Associate Category Manager – Global Procurement

Mattel • El Segundo, CA

2d

About The Position

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: Behind every toy we create is a dynamic supply chain and a world-class procurement team that consistently delivers cost efficiencies, innovation, and value. Join our Global Procurement team as a Category Manager and lead strategic sourcing initiatives for some of our most exciting logistics categories! If you're passionate about building supplier partnerships, guiding cross-functional stakeholders, love a good negotiation, and want to make an impact at one of the world’s most recognized brands —this role is your next big move. The Opportunity: As our go-to expert for Logistics sourcing, you’ll own categories like robotics, automation and material handling equipment. You’ll collaborate with a network of cross-functional teams to drive cost savings, negotiate with top-tier vendors, and ensure our logistics network is lean, agile, and ready for anything.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of strategic sourcing experience (bonus if it’s in logistics or supply chain categories)
• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field is required; an MBA is preferred
• Top-notch negotiation skills and the ability to influence across all levels
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills (Excel is your playground)
• Clear, confident communication skills and executive presence
• Experience working independently and managing multiple priorities
• Experience developing contracts in partnership with Legal and Risk Management

Nice To Haves

• CPG industry experience
• Familiarity with procurement platforms (Coupa, CSO, Oracle, Infor Nexus)
• Spanish fluency (written and verbal)
• CPM or equivalent certification
• Willingness to travel up to 10%
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop category strategies for logistics activities including robotics, automation and material handling equipment, grounded in data, forecasts, and stakeholder needs.
• Lead full-cycle sourcing initiatives (RFI/RFQ/RFP) globally —managing the projects from strategy and execution to vendor selection and contract closeout.
• Drive strategic decision-making by evaluating leasing vs buying options for Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) to achieve the best financial outcome.
• Act as the category expert—track industry trends, evaluate supplier capabilities, and continuously refine sourcing strategies to align with business goals.
• Drive supplier performance through KPIs, operational scorecards, and relationship management (SRM).
• Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, and Logistics teams to align sourcing activities with company objectives.
• Influence and negotiate at all levels, from frontline suppliers to senior stakeholders, ensuring best-in-class deals and sustainable partnerships.
• Contribute to strategic planning by supporting budgeting, forecasting, and logistics roadmap development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level