Director, Strategic Vendor Management

At Universal Creative we design develop and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences imaginable to drive growth for Universal Destinations & Experiences worldwide. Our innovative attractions immersive theme parks and world-class resorts fuse art and technology to create new standards in the themed entertainment industry.

Our Team Members are the driving force behind Universal Creative. With their diverse skills and forward-thinking ideas our team pushes us beyond the boundaries of whats possible to achieve the extraordinary. Together were creating a Universe of fun always ensuring the next thing we do is better than the last thing we did.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Strategic Vendor Management will serve as the enterprise lead for developing governing and optimizing Universal Creatives vendor ecosystem. This role will establish a comprehensive vendor strategy that ensures performance accountability and long-term alignment with business creative and technical priorities. The Director will design and implement enterprise-wide vendor frameworksincluding partnership management auditing tiering and innovation scoutingwhile driving efficiency cost optimization and delivery excellence across projects and disciplines.

This leader acts as a connective tissue across many different department including Development & Delivery Advanced Technology (ATI) Global Project Management (GPH) Engineering & Safety (E&S) Finance Creative Studio and Legal. The role will balance accountability and partnership to ensure vendors deliver maximum value while cultivating relationships that strengthen both vendors as well as Universal Creatives future innovation capacity. The Director of Strategic Vendor Management will directly shape UCs ability to deliver mind-blowing experiences efficiently reliably and at scale.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Vendor Performance & Governance
  • Lead a comprehensive data-driven audit and evaluation of vendor relationships across all project phases.
  • Establish standards policies and frameworks for vendor performance accountability and governance.
  • Monitor vendor delivery against quality cost and schedule commitments escalating risks and initiating recovery plans as needed.
• Strategic Planning & Optimization
  • Develop and maintain a long-range vendor strategy including partner models preferred vendor lists and consolidation opportunities.
  • Identify underperforming or misaligned vendors; establish improvement or exit strategies.
  • Proactively identify cost-reduction value-engineering and efficiency opportunities while preserving creative and technical excellence.
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Alignment
  • Collaborate with UC project teams GPH E&S ATI and Studio leaders to align vendor strategies with creative technical and business priorities.
  • Serve as a neutral integrator to address vendor-related conflicts recovery strategies or transitions.
• Industry Scouting & Innovation
  • Lead efforts to identify evaluate and onboard new vendors aligned with Universal Creatives future needs (e.g. AI digital fabrication next-gen ride systems).
  • Benchmark vendor management best practices across industries to evolve UCs engagement model.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy procedures training and team member involvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations policies and applicable laws.
• Able to connect disparate information into actionable strategic insight.
• Combines accountability with partnership to challenge the status quo while maintaining strong vendor relationships.
• Capable of translating creative technical and financial perspectives into clear actionable strategies.
• Seeks out new technologies methods and vendors that advance Universal Creatives capabilities.
• Passionate about Universals product and values with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Proven track record in managing complex vendor ecosystems across technical and creative disciplines.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and influencing skills across creative technical and financial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in building governance frameworks leading audits and implementing enterprise-scale strategy.
• Financial acumen related to contract management cost analysis and ROI evaluation.
• Experience with both domestic and global vendor networks strongly preferred.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Consistent attendance is a job requirement.

EDUCATION

Bachelors degree in Business Engineering or related field required; Masters preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE

10 years of experience in capital projects management or enterprise vendor management. Experience in themed entertainment is preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your talent skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.