Vendor Manager (Hybrid)

Lakeshore Learning Materials, LLC•Carson, CA

4d•$82,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Vendor Manager on Lakeshore’s Global Sourcing team, you will own complex, cross-functional sourcing projects and coordinate with Merchandising, Supply Chain, Quality, international partners, and suppliers. You will manage assigned domestic and import vendor relationships, resolve supplier issues, support pricing and cost decisions, and contribute sourcing expertise to strategic initiatives and process improvements. The role involves working with internal teams across six or more functions and communicating actionable direction to varied audiences.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain, with demonstrated ownership of supplier relationships and negotiations in domestic and/or international environments.
Ability to independently lead cross-functional projects, managing scope, timelines, stakeholder coordination, and issue resolution without close supervision.
Strong analytical skills and hands-on experience evaluating supplier costs, pricing strategies, margins, and operational data to inform business decisions.
Working knowledge of supply chain operations, including inventory management, lead times, product life cycle changes, compliance requirements, and import/export sourcing practices.
Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel; comfort using business reporting tools to build and present data-driven insights.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SAP, Power BI, or Tableau in a sourcing or supply chain context.
Familiarity with RFQ/RFP administration, supplier onboarding, or contract management processes.
Experience working with China-based or other Asia-Pacific suppliers and multicultural business partners.
Background in consumer products, educational materials, or retail sourcing environments.

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional sourcing projects from planning and stakeholder alignment through execution and follow-up, ensuring timely deliverables that support business priorities.
Serve as the primary contact for assigned domestic and import vendors, managing day-to-day communication, performance follow-up, and escalations across Import Merchandising, Domestic Merchandising, and Domestic OEM categories.
Resolve supplier issues involving quality, lead times, backorders, packaging changes, compliance requirements, and cost negotiations; provide recommendations and follow through.
Evaluate retail and commercial business needs to support annual pricing strategies, co-op negotiations, and vendor cost reviews while balancing customer experience and business continuity.
Contribute sourcing expertise to initiatives including ERP implementation, distribution center projects, vendor manual updates, and process improvements.
Partner with global and domestic suppliers and internal teams across six or more functions, translating complex information into clear, actionable direction.