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, over 50 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.

We are currently seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will lead strategic procurement activities for the assigned procurement category, which may include, but is not limited to: Leases, Transportation, Facilities, MRO, HR and professional consulting services (eCommerce, Finance, EH&S, etc.). You may also be asked to coach less-experienced team members in performing category management duties. Working closely with internal business partners, you’ll create and execute a category management strategy and monitor progress throughout the year using spend analysis, targeted contract negotiations, supplier management strategies, Lakeshore critical/key supplier summaries and other tools. Applicants should have experience leading and influencing people and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization. The ideal candidate also has a strong Indirect Procurement background across all assigned categories, a proven ability to drive cost savings, experience in the Procure-to-Pay process, and expertise in Sourcing, RFP, RFQ and competitive bidding best practices.

A day on the job looks like this:

• Conducting spend analytics and reviewing Lakeshore historical and current market information to manage your category to identify cost improvement and program efficiency opportunities
• Managing and administrating procurement platform (Level Path)
• Creating, executing and tracking the progress of a category strategy
• Coaching, leading and participating in work across multiple categories to promote best procurement practices to internal stakeholders
• Developing and measuring key performance indicators (KPIs) for Procurement and supplier performance to ensure continued progress toward annual goals
• Driving continuous improvement in all supplier relationships and company-wide sourcing and procurement processes and tools
• Managing the contract renewals process in a strategic, proactive and timely manner

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

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• 4 years of experience in the field
• 4 years of experience in a similar position
• 4 years of experience managing people and/or projects
• SAP or other ERP experience is required
• In-depth contracting experience across multiple categories, with a focus on Leases, Transportation, Distribution/Warehouse, MRO, HR and professional consulting services
• Ability to compare and analyze proposal costs, statements of work, product specifications and supplier data to drive informed decision-making
• Experience identifying opportunities to streamline and improve efficiency, including selecting the appropriate tools
• Demonstrated success in establishing a category strategy
• Ability to work at a strategic level with department heads on long-term company objectives and how CPR can support progress toward those objectives
• Proven experience improving procurement efficiencies and reducing costs

And here’s our end of the bargain!

At Lakeshore, we pay local market wages for employees that reside within Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

For this position, new employees joining Lakeshore who live within Los Angeles and Orange Counties are typically brought into the organization at a salary rate between $82,000 -$110,000 depending on relevant experience & skillset.

This range is indicative of projected hiring range. The annual base compensation will take into account each candidate's relevant experience, location, and skillset.

• Bonus eligible
• 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
• 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.

Lakeshore is an E-Verify employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Please see the E-Verify Participation Poster and Know Your Rights Poster in English and Spanish for more information. INDRLL1