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 Chief Procurement Officer to lead all global sourcing and planning efforts for our Lakeshore-branded and Merchant-assorted products. This key role will create and evolve the strategic vision for all procurement functions, partnering with executive peers across the organization to ensure their objectives are aligned and positioned to support company growth plans. The role will also focus on demand management that drives supply analysis/strategy, supplier identification, sourcing execution, contract negotiation, delivery planning and monitoring, purchase execution, and ongoing performance management and improvement. The ideal candidate has superior leadership competencies and global expertise in Global Sourcing and Planning strategy. We are seeking someone with exceptional people management skills to guide and support a large group of global team members, build effective executive relationships and demonstrate the ability to influence strategic leadership. 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:

• Establish and execute a strategy that creates a competitive advantage through the sourcing and procurement of consumer goods
• Leverage expertise to optimize inventory and total cost of ownership
• Provide overall leadership and vision for Global Sourcing and Planning
• Maintain knowledge of market trends
• Create and manage short-, mid- and long-term goals and objectives, including key KPIs
• Create and improve best practice–based processes (e.g., strategic planning and buying philosophy, high value/strategic sourcing vision, etc.)
• Budget ownership for functional management areas—global sourcing and planning.
• Develop benchmarks and scorecards to be used for continuous improvement
• Build a product Procurement (Global Sourcing and Planning) Center of Excellence (CoE) to support growth of the business
• Play a pivotal leadership role to deliver highly accurate demand forecasting with anticipation of future needs and growth
• Executive Sponsor (in partnership with Finance and Sales leaders) responsible to establish a monthly S&OP (Sales & Operational Planning) process, facilitating monthly alignment on key assumptions that will drive the strategies for inventory buying and global sourcing
• Leadership of cross-functional executive teaming across company business functions and initiatives

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management or related field—or equivalent experience in a relevant field
• 20 years of industry-related experience; 5 years in executive management required
• Excellent leadership skills and big-picture mentality
• Strong interpersonal competencies, including people leadership skills for coaching large global teams and influencing strategic vendor partnerships
• Business and intellectual competencies, including industry knowledge and understanding, negotiating, strategic and tactical planning, sales & operational planning (S&OP) and budgeting, problem analysis, written and oral communication, people development, visioning and creativity

And here’s our end of the bargain!

• Salary: $375,000 - $450,000 with an annual bonus of up to 25%
• 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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