Senior Project Manager, Global Sourcing (Hybrid)

Lakeshore Learning Materials; Carson (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligible

Paid leave for new parents

Excellent medical/dental/vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

On-site preschool

On-site employee gym

Generous employee discount

Casual dress

Job summary

Lakeshore Learning Materials in Carson, California is seeking a Senior Project Manager for their Global Sourcing team. The successful candidate will lead complex sourcing projects and coordinate with key vendors, including those based in China.

The role requires expertise in project management, with responsibilities encompassing vendor communication, cost negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration. A Bachelor's degree and Mandarin proficiency are essential. Join us and help drive our commitment to quality and innovative learning materials.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in project management or sourcing roles is essential.
• Experience with sourcing/procurement processes and supplier management is necessary.
• Familiarity with RFQ/RFP processes and pricing analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, cross-functional sourcing projects with minimal supervision.
• Serve as primary point of contact for assigned domestic and import vendors.
• Drive resolution of supplier-related issues including quality and cost.

Skills

Mandarin proficiency

Advanced Excel skills

Strong communication skills

Vendor relationship management

Negotiation experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Overview

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, over 50 stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. Today we’re working better, smarter and faster—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. We continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

Job Description

We are currently seeking a Senior Project Manager to join our Global Sourcing team. In this role, you will lead complex, cross-functional sourcing projects that support vendor performance, cost management, product changes and key business initiatives. You will partner closely with Global Sourcing, Merchandising, Quality, RD&D, Supply Chain and other internal teams to drive projects from planning through execution with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary point of contact for assigned domestic and import vendors, including key China-based suppliers, and provide English/Mandarin communication support as needed. Responsibilities include vendor coordination, cost negotiations, quality issue resolution, product change support, pricing initiatives, backorder recovery, vendor onboarding and other strategic sourcing projects.
• Lead complex, cross-functional sourcing projects with minimal supervision, including planning, stakeholder coordination, meeting facilitation, issue tracking, and execution follow-up.
• Partner with internal teams to deliver sourcing projects on time and aligned with business priorities.
• Manage domestic and import supplier networks across Merchandising, and OEM categories.
• Serve as the primary vendor contact, handling daily communication, performance follow-up, and escalations.
• Drive resolution of supplier-related issues, including quality, cost, lead times, product changes, backorders, packaging, testing, compliance, and operational escalations.
• Evaluate business needs independently and resolve complex challenges such as backorders, co-op negotiations, pricing strategies, and vendor cost reviews.
• Partner strategically with Merchandising and cross-functional teams to influence sourcing and product decisions across item selection, onboarding, capability reviews, and product lifecycle changes.
• Balance competing priorities and deliver solutions while leading strategic initiatives, including ERP implementations, distribution projects, vendor updates, bids, reporting, and process improvements.
• Act as a subject matter expert by supporting team members, sharing best practices, guiding complex supplier matters, and improving tools and processes.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 2+ years in project management or sourcing roles
• Mandarin proficiency
• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis)
• Experience with sourcing/procurement processes and supplier management

Preferred:

• 4+ years of relevant experience
• SAP experience
• Familiarity with RFQ/RFP processes, pricing analysis and vendor onboarding
• Experience with Power BI or Tableau

What Sets You Apart

• Strong communication and vendor relationship skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Negotiation experience across cost, quality and operational issues
• Cross-functional influence and problem-solving ability
• Experience working with global suppliers and multicultural teams

Compensation and Benefits

• Bonus eligible
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress

Additional Information

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.

Lakeshore is an E-Verify employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.