Sr Manager IT - Partner Strategy & Vendor Management

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

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.

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Additional Information

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the

job description

, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• 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:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

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Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

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