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Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing

Company Description

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Team:
About Mattel’s Global Supply Chain:

The Global Supply Chain Organization is a vital competitive advantage at Mattel, constantly evolving to support our diverse and exciting portfolio of products! This role is an integral part of our mission to ensure products are delivered across the globe with the highest service standards, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. As Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing, you will have the opportunity to work cross-functionally with key stakeholders throughout the organization and directly manage external partnerships. This position provides unmatched exposure to Mattel’s global supply chain network and plays a critical role in our vision of becoming a World-Class Strategic Sourcing organization.

Job Description

The Opportunity: 

The Associate Manager- Strategic Sourcing is an individual contributor role that will be assigned certain Logistics categories and projects to manage to positive outcomes. This role is responsible for the execution of sourcing strategies, with equal emphasis placed on the ability to identify, analyze, and quantify opportunities, manage RFI and RFPs, handle vendor negotiations and contract management. Functional areas will include, but not be limited to, Land Transportation, Customs Brokerage, MHE and supplies sourcing.  

What Your Impact Will Be: 

  • Support the execution of North America (Mexico, US & Canada) end-to-end RFI/RFQ/RFPs for transportation, Material Handling Equipment (including forklifts and batteries in the DCs), customs brokers, pallets and other Logistics categories spanning from creation, distribution, and facilitation of the entire process through vendor performance management, in collaboration with an Integrated Sourcing Team (IST) to build consensus, resolve conflict, negotiate with vendors, drive project activity through the communication of expectations, creation and enforcement of deliverables, and management of issues/risks.
  • Collaboratively develop and recommend category strategies and identify savings opportunities based on internal data, market trends, forecasts and Mattel objectives.
  • Align and manage day-to-day communications with internal and external parties, including analyzing and reporting KPIs and operational scorecards.
  • Build a general knowledge of the market trends for assigned categories and leverage that understanding to determine potential sources and capabilities of suppliers while informing key internal stakeholders.
  • Support Manager in financial forecasting process through category spend analysis, critical cost assumptions alignment, and actual spend reconciliation.
  • Share best practices with the Global team to drive synergies and improve effectiveness of the group 
  • Work with Manager to develop and continually update a Logistics Road Map of activities.
  • Review current and new contracts with Legal/ Risk Management to ensure business is protected and identify procurement risks and opportunities.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For: 

  • Experience: 3–5 years of relevant strategic sourcing experience
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field
  • Proven ability to learn and work independently while achieving complex deliverables
  • Superior analytical, problem-solving, and financial modeling skills
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships across all organizational levels, both internally and externally
  • Executive decks development and presentation expertise
  • Expertise in negotiation and stakeholder influence
  • Strong communication skills with proficiency in verbal/written English
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Certifications: CPM or equivalent professional certification
  • Industry Experience: CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) background
  • Familiarity with sourcing and procurement systems (Coupa, CSO, Oracle, Infor Nexus)
  • Knowledge and experience in contract terms development in collaboration with Legal teams
  • Willingness to travel (position may require up to 10% travel)
  • Verbal and written Spanish fluency

The annual base salary range for this position is between $105,000 and $132,000.
**This range is indicative of projected hiring range, however annual base salary will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience.

Additional Information

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

  • We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
  • We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
  • We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Our Approach to Flexible Work:

We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.

Who We Are:

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Mattel Investor Highlights

Mattel Glassdoor Company Review
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Average salary estimate

$118500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$105000K
$132000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing, Mattel

Are you passionate about strategic sourcing and looking to make an impact in a vibrant company? Mattel is on the lookout for an Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing to join our dynamic team at 333 Continental Boulevard, El Segundo, California! In this role, you will dive into a world of logistics categories, handling RFI and RFP processes, negotiating vendor contracts, and ensuring excellence in our supply chain operations. Collaborating with internal stakeholders and managing external partnerships will be key as you work towards executing sourcing strategies that drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness. You'll be responsible for analyzing market trends, identifying savings opportunities, and even supporting financial forecasting. This position isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creativity and innovation as you help us deliver toys that spark joy and imagination across the globe. With your analytical prowess and superior problem-solving skills, you’ll play a crucial role in recommending category strategies and contributing to our mission of becoming a world-class strategic sourcing organization. Plus, at Mattel, we value an inclusive environment and are committed to creating a workplace that reflects a myriad of voices and ideas. If you have 3-5 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field, let's talk about how you can bring your unique skills to Mattel!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing Role at Mattel
What are the primary responsibilities of the Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing at Mattel?

