Manager, Soft Goods Materials, Global Suppy Management

Apple is seeking an experienced, strategic, and people-first leader to join our Softgoods Materials Global Supply Management (GSM) team. This specialized business group manages the end-to-end lifecycle of Apple's highly differentiated and unique materials—from initial sourcing and development through mass production and ongoing supply continuity. Our portfolio spans many different textiles, polyurethane films, and adhesives. Our world-class material supply chains must be unique, innovative, and specialized to enable Apple's rigorous performance and quality standards.

As the GSM Manager, you will lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of Global Supply Managers. You will bridge engineering innovation with business execution, drive the long-term material supply chain and vendor strategy, negotiate cost, execute supply, and manage executive-level partnerships with a network of global suppliers. You will ensure that Apple's material supply chains are resilient, responsive, and structured to support both current programs and future product roadmaps.

## Description

As the GSM Manager, you will lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of Global Supply Managers. You will bridge engineering innovation with business execution, drive the long-term material supply chain and vendor strategy, negotiate cost, execute supply, and manage executive-level partnerships with a network of global suppliers. You will ensure that Apple's material supply chains are resilient, responsive, and structured to support both current programs and future product roadmaps.

## Minimum qualifications

Experience: 10+ years of professional experience in global operations, supply chain management, or high-volume manufacturing environments.

People Leadership: Demonstrated experience directly managing, mentoring, and developing professional teams (including individual career growth plans, performance management, and setting team culture).

Executive Supplier Relations: Proven track record of establishing and managing senior executive relationships with international suppliers.

Strategy & Resource Allocation: Experience defining long-term supply chain strategies and managing team workload, project allocations, and supply initiatives.

Process Knowledge: Strong understanding of value-added manufacturing processes, cost engineering (should-cost modeling), and manufacturing operations.

Negotiation & Governance: Experience leading commercial agreements, contract and cost negotiations, supplier financial assessments, and driving risk mitigation tactics.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Materials Science, or similar) or Business/Operations.

## Preferred qualifications

Material Expertise: Experience in advanced materials manufacturing, specifically with softgoods, textiles, adhesives, polyurethane, or related cosmetic and functional materials.

Advanced Degree: MBA or Master's degree is highly preferred.