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The WW Channel Strategy & Operations (CSO) NPI team is looking for a strategic operations lead to drive planning, partner engagement, and deployment of merchandising elements across our global channel. In this role, you will operate at the intersection of Apple's launch strategy and partner execution, where success depends on your ability to influence outcomes you don't fully control. You will own the operational relationship with key retail partners and regional teams, collaborating to develop solutions that meet Apple's standards within partner-owned environments. This requires a blend of operational rigor, creative problem-solving, and the ability to build trust with stakeholders who have competing priorities.
Description
As the NPI Strategic Partner Operations Program Manager, you are responsible for ensuring that merchandising elements across the global channel are planned, coordinated, and deployed to support Apple's product launches. Unlike Apple developed programs where Apple dictates specifications, this role requires you to influence partner decisions, co-develop solutions with external vendors and suppliers, and drive alignment across organizations that operate independently. You own the outcome without owning every input, which demands strong judgment, relationship depth, and the ability to navigate ambiguity with confidence.","responsibilities":"Strategic Partner Engagement: Own and manage the end-to-end relationship with key retail partners for NPI activities. Serve as Apple's primary operational point of contact, influencing partner decisions and driving alignment toward shared launch objectives. Build the credibility required to shape outcomes in environments where Apple does not have direct control.
Solution Development: Collaborate with Apple Channel Security teams and suppliers to develop non-branded merchandising solutions that meet Apple's quality and experience standards. Translate launch requirements into actionable briefs, evaluate vendor proposals, and influence development to achieve the right outcome within partner constraints.
Forecasting & Planning: Develop and maintain demand forecasts for NPI merchandising elements. Partner with WW CSO Planning teams to align supply plans with channel demand and launch timing, accounting for variability in partner readiness and decision-making timelines.
Deployment Execution: Oversee the global logistics flow of NPI assets from vendor production through regional distribution to partner locations. Manage inventory movement across multiple fulfillment paths, ensuring in-store dates are met despite dependencies on external stakeholders.
Vendor & 3PL Management: Drive performance and accountability with logistics providers, suppliers, and fulfillment vendors. Own vendor capacity planning, budget management, and quality standards for production and distribution operations.
Influence Without Authority: Navigate complex, matrixed relationships where Apple's preferences must be balanced against partner priorities, vendor capabilities, and market-level constraints. Build consensus and drive action through persuasion, data, and trust rather than directive authority.
Risk Management: Proactively identify risks across the NPI supply chain (partner readiness gaps, vendor capacity, design iteration delays) and develop mitigation strategies to protect the launch timeline. Provide clear, timely readiness updates to leadership.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Use data to prioritize investment, assess partner and vendor performance, and build business justification for proposed solutions. Turn complex operational information into clear recommendations that influence internal and external decision-makers.
Process Improvement: Analyze end-to-end performance after each NPI cycle. Identify inefficiencies and design scalable, repeatable processes that reduce ambiguity and improve outcomes across future launches.
Preferred Qualifications
8+ years of experience in the above areas.
Experience in retail merchandising, channel sales operations, or partner-facing roles where influence and relationship management were as critical as operational delivery.
Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders across a matrixed organization without direct authority.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize complex operational data into clear narratives for leadership, partners, and suppliers.
Experience building or improving processes from the ground up in spaces where no established playbook existed.
MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
Minimum Qualifications
5+ years of experience in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Logistics, NPI Program Management, or Partner/Account Operations.
Proven ability to own and manage external partner or client relationships independently, with minimal oversight, in environments where you influence rather than direct.
Experience collaborating with external vendors or suppliers to develop physical solutions, products, or programs from concept through delivery.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to build forecasts, model distribution plans, and manage allocations. Mastery of Excel required.
Experience managing planning and deployment across a global or multi-regional network, working with OEMs, 3PLs, or fulfillment partners.
Exceptional project management skills with a track record of driving cross-functional alignment toward launch deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously in ambiguous environments, making sound decisions when information is incomplete, stakeholders are misaligned, or timelines are compressed.
BA/BS degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or related field.
Pay & Benefits
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 $140,700 and $211,400, 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 discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
