Apple

Global Supply Manager (GSM) - Strategic Materials

Apple$120K — $160K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in supply chain development, strategic sourcing, or supplier management
  • Hands-on experience in materials science or manufacturing processes
  • BSME, BSIE, or equivalent technical degree; MBA preferred
  • Willingness to travel internationally ~25%
  • Strong analytical and negotiation skills

Responsibilities

  • Manage key material supplier relationships from development to mass production
  • Collaborate with operations, engineering, and design teams on manufacturing processes
  • Identify and scale new manufacturing partners for cost and quality improvements
  • Negotiate with advanced material suppliers to ensure supply continuity
  • Drive operational efficiencies through design changes and strategic deals
  • Influence color and gloss specifications with industrial designers
  • Communicate supply chain resiliency progress to leadership

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering, business, and design
  • Engage in high-stakes and fast-paced work environment
  • Collaboration with top-notch teams across various fields
  • Exposure to executive leadership and strategic decision-making
  • Skill development through solving complex technical and commercial challenges
Full Job Description
The Strategic Materials GSM manages Apple's key material supplier relationships, from early-stage development through mass production. GSMs sit at the intersection of engineering, business, and design - balancing the needs of all three to ensure Apple's products launch on time, on cost, and to the exacting standards our customers expect.

Description

Enclosure components and materials define the look, feel, and expression of Apple's amazing products. GSMs work in concert with key partners in operations, engineering, design teams to execute and scale new and existing manufacturing processes, materials, technologies, finishes, and form factors. GSMs also identify and scale new manufacturing partners while executing creative and strategic commercial deals to achieve goals across cost, supply, technology and quality.

This role is for someone who thrives in complexity. You'll negotiate with the world's most advanced material suppliers, architect supply continuity strategies, drive operational and cost efficiencies through process and design change, and deliver the colors our customers adore, the reliability they depend on, and the sustainable materials that define Apple's future. GSMs are involved in exciting collaboration with Industrial Designers, Product Designers and color MQEs in influencing color and gloss of our colored materials that enable the distinctive look and feel of our products, while striving to achieve optimal supply chain and excellent commercial results with our strategic material suppliers. GSMs proactively drive supply chain resiliency with their strategic suppliers and communicate resiliency progress to leadership.

The work is fast, high-stakes, and deeply cross-functional. GSMs who succeed here are equally at home in a supplier negotiation, a senior leadership review, and on a factory floor. This is an incredible opportunity for someone who enjoys technical and commercial challenges, appreciate executive exposure and is open to accomplishing the impossibles.

Minimum Qualifications

5+ years of experience in supply chain development, strategic sourcing, supplier management, or a strong engineering background in product development

Hands-on experience in one or more of the following: materials science, surface finishing, manufacturing processes (CNC machined parts, sheet metal, enclosures, injection molding, ceramics, coatings, etc.), or related technical disciplines

BSME, BSIE, or equivalent technical degree; MBA a plus

Ability to travel internationally ~25%

Preferred Qualifications

Top-notch analytical and negotiation skills - you can build a position and defend it with data

Ability to toggle fluidly between strategic thinking and granular execution

Tenacious problem-solving and issue resolution; you drive toward resolution, not around it

Executive-level presentation and interpersonal skills - crisp, confident, and calibrated to the audience

Proven ability to influence across engineering, operations, finance, and design without direct authority

Flexibility to adapt in dynamic, rapidly changing environments - and to bring others along with you

Excellent communicator capable of operating in multinational environments, motivated by accomplishing extraordinary objectives

About Apple

Apple is a corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. Apple provides many products and services, including iPhone; iPad; iPod; Mac; Apple TV; a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications; the iOS and OS X operating systems; iCloud; and accessories, service, and support offerings. It sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, direct sales force and third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers to the consumer and also sells third-party iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod compatible products, including application software and accessories through its online and retail stores. Introduced in 1984, the Macintosh was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). That feature and others such as an improved floppy drive design and a low-cost hard drive that made data retrieval faster helped Apple cultivate a reputation for innovation. Apple was named as the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world from 2008 to 2012 by the Fortune magazine. The company was founded by Steven Paul Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Gerald Wayne on April 1, 1976, and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Apple Careers

Join Apple, a place where extraordinary people gather to do their best work. Our ever-expanding global team is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the tech industry. At Apple, we're not just building products—we're crafting the kind of wonder that revolutionizes entire industries. It's the diversity of our people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Work You’ll Do Embark on a journey with Apple’s market-leading team to help some of the world’s most influential companies navigate their path to digital mastery with cutting-edge technology and services. Transform industries and touch lives with your unique ideas at Apple. Here, you’ll lead through a unique position at the intersection of technology, creativity, and robust industry expertise. Collaborate with a global team of professionals who are at the top of their game in technology and design. Apple isn’t just a company, it’s a community of innovators and passionate thinkers. Introducing the Apple Innovation and Leadership Initiative We are building a market-leading team to drive our efforts in delivering groundbreaking solutions and services. At Apple, job opportunities are abundant, offering you the chance to explore diverse roles from engineering to marketing, all designed to empower your career growth. Do Innovative Work Join the largest group of creative and technical experts in the world—professionals dedicated to redefining what’s possible through technology and innovation. Deliver targeted solutions through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s unmatched, driving forward our commitment to excellence and leadership in every project we undertake. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in a wide range of projects utilizing Apple’s technology and resources. Harness the unparalleled capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development that only Apple can offer. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with limitless opportunities at Apple. Go as far as your ambition takes you with unmatched training, development, and certification support. Explore Discover how Apple is leading the way in tech innovation: [With iOS] Businesses can streamline operations and enhance customer interactions... READ MORE Smart home technology integration that sets the standard for convenience and security... READ MORE The Apple Experience Our combined service capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development help clients overcome challenges and lead transformation in their industries. Clients worldwide look to Apple for new strategies and solutions that drive growth and innovation in the digital era. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re seeking a professional role, an internship, or a leadership position, Apple offers a variety of employment opportunities. SEARCH APPLE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Apple, a company committed to diversity, innovation, and leadership. Explore job opportunities, employment benefits, and the culture of growth and innovation at Apple. Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and ready yourself for a career at one of the most prestigious companies in the world. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Learn more about Apple
Size
154,000 employees
Market Cap
$2,074.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$63.9 billion
Founded
1976
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$294.1 billion
NASDAQ

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