Sourcing Specialist

Sourcing Specialist

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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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 with a globally recognised brand.
  • Qualifications: 4+ years in strategic sourcing with strong analytical and project management skills.
  • Other info: Collaborate in a diverse environment with excellent career growth opportunities.

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 employer: The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and inclusion while providing ample opportunities for professional growth. Located in the heart of London, employees enjoy a range of benefits including generous annual leave, private medical insurance, and unique perks such as free park entry and exclusive discounts. Joining our Strategic Sourcing & Procurement team means being part of a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact our strategic objectives across the EMEA region, all while upholding Disney's commitment to ethical standards and compliance.
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Contact Detail:

The Walt Disney Company Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sourcing Specialist

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Disney, especially those in sourcing roles. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Disney's values and recent projects. Show us how your skills align with their mission and how you can contribute to their strategic sourcing goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex sourcing challenges in the past. We want to see your thought process and problem-solving abilities in action.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Disney family!

We think you need these skills to ace Sourcing Specialist

Strategic Sourcing
Analytical Skills
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Negotiation Skills
RFx Processes
Financial Acumen
Market Research
Supplier Performance Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Microsoft Excel Proficiency
Compliance Knowledge
Change Management
Communication Skills

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 project management, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills. 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 the perfect fit for our team at Disney. Share specific examples of your past successes in sourcing and how they align with our goals. Let your personality come through!

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use your application to show how you've successfully managed complex sourcing projects or driven savings in previous roles. We love seeing real-world applications of your expertise.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!

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

✨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 contribute effectively.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Sourcing Specialist, analytical skills are key. Prepare examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes. Bring along any relevant metrics or KPIs you've monitored in previous roles to demonstrate your ability to track progress and communicate results clearly.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

The role requires strong stakeholder engagement, so think about times when you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced others and built relationships to achieve common goals. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate complex environments.

✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen

Familiarise yourself with procurement best practices and be prepared to discuss how you've applied them in your previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with cost/market analyses and how you've contributed to savings targets. This will show that you have the commercial insight needed for the position.

Sourcing Specialist
The Walt Disney Company
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