At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic sourcing initiatives and manage third-party spend across various categories.
- Company: Join the iconic Walt Disney Company and be part of a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and free park entry.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while working in a creative and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in strategic sourcing with strong analytical and project management skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse workforce that values inclusion and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Sourcing Specialist to make a meaningful impact and be part of a dynamic team! The Walt Disney Company's Strategic Sourcing & Procurement team seeks a proactive, analytically driven Sourcing Specialist to advance our strategic sourcing objectives across the EMEA region. You'll play a pivotal role in managing third-party spend mainly across Supply Chain, Corporate & Professional Services and sometimes other categories and contribute to Total Value Contribution – encompassing financial performance, risk mitigation and brand protection.
Location: London, UK (4 days in the office) | Contract: Permanent | Reports to: Sr Manager, Strategic Sourcing EMEA
Key Responsibilities
- Support long-term category strategy development and strategic sourcing plans (3-Year Plan, Annual Operating Plan).
- Lead analytical preparation for Annual Operating Plan, monitor KPIs and communicate progress clearly.
- Project manage regional, cross-functional complex sourcing projects and deliver high-value, high-risk initiatives using structured sourcing methodologies, available RFX and Project management tools and agile workplans.
- Identify, develop and lead sourcing strategies across core spend categories; collaborate with business partners to align plans to needs.
- Review expiring contracts and non-compliant spend; ensure adherence to policies, legal and ethical standards.
- Propose strategic commercial models to drive savings, AI innovation, supply chain gap analyses, supplier performance and efficiencies; conduct market research and supplier pre-qualification.
- Engage and influence with diplomacy cross-functional teams in a complex line of business environment, stakeholders across business units and geographies, leveraging local knowledge.
- Perform cost/market analyses focusing on total cost of ownership; help achieve challenging savings targets and build a pipeline of opportunities.
- Report to Senior Manager, lead end-to-end sourcing operations – planning, due diligence, negotiations, execution – across assigned commodity groups.
- Thrive in a virtual reporting structure requiring autonomy, clear communication and cross-functional collaboration.
Required Qualifications
- At least 4 years of strategic sourcing experience within a non-mandated procurement environment, leveraging advanced tools, spend analytics, and established policies.
- Background in complex multinational organizations, ideally within fast-paced sectors such as FMCG, Media, Entertainment, or Pharmaceuticals.
- Proven success working independently, virtually, managing regional/global responsibilities in matrix environments.
- Expertise in one or more categories: Supply Chain, Corporate & Professional Services, etc.
- Track record of developing/executing complex sourcing strategies and leading negotiations & RFx processes.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, project management, analytical skills.
- Commercial acumen and sound understanding of procurement best practices, systems & supply chains.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Copilot, especially Excel.
- Degree in finance, economics, accountancy or related discipline plus strong grasp of financial & legal procurement principles.
- Fluency in English; additional regional languages desirable.
- Strategic thinker: develop analysis and strategies, stay current on industry trends.
- Effective communicator: inspire engagement, persuade, listen.
- Results driven: translate strategy to priorities & outcomes, leverage technology and data.
- Innovative & collaborative: seek new opportunities, challenge the status quo, champion teamwork.
- Change agent: articulate compelling business cases for change, adapt flexibly.
- Team builder & Professional Excellence: collaborate inclusively, reward success, pursue excellence with integrity and respect.
Why Join Us?
This role supports Disney's ethos of compliance, Code of Conduct, intellectual property and data protection – embed these values in all sourcing activities. The EMEA focus offers exposure across multiple territories and encourages leveraging local knowledge. You'll be central to delivering commercial value, risk management and adherence to high ethical standards.
The Perks
- 25 days annual leave
- Private medical insurance & dental care
- Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free
- Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing
- Excellent parental and guardian leave
- Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.
The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Sourcing Specialist in London employer: Disney
Contact Detail:
Disney Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sourcing Specialist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make those personal connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. We want you to walk into that interview feeling confident and ready to show them why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it relates to the role of a Sourcing Specialist. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail that delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe this shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which can really set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sourcing Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sourcing Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience in strategic sourcing and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can make a meaningful impact!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role at Disney and how your skills can contribute to our strategic sourcing objectives. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can manage complex projects and deliver results, so let us know how you’ve done that!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at Disney!
How to prepare for a job interview at Disney
✨Know Your Sourcing Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've developed and executed sourcing strategies in the past, especially in complex environments. This will show that you understand the role's requirements and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical prowess by discussing specific examples where you've used data to drive decisions. Highlight your experience with spend analytics and how it has contributed to achieving savings targets. This is crucial for a role that focuses on financial performance and risk mitigation.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about times when you've successfully engaged with cross-functional teams or stakeholders. Be ready to share how you navigated complex relationships and influenced decisions. This will illustrate your ability to thrive in a matrix environment, which is key for this position.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to manage high-value, high-risk initiatives and how you would approach challenges in sourcing. This will help you stand out as a proactive candidate.