Associate Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Manufacturing & Procurement

The Associate Manager, Strategic Initiatives is responsible for translating business priorities into medium and long range product supply strategies that enable reliable, cost effective support for manufacturing and procurement within Mattel's Global Supply Chain organization. This role partners closely with Product Supply, Procurement, Manufacturing, Finance, and cross‑functional stakeholders to assess capacity, material availability, inventory implications, and supply risks, then convert those insights into actionable plans and recommendations.

The position provides decision support to the Sr Manager, Manufacturing & Procurement who reports to the VP of Product Supply, to drive planning discipline across the function.

• Develop and maintain performance management frameworks, models, and routines that align manufacturing and procurement plans with service, inventory, and cost objectives.
• Partner with the Sr Manager Product Supply Operations to shape medium and long range product supply strategies, priorities, and executive recommendations.
• Diagnose and drive improvement in manufacturing, procurement, and cross‑functional processes that impact product supply.
• Translate procurement and manufacturing inputs into integrated product supply strategies, clearly identifying trade‑offs, dependencies, risks, and mitigation actions.
• Analyze supply risks, including lead time shifts, supplier limitations, component shortages, and network bottlenecks, and recommend practical contingency plans.
• Build and monitor manufacturing and procurement metrics, dashboards, and analyses related to supply performance, service, and cost efficiency.
• Support cross‑functional production forums by preparing clear insights, alternatives, and decision‑ready materials for senior leadership.
• Lead strategic projects tied to sourcing transitions, manufacturing footprint changes, launch readiness, productivity opportunities, and working capital improvement.
• Drive continuous improvement in performance management, governance, and ways of working to enhance analytical rigor and speed of decision making.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Industrial Engineering, Finance, or a related field is required.
• MBA or other relevant advanced degree is preferred.
• 5‑7 years of progressive experience in supply chain strategy, product supply, strategic planning, procurement, manufacturing planning, operations, or a related function.
• 2‑4 years in operations or supply chain consulting, a plus.
• APICS, ASCM, CPIM, CSCP, PMP, or similar certification is preferred.
• Experience supporting both manufacturing and procurement in a complex, global business environment is required.
• Experience in consumer products, durable goods, or other fast‑paced manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Prior experience leading, coaching, or directing analytical talent is preferred.
• Strong understanding of end‑to‑end supply chain processes, including manufacturing, sourcing, inventory, material planning, and supplier management.
• Demonstrated ability to perform scenario planning, capacity analysis, and data‑driven decision support for senior leaders.
• Advanced analytical capability, including strong Excel skills and experience with ERP, MRP, or supply planning systems; experience with SAP, Power BI, or Tableau is preferred.
• Ability to synthesize complex data into clear insights, practical recommendations, and concise executive‑level communication.
• Strong project management, organizational, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Proven ability to collaborate and influence across functions, levels, and geographies.
• Thinks strategically and uses sound judgment to balance service, cost, inventory, and risk considerations.
• Builds strong cross‑functional partnerships and works effectively through influence.
• Demonstrates ownership, accountability, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Communicates clearly, with confidence and credibility, across both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Develops talent and fosters high standards for analytical quality and teamwork.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset by staying…