Sr Program Manager; Supply Chain - Commercialization

For Earth For Life

The Sr. Program Manager is responsible for driving new product introduction into commercialization with a focus on supply chain readiness and launch execution. This role leads cross-functional teams across engineering, supply chain, marketing, legal and product management to ensure materials, suppliers, and manufacturing processes are ready to support business, cost, quality, and time-to-market goals.

• Lead commercialization of new products from early concept through pilot, product introduction and sustaining operations, using structured program management methodologies and tools.
• Own the integrated schedule, dependencies, and critical path; drive teams to hit key design, validation, readiness, and launch milestones.
• Partner with engineering to translate product requirements and engineering BOMs into supply chain and operational requirements, including material strategies, sourcing plans, and build plans.
• Drive supply chain readiness, including long‑lead material planning, capacity planning, and supplier selection and readiness of contract manufacturers and key suppliers.
• Identify and manage supply chain risks and issues; develop mitigation and contingency plans covering materials, suppliers, logistics, and manufacturing processes including transitioning away from poor performing suppliers.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to qualify new suppliers, negotiate lead times, and ensure suppliers meet quality, compliance, and sustainability requirements.
• Partner with Product Management to align demand assumptions, forecasts, inventory strategies, and cost targets for new products and design changes.
• Ensure accurate and timely setup and maintenance of product data in PLM/ERP systems, including BOM structure, item master data, and change control for new parts.
• Establish and track key program KPIs (inventory costs, schedule, forecast, OTD, etc.) and drive corrective actions where performance is off‑track.
• Facilitate clear, data‑driven communication to executives and stakeholders, providing regular status, risk, and decision updates on commercialization products.
• Champion continuous improvement of Product Development Process and supply chain processes, standard work, and playbooks to improve time‑to‑market, cost, and quality on future launches.
• Process supplier and potential other departmental invoices. Work with AP to reconcile invoices against POs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience or 15 years of equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of experience in technical program management, NPI, or product operations within a hardware, manufacturing, or high‑tech environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross‑functional NPI or product launch programs involving engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers and global manufacturing partners for hardware or complex assemblies.
• Strong understanding of supply chain fundamentals including sourcing, material planning, lead‑time management, logistics, and supplier management.
• Hands‑on experience with PLM/ERP and MRP systems to manage BOMs, item setup, and material planning for new products.
• Proven ability to manage schedules, risks, and trade‑offs in fast‑paced environments, with strong organizational and execution skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing across engineering, operations, and leadership levels.

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business (e.g., MSME, MS Supply Chain, MBA).
• Background in manufacturing process engineering, service parts, or after‑sales supply chain.
• Familiarity with stage‑gate or Agile product development processes and structured NPI frameworks.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PMI‑ACP, or APICS/CSCP/CPIM.
• Sig‑Sigma or Lean certifications or experience.

• Leadership:
  Able to drive accountability and alignment across cross‑functional teams without direct authority.
• Problem solving:
  Strong analytical skills with a data‑driven approach to decision‑making and continuous improvement.
• Adaptability:
  Comfortable operating in ambiguity and changing priorities while maintaining focus on launch outcomes.
• Detail orientation:
  High attention to detail in schedules, data, and documentation, while maintaining a system‑level view of the program.

Kubota is an equal opportunity at‑will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.