Vendor Manager; Hybrid

Job Description

We are seeking a Vendor Manager to join our Global Sourcing team. In this role, you will lead complex, cross-functional sourcing projects that support vendor performance, cost management, product changes and key business initiatives. You will partner closely with Global Sourcing, Merchandising, Quality, RD&D, Supply Chain and other internal teams to drive projects from planning through execution with limited supervision.

This position serves as a primary point of contact for assigned domestic and import vendors, including key China-based suppliers, and provides English/Mandarin communication support as needed. Responsibilities include vendor coordination, cost negotiations, quality issue resolution, product change support, pricing initiatives, backorder recovery, vendor onboarding and other strategic sourcing projects.

The Vendor Manager also acts as a subject matter expert within the team by guiding Vendor Management level colleagues, supporting process improvements, facilitating cross-functional meetings and providing clear recommendations to leadership and business partners. The role requires strong project ownership, vendor management experience, communication skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced global sourcing environment.

• Leading complex cross-functional sourcing projects with minimal supervision, including planning, stakeholder coordination, meeting facilitation, issue tracking, and execution follow-up
• Partnering with internal teams to deliver sourcing projects on time and aligned with business priorities
• Managing domestic and import supplier networks across Merchandising and OEM categories
• Serving as the primary vendor contact, handling daily communication, performance follow-up, and escalations
• Driving resolution of supplier-related issues, including quality, cost, lead times, product changes, backorders, packaging, testing, compliance, and operational escalations
• Evaluating business needs independently and resolving complex challenges such as backorders, co-op negotiations, pricing strategies, and vendor cost reviews
• Partnering strategically with Merchandising and cross-functional teams to influence sourcing and product decisions across item selection, onboarding, capability reviews, and product lifecycle changes
• Balancing competing priorities and delivering solutions while leading strategic initiatives, including ERP implementations, distribution projects, vendor updates, bids, reporting, and process improvements
• Acting as a subject matter expert by supporting team members, sharing best practices, guiding complex supplier matters, and improving tools and processes

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 2+ years in project management or sourcing roles
• Mandarin proficiency
• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis)
• Experience with sourcing/procurement processes and supplier management

Preferred:

• 4+ years of relevant experience
• SAP experience
• Familiarity with RFQ/RFP processes, pricing analysis and vendor onboarding
• Experience with Power BI or Tableau

What Sets You Apart

• Strong communication and vendor relationship skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Negotiation experience across cost, quality and operational issues
• Cross-functional influence and problem-solving ability
• Experience working with global suppliers and multicultural teams

• Bonus eligible
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress code

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

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