Program Manager - Product Localization Management (PLM)

Product Localization Management (PLM) is an integral part of the Product Launch Readiness (PLR) team within Americas (AMR) Operations. We are looking for a Program Manager with a record of successful influence, cross-functional collaboration, and tactical execution to join our Product Localization team. You should have strong teaming skills and experience, with a working knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems as well as solid background in Product Configuration, supply chain, and project management.

Key areas of expertise for this role are Product Localization Strategy, Bills of Materials (BOMs) Configuration, and Regulatory Compliance Change Management. You will contribute to the successful execution of all localized requirements for Latin America while influencing and executing in an environment of ambiguity.

In close collaboration with the Global PLM Team, you will be making strategic recommendations to support NPI go-to-market planning, execute company’s Compliance and Environmental strategy across the full portfolio of products, and enable ongoing efficiency and quality improvements across PLM processes and tools.

Description

The AMR PLM Program Manager should be a driven, flexible, and articulate problem solver who can multi-task under dynamic timelines to meet product launch objectives, delivering timely solutions for custom Localization requirements across a broad range of NPI and sustaining products. You will work independently in managing a portfolio of localized product configuration Bills of Material (BOMs) for AMR and influence cross-functional resources to meet deadlines.

In addition to the tactical execution of these BOMs, you will manage ongoing compliance projects to ensure adherence to all requirements for shipping product into Latin America. Collaboration with multiple groups incl: Regulatory and Environmental Compliance, NPI Launch Readiness, Trade Compliance, Product Marketing, Product Configuration, Hardware Legal, Region Legal, Engineering, Localization & Release Engineering and others will be critical to build and deliver solutions to meet the needs of our evolving business.

Responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS Required. In a relevant field such as Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science or Management Information Systems, or relevant field.
• 6+ years of experience in program or project management
• Solid working knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, BOM Configuration, and Product Localization
• Consistent record of leading global, strategic projects, combined with a strong ability to execute tactical activities and tasks under tight and competing deadlines
• Experience in program and/or project management with very strong analytical problem-solving skills
• Proven experience working optimally in a matrixed and global organization
• Demonstrated ability in business process re-engineering with an acute attention to detail and continuous innovation

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or Advanced Degree preferred.
• Drive AMR Product Localization and SKU Optimization strategy, in close collaboration with Global cross-functional teams
• Develop and support PLM processes that ensure that all Apple products have markings, inbox content, and labeling that conform with country-specific regulations and allow us to successfully import into North and South America
• Manage BOMs (Bill of Materials) related to NPI Localization, sustaining updates, and customization requests.
• Enable Regulatory Change Management throughout the whole lifecycle of Apple products.
• Support Product Launch Readiness team on go-to-market strategy planning and launch execution.
• Drive large scale, multi-year, multi-$M capital project roadmap to improve long-term capabilities & scale business processes.
• Identify process improvement opportunities (tools, workstreams, systems) and drive solutions from conception through implementation. Support continuous innovation within the team, advocating directs to use subject matter expertise to drive positive change management.
• Stitch across a global cross-functional teams throughout the supply chain, both technical and functional, adjusting communication and messaging for intended audience/stakeholders.
• Explain complex localization, product configuration, and compliance concepts, processes, and plans to cross-functional partners to ensure transparency and alignment during launch planning
• Engage with cross-functional stakeholders to gain perspective on scalability, risk, and unique regional differences; drive best practices globally and strengthen harmony among integrations.
• Own new product/systems/tool launch plans, providing updates on critical checkpoints and elevating risks to business partners and executive team.
• Partner with cross-organizational teams to roll out new products, systems, and solutions to market while ensuring complete confidentiality; driving organizational, systems, and people readiness.
• Present, defend, and influence supply chain PLM capability and technology roadmap to Apple’s senior executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Develop and utilize analytical models to evaluate complex data sets, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to drive critical business decisions.
• Influence and triangulate cross-functional alignment within a matrixed organization
• Evaluate supply chain product launch readiness risks and implement contingency plans to mitigate consumer impact, including ad-hoc problem solving during unprecedented events.
• Drive, influence, innovate and develop long-term strategic initiatives that shape the future of Apple’s supply chain and that aid in achieving Apple’s Sustainability goals of Carbon Neutrality throughout our supply chain by 2030.
• Ensure customer and internal confidential data is protected throughout our supply chain.
• Proficiency in computer science fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, and software development, enhancing problem-solving capabilities and project efficiency a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong organizational and collaboration abilities
• Confidence in managing ambiguity