Manager, Soft Goods Materials, Global Suppy Management
AppleSummary 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. At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $204,400 and $306,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discreti…