Materials Sourcing & Planning Manager

Learning Without Tears•Cabin John, MD

About The Position

At Learning Without Tears (LWT), we're more than just a company; we're a passionate, family-owned community on a mission to revolutionize education. We believe that learning should be engaging and joyful, which is why we create innovative, fun products and digital resources that empower educators and inspire children. Every day, our commitment to collaboration and creativity propels us forward. We're dedicated to embracing change, striving for excellence, and simplifying processes to create a lasting impact in the lives of educators and learners alike. Join our dynamic team and be a part of something truly transformative as we shape the future of education together! As Materials Sourcing & Planning Manager, you will be a strategic supply chain leader responsible for overseeing sourcing and purchasing activities and managing vendors to effectively meet inventory objectives. This role leads end-to-end sourcing strategy, vendor performance, and materials planning to ensure alignment with business objectives across cost efficiency, quality, service levels, and speed-to-market. The Manager partners cross functionally with Finance, Inventory Planning, Product Development and Executive Leadership to inform decision making with data-driven information and market intelligence.

Requirements

B.A. or B.S. or equivalent work experience.
6+ years related experience purchasing toys, novelties or related items.
Proven negotiating skills with vendors.
4+ years managerial experience including leading a purchasing team.
Ability to coach others to enhance their skills.
Knowledge of overseas manufacturing processes.
Knowledge of product import and safety testing processes.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple projects at once while completing quality work on a timely basis.
Ability to work both independently and with a team.
Excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with staff, customers and vendors.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Experience purchasing print items in the education publishing industry a plus.
Experience with ERP software (such as Netsuite) preferred.
Experience with MS Office (Excel intensive).

Responsibilities

Lead, develop, and scale a high-performing sourcing and planning function aligned to enterprise priorities.
Establish clear performance expectations, accountability frameworks, and development pathways for team members.
Continuously evaluate organizational design, capacity, and capabilities to support business growth.
Champion process excellence through workflow optimization, automation opportunities, and best practice adoption across procurement and planning.
Monitor industry trends (printing, manufacturing, global supply chain) and translate insights into actionable strategies.
Design and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies that optimize total cost of ownership, quality, and supply continuity.
Lead complex sourcing initiatives, including supplier selection, contract negotiation, and long-term partnership development.
Institutionalize competitive bidding processes (e.g., annual print RFPs), ensuring transparency, rigor, and optimal commercial outcomes.
Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, supplier leverage, and cost structures.
Build and manage a high-performing global supplier network across domestic and international markets.
Establish robust supplier performance frameworks, including KPIs, scorecards, and ongoing evaluation cycles.
Proactively identify risks within the supplier base and implement mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
Lead strategic negotiations on pricing, terms, and service agreements to maximize value.
Partner with Inventory Planning and Finance to align sourcing decisions with demand forecasts, inventory strategies, and cash flow objectives.
Develop forward-looking procurement and cash planning models tied to purchasing pipelines and business cycles.
Drive enterprise cost reduction initiatives through supplier consolidation, material optimization, freight efficiencies, and volume strategies.
Conduct advanced data analysis to inform sourcing decisions, identify savings opportunities, and improve supply chain performance.
Balance cost optimization with quality, compliance, and brand standards.
Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including import/export laws, CPSIA standards, and USMCA regulations.
Oversee customs, trade compliance, and import logistics to mitigate risk and ensure operational continuity.
Maintain governance over supplier certifications, safety standards, and ethical sourcing practices.
Serve as a strategic partner to Product Development, providing cost modeling, material expertise, and sourcing insights during product design and launch.
Collaborate with Marketing and Product teams on packaging, innovation, and go-to-market readiness.