← All roles

Manager, Soft Goods Materials, Global Suppy Management

Apple· Operations and Supply Chain
Apply on company site
Cupertino, CA$204.4k - $306.6kFull-timePosted 4mo ago

About the role

Apple is seeking an experienced leader to head the Softgoods Materials Global Supply Management (GSM) team. This role leads a team of Global Supply Managers, bridging engineering innovation with business execution to develop long-term material supply chains, negotiate cost, manage supply, and sustain executive-level supplier partnerships to ensure resilient, flexible supply for current programs and future roadmaps.

Responsibilities

  • Lead, develop, and mentor a team of GSM individual contributors; create structured development plans and support continuous learning.
  • Maintain an onsite presence to foster a collaborative culture; provide real-time feedback during critical gates.
  • Support AI-enabled tools and process improvements across operations and cross-functional teams.
  • Develop and implement sourcing strategies aligned with product roadmaps and operations goals; socialize cross-functional support for initiatives.
  • Oversee allocation of team resources; monitor bandwidth; restructure workloads as needed; address complex program challenges.
  • Provide strategic oversight for cost strategies; drive cost-negotiation framework; lead high-value negotiations.
  • Oversee CapEx planning and execution for material development, capacity expansion, and plant qualification; ensure alignment with timelines and governance.
  • Support execution of commercial agreements with new suppliers or material development activities.
  • Establish and manage strategic relationships with supplier leadership; ensure supply continuity and quality.
  • Develop and maintain supplier allocation strategies balancing risk, cost, quality, and development.
  • Lead supplier feedback and reviews to drive improvements in cost, quality, capacity, innovation, and sustainability.
  • Guide new supplier searches and onboarding across technical/operational aspects.
  • Provide executive oversight for program readiness, material ramp approvals, and operations schedules; anticipate risks and mitigate.
  • Ensure supplier manufacturing and quality readiness for development builds and ramps; hold suppliers to Apple standards.
  • Provide technical guidance during material ramps to optimize yields, capacity, and operations trade-offs.
  • Collaborate with ID, PD, and Operations to scale materials to product roadmaps; solve design and business trade-offs.
  • Ability to work in Apple's hybrid office model (Tue–Thu in office) with up to 20% travel.

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of professional experience in global operations, supply chain management, or high-volume manufacturing.
  • Proven leadership experience managing and developing professional teams; career growth planning and performance management.
  • Track record of establishing and managing senior executive relationships with international suppliers.
  • Experience defining long-term supply chain strategies and managing team workload and initiatives.
  • Strong knowledge of value-added manufacturing, cost engineering (should-cost modeling), and manufacturing operations.
  • Experience leading commercial agreements, contract/cost negotiations, supplier financial assessments, and risk mitigation.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Materials Science, or similar) or Business/Operations.
  • Material expertise in advanced materials manufacturing, specifically softgoods, textiles, adhesives, polyurethane, or related materials.
  • MBA or Master’s degree highly preferred.

Skills

Required:People LeadershipStrategic Sourcing & NegotiationSupplier Relationship Management (SRM)CapEx Planning & GovernanceMaterial Readiness & Quality Assurance

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
  • Retirement benefits
  • Discounted products and free services
  • Educational expense reimbursement (tuition)
  • Possibility of discretionary bonuses or commissions
  • Relocation support
Last updated Sep 18, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Apple

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

AirPods Max 2Apple ArcadeApple CardApple Fitness+Apple MusicApple TVApple TV+Apple Watch Series 11
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Apple