Melinda Miller

About Melinda Miller

In my role as Director - Parks Global Merchandise Compliance, I am fortunate to manage eight (8) amazing team members who oversee the day-to-day administration of the Universal Products & Experiences - Parks Global Merchandise (UP & E-PGM) Compliance function, based in Orlando, FL. My team administers the Parks\' Global Merchandise Product Safety Testing and Product Quality Programs as well as the Universal Compliance Portal (UCP).The role of the UP & E Global Merchandise Compliance team is to ensure that the domestic theme parks remain in compliance with product safety, quality, intellectual property and other product compliance-related obligations as it relates to the development and distribution of Universal-developed retail and promotional products. Product lines currently include toys, children’s products, food/drinkware, apparel, souvenirs, stationery, and collectibles.One of our primary functions is the review of Universal-developed products in various stages of the product approval process for compliance to product safety regulations and other legal requirements. In support of licensing initiatives, we also review products that bear our Universal IP and are developed by our international theme parks for their compliance to our product safety and quality brand standards.I also proudly manage the team who administers the NBCUniversal Product Safety Center (PSC). The PSC was created to assist business units in mitigating the product safety risks from merchandise activities through the provision of product safety advice, assistance, and educational resources to NBCU business units. Some of the services we provide are management of the NBCU-Approved Promotional Vendors Program, development of online Product Compliance training modules (for NBCU businesses who are engaged in branded product sourcing) and management of compliance-related content for 3 internal webpages.

Experience

1. Director, Parks Global Merchandise Compliance

   Universal Destinations & Experiences

   Apr 2018 — Present · Orlando, FL, US

   Direct the vision, strategy, priorities, and objectives for UDX Parks Global Merchandise Compliance & NBCU Product Safety Center (PSC). Develop product safety & quality standards, protocols, and processes to mitigate compliance risks and to protect our brands as well as those of our partners. Oversee testing programs with certified labs, conduct lab RFPs, and negotiate testing fees. Ensure the timely acquisition, archiving and acceptance of product compliance documentation through the acquisition, development, and use of compliance reporting and portals. Lead and develop the product compliance team to promote an environment of teamwork and cooperation between compliance, product development and operating partners. Primary point of contact for regulatory agency inquiries, safety-related guest comments and for coordinating with Legal & Risk Management for response. Lead NBCUniversal Product Safety Center (PSC) and assist NBCU business units in mitigating the product safety risks from merchandise activities through the provision of product safety advice, assistance, and educational resources. Manage the NBCU-Approved Promotional Vendors Program, development of online corporate Product Compliance training module, and management of compliance-related content for internal webpages.

Education

• University of Pittsburgh

  BA, History

• John Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University / ADK

  Certificate in Product Safety Management

  2014 — 2014

Skills

• Leadership
• Process Improvement
• Contract Negotiation
• Training
• Program Management
• Vendor Management
• Licensing
• Customer Service
• Management
• Team Building
• Forecasting
• Contract Management
• Compliance
• Policy
• Product Development
• Negotiation
• Strategic Planning
• Marketing Strategy
• Product Safety
• Supplier Evaluation
• Business Planning
• Operations Management
• Relationship Management
• Consumer Products
• Strategy
• Product Management
• Strategic Partnerships