Associate Category Manager Automation – Global Procurement

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.

The Team:

Behind every toy we create is a dynamic supply chain and a world-class procurement team that consistently delivers cost efficiencies, innovation, and value.  Join our Global Procurement team as a Category Manager and lead strategic sourcing initiatives for some of our most exciting logistics categories!  

If you're passionate about building supplier partnerships, guiding cross-functional stakeholders, love a good negotiation, and want to make an impact at one of the world’s most recognized brands —this role is your next big move. 

The Opportunity: 

As our go-to expert for Equipment sourcing, you’ll own categories like robotics, automation and material handling equipment. You’ll collaborate with a network of cross-functional teams to drive cost savings, negotiate with top-tier vendors, and ensure our logistics network is lean, agile, and ready for anything. 

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Own and develop category strategies for logistics activities including robotics, automation and material handling equipment, grounded in data, forecasts, and stakeholder needs. 

• Lead full-cycle sourcing initiatives (RFI/RFQ/RFP) globally —managing the projects from strategy and execution to vendor selection and contract closeout.  

• Drive strategic decision-making by evaluating leasing vs buying options for Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) to achieve the best financial outcome. 

• Act as the category expert—track industry trends, evaluate supplier capabilities, and continuously refine sourcing strategies to align with business goals. 

• Drive supplier performance through KPIs, operational scorecards, and relationship management (SRM). 

• Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, and Logistics teams to align sourcing activities with company objectives. 

• Influence and negotiate at all levels, from frontline suppliers to senior stakeholders, ensuring best-in-class deals and sustainable partnerships. 

• Contribute to strategic planning by supporting budgeting, forecasting, and logistics roadmap development. 

What We’re Looking For:

You're strategic, curious, and ready to lead with a category mindset—always thinking bigger than just the next sourcing event. You thrive on complexity, excel at building relationships, and see Procurement as a strategic lever for business impact. 

• 3-5 years of strategic sourcing experience (bonus if it’s in logistics or supply chain categories) 

• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field is required; an MBA is preferred

• Top-notch negotiation skills and the ability to influence across all levels 

• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills (Excel is your playground) 

• Clear, confident communication skills and executive presence 

• Experience working independently and managing multiple priorities 

• Experience developing contracts in partnership with Legal and Risk Management 

Bonus points for:  

• CPG industry experience  

• Familiarity with procurement platforms (Coupa, CSO, Oracle, Infor Nexus) 

• Spanish fluency (written and verbal) 

• CPM or equivalent certification 

•  Willingness to travel up to 10% 

• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

*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. 

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