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

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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