Sr Manager IT - Partner Strategy & Vendor Management

About the Role The Senior Manager, Vendor Management will lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide vendor management and partner governance practices. This role focuses on establishing strong relationships with strategic vendors and Global Capability Centers (GCCs), ensuring performance accountability, driving value realization, and fostering collaboration between internal business teams and external partners. What You'll Do

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key vendors and external partners; act as the primary point of contact for vendor governance, performance discussions, and escalations; facilitate collaboration between vendors and internal stakeholders; promote a partnership-oriented approach focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Establish and manage vendor governance frameworks, operating models, and review processes; define and monitor vendor KPIs, SLAs, and performance scorecards; lead regular business reviews and performance discussions; drive corrective actions and improvement plans; ensure vendor commitments align with business objectives.
• Support the evaluation, selection, onboarding, and ongoing management of strategic partners; identify opportunities to increase vendor value, improve service quality, and drive innovation; collaborate with business leaders to align vendor capabilities with organizational priorities; assist in developing long-term partner strategies and vendor roadmaps.
• Partner with Procurement, Legal, and Finance teams to support contract negotiations and renewals; monitor vendor compliance with contractual requirements and service commitments; identify opportunities for cost optimization and improved commercial outcomes; support vendor budgeting, forecasting, and spending management activities.
• Assess vendor-related risks and implement mitigation strategies; ensure vendors adhere to company policies, regulatory requirements, security standards, and compliance obligations; support business continuity and risk management planning related to critical vendors; monitor vendor controls and governance practices.
• Build strong partnerships across business, technology, procurement, finance, and operational teams; serve as a trusted advisor on vendor performance, governance, and partnership strategies; facilitate alignment among stakeholders to address vendor challenges and opportunities; prepare executive-level updates, presentations, and recommendations.
• Develop vendor management dashboards and reporting mechanisms; analyze performance trends, risks, and opportunities to drive informed decision-making; standardize vendor management processes, tools, and best practices; lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance vendor effectiveness and business outcomes. What We're Looking For
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Procurement, Communications, Information Systems, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in Vendor Management, Strategic Partnerships, Procurement, Consulting, Program Management, Business Operations, or related functions.
• 5+ years of experience leading cross-functional initiatives or managing teams.
• Experience managing third-party vendors, service providers, or strategic partnerships.
• Proven ability to establish governance frameworks and drive performance improvements.
• Experience presenting to senior leaders and influencing stakeholders across multiple functions.
• Experience managing technology, professional services, business process outsourcing, consulting, or enterprise service vendors.
• Familiarity with contract management and vendor governance practices.
• Knowledge of supplier risk management and performance management methodologies.
• Experience working with complex vendor ecosystems and cross-functional collaboration. Compensation & Benefits
• Salary range: USD 165,000 – 200,000 per year.
• Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.