Operations Program Management Manager
Job Summary
Samsara is seeking a highly motivated people manager to lead our Operations Program Manager (OPM) team, focusing on New Product Introduction (NPI) for hardware manufacturing. You will oversee the end-to-end operational execution of products from concept through mass production, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery. This remote role requires a leader capable of aligning cross-functional teams and managing global manufacturing strategies.
Responsibilities
- Lead global Operations Program Management team
- Oversee end-to-end NPI and hardware manufacturing execution
- Align cross-functional stakeholders (Engineering, Supply Chain, Product)
- Manage program schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation
- Drive cost reduction and quality standards
Required Skills
- 7+ years in NPI or Operations Program Management
- 3+ years of people management experience
- Strong hardware development lifecycle knowledge
- Expertise in JIRA and Confluence
- Experience with global manufacturing partners
Job Details
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead a global Operations Program Management team based in North America and Asia to develop and launch new hardware products.
- Own end-to-end operational execution of hardware product manufacturing from concept through mass production and sustained volume.
- Serve as the primary operations liaison, aligning and communicating across Engineering, Product, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams.
- Develop comprehensive program plans, manage schedules, budgets, and proactively mitigate risks to ensure on-time and on-cost delivery.
- Define and execute manufacturing strategies, collaborating with internal teams and external partners for factory readiness, capacity, and process development.
- Drive cost reduction initiatives and ensure robust quality standards are met throughout the product lifecycle.
- Champion, role model, and embed Samsara’s cultural principles as we scale globally.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing preferred), Supply Chain Management, or a related technical field. A master's degree (MBA or MS) is a plus.
- 7+ years of progressive experience in Operations Program Management, NPI, or related roles within a hardware manufacturing environment.
- Minimum 3 years managing a team of at least 4 individuals.
- Proven track record of successfully launching multiple complex hardware products from concept to high-volume production.
- Strong understanding of hardware development lifecycles and manufacturing processes.
- Expert-level proficiency in program/project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Confluence/JIRA). PMP certification is a plus.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and align diverse cross-functional teams.
- Highly analytical with a strong ability to identify problems, analyze data, and develop effective solutions in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
- Experience working with global manufacturing partners and supply chains.
- Willingness to travel internationally as required (up to 20%).
- Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to operational excellence.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.
- Experience in dash camera, gateway, or telematics products.