Associate Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Manufacturing & Procurement)

Company Description

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 Associate Manager, Strategic Initiatives is responsible for translating business priorities into medium and long range product supply strategies that enable reliable, cost effective support for manufacturing and procurement within Mattel's Global Supply Chain organization. This role partners closely with Product Supply, Procurement, Manufacturing, Finance, and cross functional stakeholders to assess capacity, material availability, inventory implications, and supply risks, then convert those insights into actionable plans and recommendations. The position provides decision support to the Sr Manager, Manufacturing & Procurement who reports to the VP of Product Supply, to drive planning discipline across the function.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Develop and maintain performance management frameworks, models, and routines that align manufacturing and procurement plans with service, inventory, and cost objectives. 

• Partner with the Sr Manager Product Supply Operations to shape medium and long range product supply strategies, priorities, and executive recommendations. 

• Diagnose and drive improvement in manufacturing, procurement and cross-functional processes that impact product supply. 

• Translate procurement and manufacturing inputs into integrated product supply strategies, clearly identifying trade offs, dependencies, risks, and mitigation actions. 

• Analyze supply risks, including lead time shifts, supplier limitations, component shortages, and network bottlenecks, and recommend practical contingency plans. 

• Build and monitor manufacturing and procurement metrics, dashboards, and analyses related to supply performance, service, and cost efficiency. 

• Support cross functional production forums by preparing clear insights, alternatives, and decision ready materials for senior leadership. 

• Lead strategic projects tied to sourcing transitions, manufacturing footprint changes, launch readiness, productivity opportunities, and working capital improvement. 

• Drive continuous improvement in performance management, governance, and ways of working to enhance analytical rigor and speed of decision making. 

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Industrial Engineering, Finance, or a related field is required.
• MBA or other relevant advanced degree is preferred.
• 5-7 years of progressive experience in supply chain strategy, product supply, strategic planning, procurement, manufacturing planning, operations, or a related function.
• 2-4 years in operations or supply chain consulting, a plus.
• APICS, ASCM, CPIM, CSCP, PMP, or similar certification is preferred.
• Experience supporting both manufacturing and procurement in a complex, global business environment is required.
• Experience in consumer products, durable goods, or other fast paced manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Prior experience leading, coaching, or directing analytical talent is preferred.
• Strong understanding of end to end supply chain processes, including manufacturing, sourcing, inventory, material planning, and supplier management.
• Demonstrated ability to perform scenario planning, capacity analysis, and data driven decision support for senior leaders.
• Advanced analytical capability, including strong Excel skills and experience with ERP, MRP, or supply planning systems; experience with SAP, Power BI, or Tableau is preferred.
• Ability to synthesize complex data into clear insights, practical recommendations, and concise executive level communication.
• Strong project management, organizational, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Proven ability to collaborate and influence across functions, levels, and geographies.
• Thinks strategically and uses sound judgment to balance service, cost, inventory, and risk considerations.
• Builds strong cross functional partnerships and works effectively through influence.
• Demonstrates ownership, accountability, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Communicates clearly, with confidence and credibility, across both technical and non technical audiences.
• Develops talent and fosters high standards for analytical quality and teamwork.
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.
• Occasional travel may be required to Mattel offices, suppliers, manufacturing locations, or business meetings as needed.

*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.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

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.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy