Strategic Sourcing Manager

Summary

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. The people here at Apple don’t just create products — they create the kind of wonder that’s revolutionized entire industries. It’s the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Join Apple and help us leave the world better than we found it.

Description

Strategic Sourcing Managers (SSMs) on the Places Strategic Sourcing Team own the commercial relationship with our Owner Furnished Item (OFI) manufacturing partners and are responsible for cost negotiations, continuity of supply, risk management, driving operational and cost efficiencies through process or design change, as well overall project execution and delivery. SSMs sit at the intersection of Apple's Supply Chain Development (SCD) and Construction Development teams, and effectively balance the needs of both groups to ensure successful project deliveries. Fit out components (such as the display fixtures and wall panels) define the look, feel and expression of Apple’s globally recognized retail stores and offices. SSMs work in concert with R&D, Design, Development, Operations, Merchandising and Facilities to deliver these extraordinary projects. Together, these teams execute and launch both new and reimagined spaces used by both Apple employees and customers across the world.

Responsibilities

• Project Management:
• Work with a team to manage proposals and change orders for projects.
• Track project on site date requirements and work with vendors to fabricate, deliver, and install on schedule.
• Support and troubleshoot store integration/installation issues worldwide.
• Develop new methodologies and processes to improve team productivity in key project management tasks.
• Strategy:
• Improve existing supplier strategy and support expansion of the supply base.
• Develop and implement overall supply chain strategy and be expected to manage executive level relationships with supply base.
• Understand the trade-offs between cost, volume, and quality in order to strike agreements that meet Apple’s performance criteria and secure long-term supply continuity.
• Optimize supply chain performance through cost and capacity scenario analysis, and benchmarking.
• Travel as necessary to facilitate new supplier onboarding and ensure quality specifications are met for worldwide supply base.
• Partner with SCD and Development for cost and schedule efficiency opportunities
• Supplier Management:
• Manage the resources and drive the distribution of RFP’s, contract negotiations and procurement for the commodity worldwide.
• Exercise individual judgment to lead pricing negotiations through supply base with support from cross-functional team members.
• Drive value-engineering initiatives for this commodity.
• Continuous research and education of key components and suppliers to review market trends applicable to improving the store environment.
• Negotiate contracts with occasional support and management review for key terms and conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in supply chain development, strategic sourcing, or procurement
• Procurement experience specifically with construction materials
• Hands-on experience in any of the following: product development, design, manufacturing practices/techniques, vendor management, or supply chain development
• Experience working well with and ability to influence cross functional teams
• Possess strong business acumen and experience managing strategic supply chains, cost models, and complex procurements
• Excellent communicator, capable of working in multinational environments, driven and motivated by accomplishing extraordinary objectives
• Have a background in handling detailed negotiations
• Ability to travel frequently locally and internationally when needed
• Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience visiting factories and understanding manufacturing capabilities is a plus
• Strong analytical/negotiation skills
• Ability to toggle between strategic and detail orientated thinking
• Tenacious problem solving & issue resolution skills
• Flexibility to adapt to dynamic and rapidly changing environments
• A self-starter who is comfortable working independently