Sourcing Manager

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

About The Position

The Sourcing Manager leads and executes complex and unique purchasing projects, reviewing requisitions for capital and expense items or services, developing supply sources, preparing bid specifications, issuing bid requests, and reviewing quotations. As a specialist in assigned material categories, the role applies technical knowledge and interprets purchasing procedures for departments and vendors. The manager works with stakeholders and Legal to achieve best value for Universal Destinations and Experiences (UDX), while ensuring timely purchase orders and deliveries, appropriate stock levels, and purchasing decisions that account for price, service, quality, warranty, and total cost of ownership. The role collaborates with internal and external business partners to develop specifications and timelines that support the supply of materials and services and the guest experience. It prepares bid forms, manages the RFX process, analyzes bids, recommends awards, negotiates and establishes contracts, and authorizes and processes purchase orders under company policy. The position may lead or supervise Sourcing Specialists, Associate Sourcing Specialists, and support staff in the future. The successful candidate must have strong analytical, mathematical, communication, and negotiation capabilities; advanced Excel skills; PowerPoint experience; and experience with a computerized purchasing system. A bachelor's degree and at least three years of sourcing and procurement experience involving specialized or technical commodities, engineered systems, and professional services are required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
At least 3 years of experience in sourcing and procurement of specialized or technical commodities, engineered systems, and professional services.
Advanced analytical capabilities in MS Excel, including gathering and interpreting data from multiple sources and identifying economic trends.
Ability to translate analysis and communicate information effectively using MS PowerPoint.
Experience with a computerized purchasing system required.
Vast knowledge of suppliers and manufacturers, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong communication and negotiation skills.
Good mathematical and analytical skills.
Ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, money, weight, volume, distance, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
Ability to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and work with abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to read and analyze business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations; write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; and present information effectively to individuals and groups.
Consistent attendance is a job requirement.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Construction experience highly desirable.
Theme park or entertainment-related company experience is a plus.
Skills in supervising or leading the work activities of others may be required.

Responsibilities

Research potential suppliers for requested items, identify alternatives or substitutions, and assist internal requesters with requirements.
Gather and review requests in multiple formats, including technical drawings and schematics.
Identify potential bidding initiatives to achieve hard-dollar and process savings.
Establish blanket purchase agreements with vendors, including dollar and contract-term limits.
Facilitate competitive bids for requisitions in accordance with company policies.
Organize and participate in job walks; solicit and evaluate supplier bids and proposals; recommend suppliers; negotiate prices; establish contracts; place orders; and arrange deliveries to meet deadlines and savings goals.
Work with corporate team members to optimize deal terms across the enterprise.
Interview sales representatives and research companies to develop supply sources, update records, and secure favorable terms for UDX Orlando.
Compile metrics and KPIs for related areas.
Partner with Cost Control to support budget compliance and identify procurement cost-saving opportunities.
Lead efforts related to key company initiatives.
Resolve purchase-order price discrepancies with supplier-confirmed prices.
Follow established Environmental, Health & Safety policies, procedures, training, and team-member involvement activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.