Sr. Manager, Merchandise Planning & Supply Chain Management (Project Hire)

JOB SUMMARY:

The Manager of Merchandise Planning & Supply Chain Management will own the design and implementation of the future-state supply and demand planning replenishment/allocation and logistics integration ensuring plans are realistic executable and aligned with the Guest experience and financial goals.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• End-to-End Planning Process Design:
  • Map current demand planning supply planning purchasing allocation and replenishment processes across parks DCs outlets and e-commerce.
  • Design the future state integrated planning flow: how forecasts are generated and approved how supply plans and buys are created and how stock is allocated and replenished across the network.
  • Define clear roles responsibilities and hand-offs between Demand Planning Supply Planning Merch DC Operations Logistics and Stores/Parks including meeting cadences and approval points.
• Policy and Parameter Framework:
  • Establish service level and stock policies (e.g. target availability levels safety stock approaches) by product/channel/park.
  • Define the parameter strategy for planning (calendars lead times order frequencies min/max lot sizes) and clarify who owns and maintains which parameters.
  • Embed event-driven and seasonal realities (special events new attractions peak periods weather sensitivity) into planning rules and scenarios.
• Solution Design & Testing:
  • Lead design workshops for demand and supply planning allocation and replenishment; translate business needs into configuration requirements.
  • Define test scenarios and scripts for planning and supply modules including edge cases like supply disruptions demand surges and event misses.
  • Oversee UAT for planning and supply capabilities manage defects and change requests and sign off that processes and tools are ready for go-live.
• Operational Readiness Training & Stabilization:
  • Create day in the life scenarios for planners buyers DC and logistics teams in the new tools and processes and use them as the basis for training.
  • Develop playbooks for common issues (short shipments late containers event risk over stock/off price triggers) that show how to respond using the new capabilities.
  • Track early KPIs post go-live (availability inventory turns expediting costs fulfilment performance) and lead stabilization and continuous improvement cycles.
• Network and Logistics Integration:
  • Document constraints and characteristics of the physical network: vendor lead times and MOQs DC capacities transport lanes and transit times.
  • Ensure planning processes and system configuration reflect these constraints so system outputs are executable in the real network.
  • Partner with Logistics and DC Ops to design and test key flows (new product introductions seasonal builds outlet / liquidation flows emergency replenishment).
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy procedures training and team member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION:

• Bachelors degree in Business Finance Retail Management or related field.

EXPERIENCE:

• 7 years of experience in merchandise planning strategy or retail operations.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives or new market entries
• Knowledge of global supply chain processes vendor management and import logistics.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Consistent attendance is a job requirement.
• Requires meetings with global partners outside normal business hours.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen; expert proficiency in Excel and planning tools (Oracle SAP etc.).
• Excellent communication project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Collaborative innovator focused on building scalable future-proof solutions.
• Passion for theme park or entertainment retail and understanding of consumer experience-driven environments.
• Comfortable working in dynamic fast-paced environments with evolving strategic priorities.

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

Universal Products & Experiences Overview:
Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversals iconic collection of brands intellectual properties characters and stories based on the companys extensive portfolio of properties created by Universal Pictures Illumination DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this through innovative physical and digital products engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and 3rd party IP) location-based venues e-commerce product platforms and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative UP&Es three lines of business include Consumer Products Games and Digital Platforms and Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP&E is a division of Universal Destinations & Experiences part of NBCUniversal a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

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