Manager of Planning, Purchasing & Logistics

TLDR

Lead the development and execution of supply chain plans across Sales, Finance, and Operations, ensuring material availability and process optimization in the Americas region.

Why Work at SMA America

At SMA America, we believe in Energy that Changes. Since 1981, we’ve been developing innovative solar technology that simplifies, secures, and enhances the performance of photovoltaic systems — all while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in clean energy.

But we’re not just transforming power — we’re empowering people.

We’ve built a culture where bold ideas are welcomed, collaboration is second nature, and your career growth truly matters. With our Rocklin, CA headquarters as the hub, we offer a hybrid work model, competitive benefits, and a team-driven environment where your impact is seen and felt.

Whether you’re a sales expert, service pro, or engineering innovator, if you’re ready to join a purpose-driven team committed to shaping the future of energy — we’d love to meet you.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Manager of Planning, Purchasing, & Logistics is responsible for the development and execution of SMA America's supply chain plans in alignment with the global inventory strategy. This role leads cross-functional collaboration across Sales, Finance, Operations, and global headquarters to ensure material availability, process optimization, and on-time delivery performance throughout the Americas Region.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Responsible for the development and implementation of process improvements for purchasing, logistics, and inventory availability/levels.
  • Lead the weekly Sales and Operations Meeting for the region, including interface with Sales, Order Management, Finance, Marketing, Service, and Legal.
  • Responsible for 3rd party logistics service provider management with a clear focus on internal process optimization, external service time issues, cost reduction projects, and developing KPIs.
  • Closely collaborate with HQ in Germany on Production Planning, Order Management, and Global Logistics to ensure regional needs are met.
  • Ensure material availability and high inventory turns (DOH) to meet on-time (OTIF) and lead-time goals.
  • Work collaboratively with international colleagues to ensure the Americas Region supports global functional processes, while negotiating adaptations as required to meet regional business needs.
  • Responsible for management of operations logistics, purchasing, and supply chain strategy for the Americas Region.
  • Responsible for product supplier quoting and cost reductions.
  • Develop the processes and techniques used in daily operations by internal and external team members.
  • Responsible for intercompany purchasing.
  • Provide direction, development, and leadership of the Operations Logistics, Planning, and Purchasing Teams, while also functioning as the Americas Region Supply Chain Manager.
  • Analyze production plans, lead times, safety stocks, and lot sizes to determine resource requirements and constraints.
  • Develop the calculation parameters on which SAP calculates reordering.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to support supplier communication, demand forecasts, and new product introductions, including participation in Sales meetings and S&OP planning.
  • Other duties as may be assigned by supervisor or management.

REQUIRED RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Supply Chain Management preferred; relevant and equivalent work experience will be considered.
  • Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Logistics management.
  • Management and leadership experience with direct reports is required.
  • Proven leadership skills including time management, motivating, scheduling, and conflict resolution.
  • Previous international work experience preferred.
  • Experience with SAP preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) is required.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills are required.
  • Attention to detail, high level of accuracy, and excellent organizational skills are required.
  • Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively.
  • Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal, is required.

WE OFFER

  • The salary range for this position is $82,000 - $108,000 per year, dependent upon experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage (including $0 premium options).
  • Work Location: This role is open to remote candidates. Hybrid or in-office presence is preferred for those located within commuting distance of our Rocklin, CA office, consistent with our current work model.
  • 401(k) plan with company match.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment.

Our EEO Policy 

We are an equal opportunity employer and we make our employment decisions on the basis of merit and without regard to one’s race, color, creed, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity, religion, marital status, age (over 40), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability (includes HIV/Aids), medical condition (cancer, genetic characteristics), veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by law.

In accordance with applicable law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, SMA will attempt to reasonably accommodate qualified applicants with known disabilities, unless doing so would create an undue hardship on SMA. Any qualified applicant with a disability who believes he or she requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job for which he or she is applying should identify the accommodation(s) needed in the application.

Our Privacy Policy

During your job application or recruitment process with us: (a) SMA may collect your personal information directly from you, such as when you submit your application and resume on our online portal or when you have job interviews with us. We may also obtain your personal information from third parties, including but not limited to your former employers, background or employment check service providers or third-party recruiters; and, (b) SMA may use or process applicants' personal information for relevant purposes including but not limited to general communications with you, identity verification, background or employment checks, determination of eligibility, and making hiring decisions. For successful job applicants who become SMA’s staff, we may retain and integrate your personal information collected during the recruitment process into your records at SMA. For unsuccessful job applicants, [SMA may retain your application for internal records or for future recruitment purposes].

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights regarding your personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, as amended including by the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020, and its implementing regulations (the “CCPA”). This Company Personnel and Covered Individuals Privacy Notice for California Residents issued by SMA is applicable to you and explains your CCPA rights and our collection, use or disclosure of your personal information.

If you have any question regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at [email protected]

 

 

 

SMA America develops cutting-edge solar technology that enhances the performance and security of photovoltaic systems. Our solutions cater to the growing clean energy market, aiming to make solar power more efficient and accessible for everyone.

View all jobs
Salary
$82,000 – $108,000 per year
Ace your job interview

Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.

Manager Q&A's
Report this job
Apply for this job