**Weekly Hours:** 40
**Role Number:** 200670217-0836
**Summary**
Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no end to what we can accomplish.
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.
**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.
**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.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.