Program Manager Strategic Initiatives Jobs in Tennessee

Job Description:

Sr. Manager, Strategic Sourcing (Fasteners & Tools)

Location: Fremont, CA or Nashville, TN

Role Overview

The Sr. Manager, Strategic Sourcing (Fasteners & Tools) leads the development and execution of sourcing strategies, policies, and operational plans for mechanical categories across Nextpower. This role is responsible for driving cost, quality, and supply continuity while navigating complex and often ambiguous supply chain challenges.

This leader combines strategic thinking with strong tactical execution, guiding the team through evolving business needs and market conditions while ensuring consistent delivery against operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy, Policy & Operational Leadership

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for fasteners, tools, and installation consumables aligned with organizational objectives.
• Establish and implement sourcing policies, procedures, and work plans that drive consistency, efficiency, and compliance across regions.
• Translate business goals into actionable sourcing plans and delegate execution across the team.
• Develop and maintain SLAs and performance standards to support customer and project needs globally.

Problem Solving & Execution in Ambiguity

• Lead sourcing initiatives where direction may be unclear, using sound judgment and conceptual thinking to define solutions.
• Make timely, high-quality decisions in dynamic environments (e.g., supply disruptions, cost volatility, design changes).
• Select appropriate sourcing methods, supplier strategies, and evaluation criteria to achieve business outcomes.
• Drive key programs such as cost reduction, supplier consolidation, and tool electrification across multiple regions.

Supplier Management & Risk Mitigation

• Identify, evaluate, and develop a global supplier base to ensure a resilient and competitive supply chain.
• Lead commercial negotiations and manage supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and innovation.
• Monitor supplier risks (capacity, financial health, geopolitical exposure) and implement mitigation and contingency plans.
• Partner with suppliers to deliver continuous improvement, cost savings, and product enhancements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence

• Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, and project teams to align sourcing with technical and production requirements.
• Engage with senior and cross-functional stakeholders to resolve complex issues and drive alignment on priorities.
• Influence decisions in situations with competing interests while maintaining strong working relationships.

Team Leadership & Organizational Impact

• Manage a global team of experienced professionals and/or managers across multiple sourcing disciplines.
• Provide direction and guidance on moderately complex sourcing and supply chain challenges.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Own and manage departmental budgets with meaningful impact on cost performance and business outcomes.

Impact & Decision-Making

• Decisions directly impact program execution, supply continuity, and cost performance over the medium term (1+ year horizon).
• Errors in judgment may result in significant project delays, operational disruptions, or increased costs.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 15+ years of experience in supply chain with strong focus on strategic sourcing of mechanical components (e.g., fasteners, tools, gearboxes, dampers).
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience), with 15+ years of progressive supply chain experience, including deep expertise in strategic sourcing of mechanical components (e.g., fasteners, tools, gearboxes, dampers).
• Proven experience developing and executing sourcing strategies and operational plans.
• Experience managing global suppliers and leading distributed teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and mechanical assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in solar or renewable energy.
• Experience leading cross-regional sourcing initiatives or transformation programs.
• Willingness to travel (~30%) domestically and internationally.

Pay is based on market location and may vary depending on factors including experience, skills, education, and other job-related reasons. For candidates located in California, the annual salary range for this position is $175,000 - $195,000. Compensation ranges for other locations, including Tennessee, may differ based on the applicable market.

At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we're building the foundation for the world's next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.