Vendor Manager (Hybrid)

Lakeshore Learning Materials•Carson, CA

3d•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, and international partners. The role supports effective vendor-network operations and keeps the product pipeline on track. You will independently solve complex supply-chain problems and build durable supplier partnerships. You will lead sourcing projects from planning and stakeholder alignment through execution and follow-up; manage relationships with assigned domestic and import vendors; resolve supplier issues and escalations; and contribute sourcing expertise to business initiatives, systems implementation, and process improvements. The role also involves analyzing business needs, supplier costs, pricing, and operational data, and communicating actionable direction to internal teams and suppliers. The position is hybrid. For new employees who reside in Los Angeles or Orange County, the stated projected hiring range is $82,000–$100,000 annually, depending on relevant experience and skillset. The role is bonus eligible.

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.
Proven 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.
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 working with 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.
Exposure to China-based or other Asia-Pacific suppliers and multicultural business partners.
Background in consumer products, educational materials, or retail sourcing environments.

Responsibilities

Lead complex, cross-functional sourcing projects from planning and stakeholder alignment through execution and follow-up, ensuring timely delivery aligned with 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, and cost negotiations, providing 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.
Evaluate supplier costs, pricing strategies, margins, and operational data to inform business decisions.