Asian Sourcing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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, over 50 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.

We are seeking a Global Sourcing Manager, Furniture to join our team. In this role, you will oversee assigned projects within focused Lakeshore Furniture categories by partnering with cross-functional teams to recommend vendors based on quality, design, target cost and vendor capabilities. Responsibilities include managing vendor quotes to ensure alignment with product design, negotiating costs with vendors and finalizing quotes for RD&D. The position also requires executing strategic vendor sourcing plans by identifying and vetting vendors for new and carryforward products while building diversification and production coverage through qualified backup vendors. Additionally, this role serves as an escalation point in support of the Asia Sourcing Lead, working closely with Asia-based vendors within a defined furniture product category to achieve manufacturing, product development and sourcing objectives. Applicants should have expert-level knowledge of raw material manufacturing processes involving solid wood, plywood, veneers, textiles, and vinyl and metal substrates. The ideal candidate also possesses strong leadership and negotiation skills, along with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams to ensure successful product development and vendor management.

A day on the job looks like this:

• Leading sourcing execution for furniture projects, partnering with cross-functional teams to select vendors aligned with product requirements, quality and cost targets
• Managing and validating vendor quotes, ensuring accuracy and alignment with product specifications
• Negotiating pricing and terms with vendors to achieve competitive cost structures prior to RD&D submission
• Developing and executing sourcing strategies by identifying, vetting and onboarding new vendors while maintaining a strong bench of backup suppliers
• Serving as a key escalation point for vendor challenges, resolving issues efficiently to support production timelines
• Collaborating closely with global teams and vendors to ensure alignment, clear communication and successful project execution
• Driving projects forward by maintaining strong attention to detail, tracking progress and ensuring cross-functional alignment
• Leading and supporting team members by setting clear priorities, providing feedback and helping to resolve day-to-day challenges

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

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain or related field
• 6+ years of experience in global sourcing, product development or supply chain, with 4+ years of managing projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong experience working with overseas vendors, particularly within furniture or related categories
• Expert in raw material manufacturing processes involving solid wood, plywood, veneers, textiles, vinyls, and metal substrates. Strong preference with experience in engineered wood and metal fabrication
• Proven ability to negotiate vendor pricing and manage cost structures effectively
• Experience managing vendor performance and long-term supplier relationships 
• Experience traveling internationally to support sourcing and vendor management 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams and adapt messaging to different audiences

Preferred:

• Mandarin or additional language skills
• Knowledge of upholstery and outdoor furniture is a plus

What Sets You Apart

• Relationship-builder who collaborates effectively across teams and regions
• Solutions-oriented thinker who approaches challenges with sound judgment
• Accountable self-starter who prioritizes well and consistently delivers results
• Resilient and adaptable contributor with a strong commitment to continuous improvement

And here's our end of the bargain!

At Lakeshore, we pay local market wages for employees that reside within Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

For this position, new employees joining Lakeshore who live within Los Angeles and Orange Counties are typically brought into the organization at a salary rate between $82,000- $112,000 depending on relevant experience & skillset.

This range is indicative of projected hiring range. The annual base compensation will take into account each candidate's relevant experience, location, and skillset.

• Bonus eligible
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• 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
• 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.

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy.

Lakeshore is an E-Verify employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Please see the E-Verify Participation Poster and Know Your Rights Poster in English and Spanish for more information. INDRLL1