Sourcing Specialist, Walt Disney Imagineering – New Builds (Fixed-Term Contract)
Sourcing Specialist, Walt Disney Imagineering – New Builds (Fixed-Term Contract)

Sourcing Specialist, Walt Disney Imagineering – New Builds (Fixed-Term Contract)

Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
The Walt Disney Company

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Source goods and services to bring Disney stories to life at sea.
  • Company: Join the iconic Walt Disney Imagineering team in a vibrant environment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and Disney park perks.
  • Why this job: Make an impact on exciting projects while collaborating with diverse teams.
  • Qualifications: Experience in strategic sourcing and strong negotiation skills required.
  • Other info: Fixed-term contract until December 2030 with excellent career growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

Our team plays a vital role in bringing Disney stories to life at sea. We source the goods and services that support the design, build and operation of Disney Cruise Line (DCL) ships and private islands. As a Sourcing Specialist, you will partner closely with Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), on‑board teams and shoreside stakeholders to translate complex technical and operational requirements into efficient, compliant and value‑driven sourcing solutions. Working across a global network of US and European partners, you will help plan and implement strategic sourcing initiatives within company guidelines, supporting fleet expansion projects from concept through execution. Your work will span a wide range of categories, including ship systems, safety, hotel operations, furnishings, navigation, environmental solutions, and repair and maintenance. You will also contribute to Strategic Sourcing initiatives, supplier and market risk analysis, contract execution, and cost‑effective logistics — all while upholding Disney’s commitment to quality, safety and responsible business practices.

This role is a four year fixed‑term contract, running until December 2030. It will be based in our London Hammersmith office, working four days per week on‑site, with either a Monday or a Friday working from home. You’ll join a team grounded in our Disney values — acting with Integrity, welcoming everyone through Inclusion, embracing boundless Creativity, working together through Collaboration, and caring deeply for our Community. These values shape how we work and how we support one another each day.

What You Will Do

  • Build strong partnerships through effective client, category and stakeholder management.
  • Lead sourcing initiatives aimed at reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) while maintaining performance, safety and policy compliance.
  • Collaborate within cross‑functional teams to develop and implement strategic sourcing arrangements.
  • Negotiate supplier relationships, including pricing, lead times, terms and conditions, scope of work, payment milestones and warranties.
  • Manage quotations, project sourcing activities and order execution for assigned Disney Cruise Line vessels.
  • Coordinate technical and operational requirements with on‑board partners and shoreside management, ensuring regulatory and trade compliance.
  • Leverage the global supply base to achieve the most competitive landed cost and delivery outcomes.
  • Proactively resolve sourcing and supply chain challenges, including timeline delays, order discrepancies and returns.
  • Communicate clearly, professionally and proactively with internal and external partners.
  • Establish supplier performance metrics and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Apply strong analytical and data‑driven problem‑solving skills to complex sourcing scenarios.
  • Implement category management best practices across sourcing strategies.
  • Manage contracts and key supplier relationships across global, regional and local agreements.
  • Support risk management practices and contribute to corporate citizenship goals, including environmental responsibility and supplier diversity.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Experience in strategic sourcing and procurement within the marine industry or a related project or construction management environment.
  • Proven experience negotiating pricing and commercial terms.
  • Ability to review, align and manage contracts for both technical and non‑technical engagements.
  • Experience supporting formal RFP processes for goods and services.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
  • A collaborative team‑first mindset with strong interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively and meet commitments in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Experience working with and across diverse cultures and working styles.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Marine or Industrial Engineering, Naval Architecture, Construction Management or a related discipline.
  • Familiarity with sourcing and procurement systems such as AMOS, Coupa and SAP.

Preferred Qualifications

  • MBA or Master’s degree.
  • Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB).
  • APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
  • ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).
  • NCMA Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM).

The Perks

  • 25 days annual leave.
  • Private medical insurance and dental care.
  • Free Park Entry for you to enjoy Disney parks with your family and friends.
  • Disney Discounts on selected products, resort food and beverage, and ticketing.
  • Excellent parental and guardian leave.
  • Employee Resource Groups, including WOMEN @ Disney, Disney Mosaic, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED (our disability and neurodiversity group), and TRUST (Mental Health & Wellbeing).

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where everyone can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to building a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions and access employment benefits. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Sourcing Specialist, Walt Disney Imagineering – New Builds (Fixed-Term Contract) employer: The Walt Disney Company

Walt Disney Imagineering is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, the company provides generous benefits such as private medical insurance, 25 days of annual leave, and unique perks like free park entry and discounts. Employees are encouraged to grow through diverse resource groups and professional development opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful projects that bring Disney stories to life.
The Walt Disney Company

Contact Detail:

The Walt Disney Company Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sourcing Specialist, Walt Disney Imagineering – New Builds (Fixed-Term Contract)

Tip Number 1

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

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Disney's values and how they align with your own. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated integrity, creativity, and collaboration in your past roles.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your analytical skills! Be prepared to discuss specific sourcing scenarios where you’ve used data to drive decisions. This will highlight your problem-solving abilities and fit for the role.

Tip Number 4

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

We think you need these skills to ace Sourcing Specialist, Walt Disney Imagineering – New Builds (Fixed-Term Contract)

Strategic Sourcing
Procurement
Negotiation Skills
Contract Management
RFP Process Support
Microsoft Office Proficiency
Written and Verbal Communication
Interpersonal Skills
Organisational Skills
Cultural Awareness
Sourcing and Procurement Systems Familiarity
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, especially within the marine industry. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Sourcing Specialist at Disney!

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since clear communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate your written and verbal skills. We love seeing candidates who can tailor their messages to different audiences, so don’t hold back!

Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit: This position requires a team-first mindset, so be sure to mention any experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams. We’re all about working together at StudySmarter, and we want to see that in your application!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into the process. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

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

Know Your Sourcing Basics

Before the interview, brush up on your strategic sourcing and procurement knowledge, especially within the marine industry. Be ready to discuss how you can translate complex technical requirements into effective sourcing solutions, as this is key for the role.

Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations where you successfully managed pricing and commercial terms. Highlight your ability to negotiate supplier relationships and how you’ve navigated challenges in previous roles to demonstrate your value.

Demonstrate Collaboration

Since this role involves working with cross-functional teams, think of specific instances where you collaborated effectively. Be ready to share how you built strong partnerships and communicated clearly with stakeholders to achieve common goals.

Be Data-Driven

Familiarise yourself with analytical tools and data-driven problem-solving techniques. Prepare to discuss how you've applied these skills in sourcing scenarios, particularly in managing contracts and supplier performance metrics.

Sourcing Specialist, Walt Disney Imagineering – New Builds (Fixed-Term Contract)
The Walt Disney Company

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