vendor performance metrics, including tracking performance for delivery, quality and price metrics to maximize reliability of our vendor base.
• Initiate procurement activities, including raising request with quotation and finance information, obtaining approvals and placing orders in system (SAP and Coupa).
• Track the status of goods deliveries, ensure accurate receipt of goods into the system, and notify related team members and manager of delivery timelines.
• Manage inventory levels and strategic storage, ensuring accurate tracking of stock. Take proactive measures when frequently used parts are in low stock leave.
• Engage in the early stages of product development to provide guidance and steer on the feasibility, cost, and risk of designs from a procurement perspective.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction improved efficiency, and risk mitigation in the sourcing process.
• Provide inputs for studio leadership for developing both financial and lead time estimates around procurement activities and utilize previous performance data to standardize the estimating and scheduling processes at various stages of the project lifecycle.
• Work closely with engineers to find substitutions for unavailable / inefficient parts or components, ensuring seamless project execution.
• Assist engineers with kitting tasks, organizing materials or components needed for production and assembly work.
• Ensure all sourcing activities align with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years of experience directly supporting procurement, purchasing, supplier management, and/or strategic sourcing within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience in a collaborative and innovative work environment, able to communicate and collaborate with individuals and leaders across multiple technical disciplines both within and outside the organization.
• Strong knowledge of traditional and emerging manufacturing techniques, able to steer discussion and decision-making regarding sourcing and procurement of various mechanical and electrical components/assemblies.
• Proficiency in analysis techniques and software tools used to compile and communicate data across disciplines.
• Good command of Mandarin and English language, both written and spoken.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience managing all aspects of the procurement process, including vendor sourcing and selection, quoting, purchasing, and managing deliveries and logistics from outside vendors.
• Experience with establishing and implementing standards for vendor performance, including component quality and on-time delivery, to maximize reliability of the supply chain base.
• Strong ability of reading and interpreting engineering drawings and work out bills of materials to ensure proper sourcing of machining parts, mechanical components and other assemblies.
• Strong familiarity supporting the design and production of new products, able to offer guidance and perspective during the design process as it relates to availability, cost and/or risk in the procurement process.
• Experience supporting procurement/purchasing activities in the aerospace, automotive, or equivalent industries, with a focus on new products.
• Familiar with procurement and inventory management system, such as SAP, Coupa, etc.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Logistics, or Supply Chain disciplines required.