Sr. Supply Chain Operations Manager

About the role

You will own the end-to-end operational execution for our global supplier ecosystem, ensuring seamless alignment between demand and supply. You will act as the primary owner for strategic supplier relationship health, driving proactive engagement and performance improvement across all critical partners. You will leverage data and AI tools to uncover insights, optimize workflows, and remove blockers that impact speed and quality. You will foster a culture of transparency and constructive debate, ensuring the best ideas are evaluated and implemented quickly. You will manage complex planning and forecasting cycles with rigorous ownership, translating data into actionable strategies. You will provide comprehensive oversight of inventory across global supplier and data center locations to safeguard availability. You will execute cost optimization initiatives that maximize value without compromising speed or quality in a high-growth environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Drive global supplier relationship management to ensure operational excellence and strategic partnership health across all critical categories.
• Lead sourcing initiatives for integrators, VARs, and OEMs, defining strategies that align with business objectives and market dynamics.
• Execute cost optimization strategies to maximize value and efficiency across the supply chain while maintaining service levels.
• Manage comprehensive planning and forecasting cycles to support global data center demands with accuracy and agility.
• Provide rigorous inventory oversight at supplier and data center locations to ensure global availability and risk mitigation.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to translate business needs into actionable supply chain strategies.
• Utilize AI tools and intelligent systems to analyze trends, forecast demand, and enhance decision-making processes.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics, identifying gaps and implementing corrective actions to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with logistics and operations teams to streamline processes, reduce lead times, and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Champion a culture of ownership, accountability, and transparency to ensure timely execution and high-quality outcomes.

Requirements

• You have significant hands-on experience managing global supply chain operations across multiple regions and categories.
• You possess a proven track record in strategic supplier management and partnership development with integrators, VARs, and OEMs.
• You demonstrate expertise in forecasting and planning within complex organizational structures, using data to guide decisions.
• You have direct experience in inventory sizing and multi-location inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels.
• You have a strong background in driving and measuring supplier performance management using clear metrics and insights.
• You show demonstrated curiosity and active exploration of AI tools, with a history of integrating new technologies into workflows.
• You operate with urgency and a bias for action, balancing speed with quality in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
• You are data-driven, relying on evidence and analytics over assumptions to uncover insights and guide strategy.

Nice to have

• A history of flawless operational execution in high-growth, fast-paced environments with complex supply chain requirements.
• Advanced influencing skills with a proven ability to drive results across organizational boundaries and stakeholder groups.
• Experience leveraging AI tools to automate manual processes and enhance operational efficiency at scale.
• A background in cloud infrastructure or data center operations, providing context for technology and logistics workflows.
• Familiarity with global trade regulations, compliance frameworks, and customs processes to ensure smooth operations.
• Strong experience managing cross-functional teams, aligning diverse stakeholders toward shared objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a culture of growth and accountability.

Practical notes

• This is a Hybrid role, requiring in-office presence a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Employment is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without sponsorship at this time.
• Compensation details are not provided in this source document.
• The role reports to the Senior Director, ZTE Supply Chain and Logistics in the Cloud Ops Team department.
• The position is focused on driving supplier selection and relationship management across key categories.
• Inventory oversight must be maintained across global supplier and data center locations to ensure continuity.
• The company values transparency, customer obsession, collaboration, ownership, and accountability in all roles.
• Impact in your role matters more than title, and trust is built on consistent results.
• The company is an AI-forward enterprise leveraging the world's largest security data lake to power its Zero Trust Exchange platform.
• You are expected to embrace AI tools to amplify your impact and enhance problem-solving in day-to-day workflows.
• The role is part of a fast-paced, dynamic global data center team focused on operational excellence.
• Success in this role requires a high-trust mindset, open communication, and the ability to navigate between strategy and execution.
• The company believes in making an impact quickly while maintaining a bias for action and urgency.
• Constructive, honest debate is valued to ensure the best ideas are implemented faster.
• You will be expected to contribute to shaping the future of cybersecurity through your work in supply chain operations.
• This role is ideal for candidates driven by purpose who thrive on solving complex challenges in a high-growth environment.