Associate Manager, Strategic Sourcing - Transportation

Mattel; Slough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global toy company seeks an Associate Manager for Global Procurement in Slough, UK. This role involves developing logistics strategies, managing supplier relationships, and executing cost-saving initiatives to enhance operational efficiency. Ideal candidates will have strong analytical and negotiation skills with a background in supply chain management.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years relevant strategic sourcing experience required.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Experience presenting to senior management critical.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end RFI/RFP processes collaboratively.
• Develop and recommend category strategies from data analysis.
• Lead supplier relationship management with strategic partners.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Project management

Problem-solving

Financial modeling

Education

BA/BS in Business, Finance, or Operations/Supply Chain

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

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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, entertain 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

The Global Supply Chain Organization is a competitive advantage for Mattel. Mattel's Supply Chain is ever evolving to support the amazing portfolio of Mattel products and is never boring! This position plays a critical role by ensuring that Mattel products are delivered across all continents in the highest service standards and cost-effective conditions. To accomplish this, the position requires developing and owning high level cross functional interactions with key stakeholders and managing strategic partnerships throughout the globe. Additionally, this role will gain exceptional perspective and insight into Mattel's Supply Chain global network.

Job Description

The Opportunity

The Associate Manager, Global Procurement is a professional role that reports directly into the Senior Director, Global Procurement.

The Associate Manager will be assigned certain Logistics categories, strategies and projects to manage to positive outcomes. This includes assisting in or directly managing the development of category strategies, cost saving initiatives and global/regional sourcing projects with a focus on Logistics across Mattel. Key Logistics areas include, but are not limited to, distribution centers/ 3PL, drayage, outbound transportation and other Logistic supporting services. Additionally, the role supports development of total cost supply chain strategies and partners closely with key Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance and Product Sourcing stakeholders at various management levels.

This role is vital to ensuring that Mattel continues to gain momentum towards truly becoming a World Class Strategic Sourcing organization which will drive further operational efficiencies across the globe via sustainable cost discipline and revenue growth platforms

What Your Impact Will Be:

• Manage end-to-end RFI/ RFPs spanning from creation, issuance, and facilitation of the entire process through vendor selection, in collaboration with an Integrated Sourcing Team (IST) to build consensus, resolve conflict, lead and provide guidance on negotiation tactics and planning 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 based on internal data, market trends, forecasts, and Mattel Objectives.
• Create presentations and analytics based on operations data and spend for the categories. Identify and recommend savings opportunities.
• Manage the contracting process and supplier negotiations to ensure cost savings targets are achieved and internal stakeholder requirements are incorporated in all new agreements. This includes mentoring Team members on negotiations.
• Partner with Finance and Logistics teams to accurately forecast annual category spend, align critical cost assumptions, and reconcile actual spend against financial targets
• Develop and lead supplier relationship management efforts focusing on the top strategic suppliers which require engagement with senior management at Mattel and third party organizations
• Share best practices with the Global Procurement Logistics team's activities to drive synergies and improve effectiveness of the group
• Continually review (individually or by a team member) current contracts to ensure business is protected and identify procurement risks and opportunities
• Drive usage of the Coupa e-sourcing platform by the team and become a key advocate of the platform.
• Ensure all Global Procurement Logistics legal documents are in Coupa for Europe.
• Work with Sr Manager to develop and continually update a Logistics Road Map of activities looking forward 3 to 5 years.

This role is vital to ensuring that Mattel continues to gain momentum towards truly becoming a World Class Strategic Sourcing organization which will drive further operational efficiencies across the globe via sustainable cost discipline and revenue growth platforms.

Qualifications

What We're Looking For:

Required Skills:

• Minimum 3 - 5 years relevant strategic sourcing experience
• BA/BS (Business, Finance and or Operations/Supply Chain)
• Proven ability to learn/execute independently
• Superior analytical, problem solving and financial modeling skills
• Strong track record in building both internal and external relationships
• Experience working closely with and frequently presenting to senior management
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and interact with employees at all levels.
• Strong ability to influence
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent verbal/written skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Proficient in PowerPoint & Excel
• Fluent in English

Preferred skills:

• CPM or similar certification
• CPG background a plus
• Financial acumen
• Experience developing contract terms with legal
• Working knowledge of Coupa CSO and Contracting Modules
• Experience working closely with and frequently presenting to senior management
• Willingness to travel (position may require up to 10% travel)
• Strong customer service background
• Experience leading/managing a team

Additional Information

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.

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.