As the Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing at Mattel, your primary responsibilities will include the execution of sourcing strategies for logistics categories, managing RFI and RFP processes, negotiating with vendors, and ensuring effective vendor performance management. You will work with an Integrated Sourcing Team to recommend category strategies and identify savings opportunities based on market trends and forecasts.

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What qualifications are required for the Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing position at Mattel?

To qualify for the Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing role at Mattel, you should have 3-5 years of relevant strategic sourcing experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related field. It’s essential to possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

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How does the Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing role contribute to Mattel's supply chain efficiency?

The Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing plays a pivotal role in enhancing Mattel's supply chain efficiency by managing sourcing strategies and vendor relationships. By analyzing KPIs, facilitating contract negotiations, and developing category strategies, you'll help optimize costs and streamline processes, ensuring products reach global markets effectively.

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What experience is preferred for candidates applying for the Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing role at Mattel?

Preferred candidates for the Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing role at Mattel typically have experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, familiarity with procurement systems like Coupa or Oracle, and knowledge of contract terms development. Certifications such as CPM are also advantageous.

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What is the salary range for the Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing position at Mattel?

The annual base salary range for the Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing at Mattel is between $105,000 and $132,000, which will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, and work location.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Associate Manager - Strategic Sourcing
What sourcing strategies do you think are crucial for an Associate Manager role?

As an Associate Manager, focusing on data-driven sourcing strategies is essential. Highlight your ability to analyze market trends, assess supplier capabilities, and negotiate terms effectively. Discuss examples from your past where strategic sourcing led to cost savings and improved organizational performance.

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Can you give an example of a successful RFP you managed?

Share a specific example where you successfully managed an RFP, detailing your approach to creating the RFP document, engaging with vendors, evaluating responses, and selecting a supplier. Emphasize the results, such as cost savings or improved service delivery.

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How do you handle vendor negotiations?

Discuss your negotiation style, focusing on collaboration and win-win outcomes. Provide an example where your negotiation skills led to favorable contract terms, demonstrating your expertise in building lasting relationships while ensuring the company’s interests are protected.

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What measures do you take to identify savings opportunities during sourcing?

Explain your process for analyzing internal data, studying market trends, and forecasting needs. Provide instances where you identified savings opportunities that aligned with organizational goals and resulted in significant financial benefits.

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How do you prioritize your workload as an Associate Manager?

Talk about your time management skills and methods to prioritize tasks, such as using project management tools or techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix. Provide examples of how you’ve balanced competing priorities in previous roles successfully.

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What key performance indicators (KPIs) do you use to measure sourcing effectiveness?

Discuss relevant KPIs such as cost savings, supplier performance, compliance rates, and cycle times. Stress the importance of these metrics in evaluating and continually improving sourcing strategies and vendor management.

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Describe how you build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders.

Emphasize the importance of communication and collaboration. Share how you regularly engage with stakeholders to understand their needs, provide updates, and incorporate their feedback into sourcing strategies, ultimately fostering strong professional relationships.

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How do you adapt your sourcing strategies to market changes?

Demonstrate your adaptability by discussing how you stay informed about market trends and economic shifts. Provide an example where you swiftly adjusted sourcing strategies in response to these changes, ensuring ongoing alignment with the company’s goals.

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What do you consider when reviewing contracts with Legal teams?

Highlight your focus on protecting the company’s interests by looking for critical terms related to liability, compliance, and pricing. Discuss how collaborating with Legal ensures that contracts are fair, beneficial, and risk-mitigated.

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How important is teamwork in the Associate Manager role?

Discuss the significance of teamwork in achieving sourcing objectives at Mattel. Emphasize the collaborative nature of the role, where aligning with internal teams and external vendors is crucial for successful sourcing outcomes and creating value for the organization.

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Mattel, a global leader in toys and family entertainment, engages audiences with a vast portfolio of iconic brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price.

263 jobs
MATCH
VIEW MATCH
BADGES
Badge Diversity ChampionBadge Family FriendlyBadge Flexible CultureBadge Global CitizenBadge Work&Life Balance
CULTURE VALUES
Inclusive & Diverse
Empathetic
Collaboration over Competition
Growth & Learning
FUNDING
DEPARTMENTS
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 20, 2025

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