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 a Sr. Director of Global Sourcing, Engineered Woods & Metal Fabrication to join our global leadership team. 

In this role, the Sr. Director of Global Sourcing, Engineered Woods & Metal Fabrication will lead the effort to build the diversification strategy of our vendor base in these product categories.  You will manage all the strategic sourcing and take ownership, inventory, and implement best of class processes and procedures. Reporting to the VP of Global Sourcing, you will define and build this department from the ground up. This position will lead and direct all facets of supply chain management including, but not limited to, price negotiations, strategic sourcing, inventory management, material forecasting, and capacity planning in order to maximize process efficiency, productivity and reducing costs. The successful applicant will have 10+ years strategic furniture sourcing experience in Engineered Woods & Metal Fabrication with products similar to what is in Lakeshore’s current catalog. Applicants will need to have first-hand experience and knowledge of working with of viable Furniture vendors in Mainland China and SE Asia.   

This position is (hybrid) located in Carson, California but expected to travel up to 30% of the time. 

A day in the office looks like this: 

• Develop and implement End to End Strategies from Suppliers to Customers to deliver sustainable value from procurement of furniture products in Engineered Woods & Metal Fabrication. 
• Collaborate with all required cross functional teams (product management, engineering, operations, supply chain, and our Asia teams) to provide the most favorable pricing, quality, delivery, and relationship management (vendor) to meet company goals and objectives. 
• Work with existing vendors to understand core competencies and opportunities for diversifying supply chain, including identifying potential challenges and mitigation strategies. 
• Effectively connect with strategic suppliers and vendor partners to create value driven relationships and implement best of class processes and procedures. 
• Establish, maintain, and own the inventory strategy for finished goods including existing products, new products, and product phase-outs. 
• Plan and implement an overall supply chain strategy which supports the Companies 3-5 year growth goals at the lowest possible cost. 
• Monitors the performance of current suppliers (vendor scorecards), assessing their ability to meet quality and delivery requirements, identify and qualify new suppliers in S.E. Asia. 
• Leading account management activities to ensure strong working relationships with all suppliers/partners.  

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

• A minimum of 10+ years of experience in Supply Chain, Global Sourcing Engineered Woods & Metal Fabrication. Experience is synthetic weave outdoor furniture a plus. 
• Extensive sourcing of overseas vendors & industry knowledge in the manufacturing processes of Engineered Woods, Metal Fabrication, & Outdoor Furniture products as they relate to Lakeshores current catalog. 
• Advanced leadership experience working with global cross functional teams. 
• Expertise in project management including organizational, verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with a proven ability to create and maintain positive working relationships with vendors, suppliers, and overseas teams. 
• Knowledge of contract formation and overseas negotiation techniques 
• Awareness of strategic and global procurement challenges and the implementation of mitigation strategies. 
• Great organizational skills including ability to prioritize and meet deadlines 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to work flexible hours with to accommodate both domestic and/or overseas vendors in different time zones when needed  
• Ability to travel, qualify and validate overseas vendors. 

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Salary: $171,000-$220,000 with an annual bonus of up to 20%
• 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.

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy.