As
Materials Sourcing & Planning Manager, you will be a strategic supply chain leader responsible for overseeing sourcing and purchasing activities and managing vendors to effectively meet inventory objectives. This role leads end-to-end sourcing strategy, vendor performance, and materials planning to ensure alignment with business objectives across cost efficiency, quality, service levels, and speed-to-market. The Manager partners cross functionally with Finance, Inventory Planning, Product Development and Executive Leadership to inform decision making with data-driven information and market intelligence.
What You'll Be Doing: - Lead, develop, and scale a high-performing sourcing and planning function aligned to enterprise priorities.
- Establish clear performance expectations, accountability frameworks, and development pathways for team members.
- Continuously evaluate organizational design, capacity, and capabilities to support business growth.
- Champion process excellence through workflow optimization, automation opportunities, and best practice adoption across procurement and planning.
- Monitor industry trends (printing, manufacturing, global supply chain) and translate insights into actionable strategies.
- Design and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies that optimize total cost of ownership, quality, and supply continuity.
- Lead complex sourcing initiatives, including supplier selection, contract negotiation, and long-term partnership development.
- Institutionalize competitive bidding processes (e.g., annual print RFPs), ensuring transparency, rigor, and optimal commercial outcomes.
- Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, supplier leverage, and cost structures.
- Build and manage a high-performing global supplier network across domestic and international markets.
- Establish robust supplier performance frameworks, including KPIs, scorecards, and ongoing evaluation cycles.
- Proactively identify risks within the supplier base and implement mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
- Lead strategic negotiations on pricing, terms, and service agreements to maximize value.
- Partner with Inventory Planning and Finance to align sourcing decisions with demand forecasts, inventory strategies, and cash flow objectives.
- Develop forward-looking procurement and cash planning models tied to purchasing pipelines and business cycles.
- Drive enterprise cost reduction initiatives through supplier consolidation, material optimization, freight efficiencies, and volume strategies.
- Conduct advanced data analysis to inform sourcing decisions, identify savings opportunities, and improve supply chain performance.
- Balance cost optimization with quality, compliance, and brand standards.
- Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including import/export laws, CPSIA standards, and USMCA regulations.
- Oversee customs, trade compliance, and import logistics to mitigate risk and ensure operational continuity.
- Maintain governance over supplier certifications, safety standards, and ethical sourcing practices.
- Serve as a strategic partner to Product Development, providing cost modeling, material expertise, and sourcing insights during product design and launch.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Product teams on packaging, innovation, and go-to-market readiness.
Your Experience & Qualifications:- B.A. or B.S. or equivalent work experience.
- 6+ years related experience purchasing toys, novelties or related items required.
- Experience purchasing print items in the education publishing industry a plus.
- Proven negotiating skills with vendors.
- 4+ years managerial experience including leading a purchasing team.
- Ability to coach others to enhance their skills.
- Knowledge of overseas manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of product import and safety testing processes.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple projects at once while completing quality work on a timely basis.
- Ability to work both independently and with a team.
- Excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with staff, customers and vendors.
- Experience with ERP software (such as Netsuite) preferred.
- Experience with MS Office (Excel intensive).
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
- Ability to travel:
- Approximately 4 trips per year.
- Approximately 6 - 8 travel days per year.
- Approximately 2% - 3% of working time.
Why Work with Us?- Mission-Driven Impact: Join a team passionate about making a difference and driving positive change.
- Growth and Development: We invest in your success with ongoing learning and career opportunities.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible work options, generous PTO, and wellness support.
- Inclusive Culture: We foster a diverse, collaborative, and supportive workplace.
- Competitive Benefits: Receive competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and employee recognition.
