Job Description

In a time of unprecedented expansion, we are seeking a Vendor Management Operations Manager to oversee large projects supporting the growth of the Vendor Management team. The role’s focus will be on supporting end-to-end team operations, leading the department’s team of coordinators and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure process improvement. As Operations Manager, you will also lead the scoping, onboarding and implementation of new technology as needed, as well as create a data management structure that supports key performance indicators. Lastly, you will play a critical role in assisting internal and external vendor training and communication on an ongoing basis. Mindfulness and attention to detail are important as you will be accountable for aligning partners, proactively mitigating risks, driving team accountability and assessing standard operating procedures. And we’re here to help you succeed—Lakeshore recently earned its Great Place to Work® Certification™ and is proud to put its associates first.

A DAY IN THE OFFICE LOOKS LIKE THIS: 

• Managing the day-to-day activities of the Vendor Management department, including providing guidance on interpreting department/company policies and procedures  
• Providing direct leadership/management to Vendor Management Ops (the department’s support team)  
• Functioning as project manager for department-wide and interdepartmental projects  
• Evaluating and enhancing current operational systems and internal workflows  
• Defining and realizing overall operations strategy, working closely with various internal groups to understand business challenges and implementing new processes  
• Holding the Vendor Management team accountable for meeting key performance metrics  
• Providing regular status updates to the Senior Director highlighting project risks and mitigation tactics

Qualifications

GOT THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE? HERE’S WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent from four-year college in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or related field 
• 5+ years of management experience   
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional meetings and interface with key stakeholders at all levels  
• Strong leadership, communication, influence and organizational skills  
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Suite platforms; proficiency in MS Excel required, with an emphasis on building and presenting reports   
• Strong conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills   
• Ability to influence and constructively challenge teams and business partners to achieve project goals

Additional Information

AND HERE’S OUR END OF THE BARGAIN! 

• Competitive compensation based on skills and experience, plus a bonus plan
• 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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