Supply Chain Program Manager

JobTitle :Supply Chain Program Manager (Steel/Mechanical) 

Location:Fremont, CA | Hybrid (4 days onsite per week)Reports To:Director of Program Management. 

Job Summary:

At Nextracker, we’re accelerating the world’s transition to renewable energy through intelligent solar tracking and breakthrough engineering. As a Supply Chain Program Manager (SC-PM), you’ll be at the center of this transformation—driving thesupply chain programstrategy, execution, and global readiness of our next-generation products.If you thrive on solving complex challenges, leading cross-functional teams, and shaping how innovation becomes reality, this role is your opportunity to make a measurable impact on a cleaner planet.

The SC Program Manager will lead all aspects of supply chain readiness in New Product Introduction (NPI) products for Nextracker customers while ensuring a customer-centric approach to meet customer needs by owning internal and external stakeholders. The SC Program Manager leads complex, multi-disciplinary projects from start to finish - working with stakeholders to plan requirements, manage project schedules, identify risks.This individual contributor will be a PM lead for a cross functional team of 9-12 employees for the assigned programs. 

As the Supply Chain Program Manager(SC-PM),you will be responsible for both overseeing the successful execution ofcomplex programs and setting a strategic vision forNEXTracker’sTracker, Foundation and/or Module Frame Global Programs.Program successwill be measured through KPI’s likestrategic planning, define-plan-track-implement the program priorities,on timeengineering tests, system readiness and launch strategy for effective execution, and continuous alignment with company goals.Candidate is expected to achieve operational excellence andfostera collaborative environment to meet the long-term vision of the department.

Responsibilities:

• Own the NPI Journey:

• Driveproductand supply chain readiness for all NPI builds from concept phase to production handoff, partnering with cross-functional teams, such asengineering, product management, sourcing, manufacturing, R&D, systems, applications, quality/reliability, project services, asset management teams and externally with global vendors (CMs)to ensure success.

• Own developing and executing program plans, enabling prototype builds, engineering test builds, interaction with engineering and drive production line readiness plus ramp plans for products deployed in global market. 

• Lead program readiness, gate reviews with cross functional teams while adapting quickly to changing product and schedule needs. 

• Solve Hard Problems:Deep dive technicallytodrive resolution oftechnical issues in case of program escalations.Drive and ownproblem solving and report out challenges encountered on the program that affectTime, Cost, Quality. 

• Think Strategically:Ensure alignment of defined strategies betweenproduct, sourcing andCM manufacturing sites globally.  Strategically lead the program team, establishing the plan and direction for the programs assigned by guidelines set by Director. Set clear objectives and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

• Risk Management:Identify, communicate, and manage program risks and mitigation plans to ensure product readiness for initial NPI builds as well as enabling long-term supply continuity into production, including changes to product and schedule needs.

• Innovate:Identify opportunities for processesimprovement,then develop tools and methodologies to improve efficiencies across the organization. 

Requirements:

• Education & Experience: 

• Master’s or MBA degree + 7 years min relevant exp. 

• Mechanical Engineering degree is a must. 

• 7+ years min. of experience leading programs andorprojects cradle to grave including ownership of cost, quality, timeline execution

• 7+ years min.proven experienceserving large OEM customersin renewable energy, automotive, consumer electronics, or industrial manufacturing (solar tracker experience a plus)..

• Ability to read drawings, comprehend and guide team through technical issues in case of escalations 

• Ability to plan entire program for cost/time/quality, see risks as early as possible in the program and ability to come up with a plan to mitigate them. 

• In-depth knowledge of product development and manufacturing processes such as stamping, roll forming, welding, coating, machining, injection molding, assembly and automation. Any other manufacturing process experience is a plus. 

• Strategic mindset 

• In-depth understanding of NPI and Product Development processes 

• Experience working with global, cross-functional, and multicultural teams.

• The ability to influence others and negotiate solutions in criticalTIMELYdecisions.  

• An understanding of quality tools (8D, 5 Whys, QMS, COE) and the ability to drive root cause and corrective action activities. 

• A strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.

• Familiarity with Project Management tools (like Jira, Confluence, MS Office, Smartsheet, Anaplanetc) and methodologies for managing projects.  

Preferred:

• PMPor equivalent certifications. 

• Direct experience with domestic and offshore Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers

• Someone who is structured in planning and executing programs while balancing changing priorities 

• Able to come up with new processes and bring rigor in the processes that are released.