Indirect Procurement Specialist (Hybrid)

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we've grown into a global community-with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we're working better, smarter and faster than ever-and setting our sights even higher. We're building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other's passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth

In a time of unprecedented expansion, we are seeking an Indirect Procurement Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will work closely with internal and external partners at all levels, acting as the expert for Indirect Procurement of equipment, systems and services related to Supply Chain, Distribution and Warehousing. The position requires creating and executing a category strategy and tracking progress via spend analysis, quarterly negotiation strategies, critical supplier summary sheets and QBRs. Applicants should be confident negotiating with vendors, navigating uncertainty, and achieving cost efficiencies and reductions. Ideal candidates have enthusiasm for negotiation and securing wins for the organization, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A strong, well-rounded background in developing and executing a category strategy, experience in creating and leading sourcing activities (e-sourcing/RFI/RFP/RFQs), and knowledge of procure-to-pay, POs, three-way match systems, sourcing, and contract negotiations on price and terms are required.  

A day in the office looks like this: 

• Develops and measures category/individual KPIs to ensure continued progress toward achieving annual goals 
• Develops and leads a sourcing and contract award process, including the use of e-auction tools, RFI, RFQ and RFP processes 
• Manages the fundamentals of sourcing and supplier-engagement activities, including RFQs, spend-pattern analysis, contract analysis, bid evaluation, negotiations and supplier consolidation 
• Embraces fact-based decision-making; leverages and/or integrates market or benchmark data, spend analytics and cost modeling 
• Develops, executes and tracks performance-based scorecards and monitors; documents and evaluates supplier performance 
• Creates training assets, methods and opportunities for team members to build experience, competency and mastery of skills needed in the CPR department 
• Audits invoices and works with vendors to make corrections 
• Handles all escalations for any emergency impacting distribution/supply chain operations 
• Manages vendor renewals in a timely manner 

Got the skills and experience? Here's what we're looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or Business Administration 
• 5 years of contracts and supply chain/distribution/warehouse procurement experience preferred 
• 4 years of experience in an Indirect Procurement position preferred 
• CPM, CPSM license highly preferred 
• End-to-end, procure-to-pay experience 
• Experience cutting POs and ensuring three-way-match accounting practices are in place 
• Ability to work efficiently whether remote or on-site at our Carson, CA, headquarters   
• Global sourcing experience required 
• Experience using sourcing tools a plus 
• Strong SAP knowledge  
• Strong Medius knowledge 
• Strong contract and negotiation skills with a history of demonstrated results required 
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint  
• Ability to learn new software applications/purchasing tools as required 
• Experience in purchasing policies, audit compliance and procedures 
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels within and outside the organization 
• Ability to properly prioritize projects and tasks 

And here's our end of the bargain! 

• Salary: $83,000-$93,000 with an annual bonus of up to 10%
• 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 (because you will retire someday)
• 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 on products that make you smarter
• Casual dress...and we really mean it

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.

We know we couldn't do the extraordinary things we're doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work-it's a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we've got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we're constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you're a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we'd love to hear from you. 
 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent-not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren't equal, we all lose.

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