Sourcing Specialist in London

Sourcing Specialist in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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The Walt Disney Company (Corporate)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive strategic sourcing initiatives and manage third-party spend across diverse 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 ethical 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.

Competencies & Behaviors

  • Strategic thinker: develop analysis and strategies, stay current on industry trends.
  • Relationship builder: engage colleagues, facilitate win-win situations.
  • 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: The Walt Disney Company (Corporate)

The Walt Disney Company is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Sourcing Specialist in London, you'll enjoy competitive benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and unique perks like free park entry and Disney discounts. With a strong commitment to employee growth and diversity, Disney provides a supportive environment where you can thrive while making a meaningful impact across the EMEA region.
The Walt Disney Company (Corporate)

Contact Detail:

The Walt Disney Company (Corporate) 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 people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the role. Keep it concise and focus on what you can bring to the table.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position.

We think you need these skills to ace Sourcing Specialist in London

Strategic Sourcing
Analytical Skills
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Negotiation Skills
RFx Processes
Spend Analytics
Market Research
Financial Acumen
Procurement Best Practices
Microsoft Excel
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Change Management

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!

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and project management experience. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully managed complex sourcing projects. This will help us see your potential!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to your achievements and skills.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and ensure it gets to the right people. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Walt Disney Company (Corporate)

✨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 any experience with spend analytics or market research, as these are crucial for the role. Bring along any relevant metrics or KPIs you've worked with to back up your claims.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Think about times when you've successfully engaged with cross-functional teams or stakeholders. Be ready to share stories that illustrate your relationship-building skills and how you've navigated complex business environments. This will help convey your ability to influence and collaborate effectively.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare for questions like how you would handle a non-compliant spend or propose a new commercial model. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.

Sourcing Specialist in London
The Walt Disney Company (Corporate)
Location: London
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