Sr Manager IT - Partner Strategy & Vendor Management
Mattel•El Segundo, CA
•$165,000 - $200,000•Onsite
About The Position
The Senior Manager, Vendor Management, will lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide vendor management and partner governance practices. This role is responsible for establishing strong relationships with strategic vendors, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) ensuring performance accountability, driving value realization, and fostering collaboration between internal business teams and external partners. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in vendor management, supplier governance, strategic partnerships, consulting, program management, procurement, technology services, or business operations. The role requires strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and analytical skills to optimize vendor performance, mitigate risks, and support business objectives across multiple functions.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Procurement, Communications, Information Systems, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in Vendor Management, Strategic Partnerships, Procurement, Consulting, Program Management, Business Operations, or related functions.
- 5+ years of experience leading cross-functional initiatives or managing teams.
- Experience managing third-party vendors, service providers, or strategic partnerships.
- Proven ability to establish governance frameworks and drive performance improvements.
- Experience presenting to senior leaders and influencing stakeholders across multiple functions.
- Experience managing technology, professional services, business process outsourcing, consulting, or enterprise service vendors.
- Familiarity with contract management and vendor governance practices.
- Knowledge of supplier risk management and performance management methodologies.
- Experience working in large, global organizations.
Nice To Haves
- MBA or advanced degree preferred
- Supply chain experience is a plus but not required.
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with key vendors and external partners.
- Act as the primary point of contact for vendor governance, performance discussions, and escalations.
- Facilitate collaboration between vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of services and outcomes.
- Promote a partnership-oriented approach focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Establish and manage vendor governance frameworks, operating models, and review processes.
- Define and monitor vendor KPIs, SLAs, and performance scorecards.
- Lead regular business reviews and performance discussions with vendors and stakeholders.
- Drive corrective actions and improvement plans when performance gaps are identified.
- Ensure vendor commitments align with business objectives and contractual obligations.
- Support the evaluation, selection, onboarding, and ongoing management of strategic partners.
- Identify opportunities to increase vendor value, improve service quality, and drive innovation.
- Collaborate with business leaders to align vendor capabilities with organizational priorities.
- Assist in developing long-term partner strategies and vendor roadmaps.
- Partner with Procurement, Legal, and Finance teams to support contract negotiations and renewals.
- Monitor vendor compliance with contractual requirements and service commitments.
- Identify opportunities for cost optimization and improved commercial outcomes.
- Support vendor budgeting, forecasting, and spending management activities.
- Assess vendor-related risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Ensure vendors adhere to company policies, regulatory requirements, security standards, and compliance obligations.
- Support business continuity and risk management planning related to critical vendors.
- Monitor vendor controls and governance practices.
- Build strong partnerships across business, technology, procurement, finance, and operational teams.
- Serve as a trusted advisor on vendor performance, governance, and partnership strategies.
- Facilitate alignment among stakeholders to address vendor challenges and opportunities.
- Prepare executive-level updates, presentations, and recommendations.
- Develop vendor management dashboards and reporting mechanisms.
- Analyze performance trends, risks, and opportunities to drive informed decision-making.
- Standardize vendor management processes, tools, and best practices.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance vendor effectiveness and business outcomes.
Benefits
- competitive total pay programs
- comprehensive benefits
- resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
