Associate Manager, Strategic Sourcing (Ocean Freight and LCL Ocean)

Mattel, Inc.and Subsidiaries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Mattel, Inc.and Subsidiaries is seeking an Associate Manager for Strategic Sourcing focused on Ocean Freight and LCL Ocean. The role involves sourcing initiatives, category strategy development, and leading sourcing projects globally.

Candidates should have 3-5 years of relevant experience, a BA/BS in Business or related fields, and strong analytical and communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and preferable tools like Coupa/CSO is essential.

The position is based in El Segundo, California, and offers a competitive salary package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven ability to learn and execute independently.
• Strong track record in building internal and external relationships.
• Ability to work collaboratively and influence across all levels.
• Strong customer service background.

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Manager in Global Ocean Freight sourcing initiatives.
• Own and develop category strategies for LCL Ocean.
• Lead full-cycle sourcing initiatives globally.
• Facilitate the Ocean Freight sourcing process.
• Identify savings opportunities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Financial modeling

Project management

Negotiation

Communication

Relationship building

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Office

Coupa/CSO

Oracle

Infor Nexus system

Job description

Associate Manager, Strategic Sourcing (Ocean Freight and LCL Ocean)

Requisition: R238096 | Company: Mattel HQ, Inc. | Location: El Segundo, California | Pay Range: USD $110,000–$118,000 yearly (base pay determined by location, skills, and experience).

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Manager in Global Ocean Freight sourcing initiatives through market insights, analytics, and identifying opportunities; manage day‑to‑day communications, forecast process, and supplier relationship management.
• Own and develop category strategies for LCL Ocean and other logistics categories, grounded in data, forecasts, and stakeholder needs.
• Lead full‑cycle sourcing initiatives (RFI/RFQ/RFP) globally for LCL Ocean and NA for other projects, managing the projects from strategy and execution to vendor selection and contract closeout.
• Facilitate the Ocean Freight RFI/RFQ/RFP sourcing process through vendor award in Coupa CSO; collaborate with Integrated Sourcing Team (IST) to develop RFP documents, contract boilerplates, contract tracking, and manage supplier performance and contract performance.
• Create presentations and analytics for category spend and identify savings opportunities.
• Build general understanding of market trends for assigned categories and leverage this understanding to identify potential sources and supplier capabilities while informing key internal stakeholders.
• Partner with Finance and Logistics teams to forecast annual category spend, align cost assumptions, and reconcile actual spend against financial targets.
• Share best practices with the Global Procurement Logistics team to drive synergies and improve group effectiveness.
• Review current and new contracts with Legal/Risk Management to ensure business protection and identify procurement risks and opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3‑5 years of relevant professional experience.
• BA/BS in Business, Finance, Operations, or Supply Chain (preferred).
• Proven ability to learn and execute independently.
• Superior analytical, problem‑solving, and financial modeling skills.
• Strong track record in building internal and external relationships.
• Ability to work collaboratively and influence across all levels.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong negotiation capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
• Growth mindset: staying curious, embracing challenges, and continuous learning.
• Preferred: CPM or similar certification; CPG background; experience with Coupa/CSO, Oracle, or Infor Nexus system; financial acumen; experience presenting to senior management; willingness to travel up to 10%; strong customer service background; experience developing contract terms with Legal.

EEO Statement

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes all applicants. 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.