Sr Manager IT - Partner Strategy & Vendor Management at Mattel — El Segundo, CA

The Opportunity:

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.

What Your Impact Will Be:

Vendor Relationship Management

• 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.

Vendor Performance & Governance

• 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.

Strategic Partner Management

• 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.

Contract & Commercial Support

• 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.

Risk & Compliance Management

• 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.

Stakeholder Engagement

• 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.

Process Improvement & Analytics

• 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.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Procurement, Communications, Information Systems, or a related field.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred
• 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.
• Supply chain experience is a plus but not required.

How We Work:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:

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