Senior Director of US Operations & Supply Chain

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.

POSTITION OVERVIEW   

The Sr. Director of US Operations will lead and oversee SMA Americ's operations in the United States, with a specific focus on Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Supplier Quality, and supporting the domestic integration strategy. This leadership role is critical to ensure the smooth execution of operations, the timely delivery of products, and the optimization of supplier relationships. 

The Sr. Director will also play a key role in the expansion of SMA’s US footprint, focusing on the integration of manufacturing processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving supply chain localization. The role requires a leader who can drive operational excellence, collaborate across functions, and ensure that the US operations align with SMA’s global business strategy. 

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES   

Supply Chain Management: 

• Lead and manage the end-to-end supply chain operations in the US, ensuring timely procurement, inventory management, and logistics. 
• Develop and implement supply chain strategies that increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, and align with the company’s growth objectives. 
• Work closely with global supply chain teams to ensure alignment with international strategies and facilitate cross-border operations. 

Procurement Leadership: 

• Manage the procurement function to ensure cost-effective sourcing of materials and services. 
• Lead vendor negotiations and establish long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with key suppliers. 
• Implement procurement best practices, ensuring the timely acquisition of materials while maintaining quality standards and compliance with legal and environmental regulations. 

Supplier Quality Management: 

• Oversee supplier quality management, ensuring that suppliers meet SMA's standards for product quality, compliance, and reliability. 
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions in collaboration with suppliers to resolve quality issues, minimizing impact on operations. 
• Develop and implement robust supplier evaluation and performance management processes to continuously improve supplier performance.

 Domestic Integration Strategy: 

• Play a key role in supporting SMA’s domestic integration strategy for the US market,driving initiatives for in-country manufacturing and local sourcing.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure that the strategy aligns with SMA's broader goals for US expansion, market competitiveness, and cost efficiency.
• Manage the integration of new suppliers and manufacturing processes into the existing supply chain to support scalability and growth.

Operational Excellence & Process Improvement: 

• Continuously identify and drive improvements to operational processes, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
• Work closely with senior leadership to identify operational challenges and implement solutions that improve productivity, cost-efficiency, and quality control.
• Develop performance metrics for key operational areas, reporting regularly to leadership on progress toward goals.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: 

• Collaborate with sales, service, engineering, and finance teams to align operations with market needs and financial goals. 
• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of strategic initiatives, particularly those focused on supply chain and integration.

Team Leadership & Development: 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of operations managers, procurement specialists, and quality control experts.
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented culture, encouraging innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure that the team is equipped with the skills and resources needed to meet performance objectives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS   

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management,
• Industrial Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. 
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in operations leadership, with at least 5 years overseeing supply chain, procurement, and supplier quality in a manufacturing or technology- driven environment. 

Leadership Profile: 

• Ability to translate overall strategy into strategic objectives for the respective areas of responsibility. 
• Acts as the ambassador for change.
• Holds themselves accountable to outcomes and results.
• Works collaboratively within peer group, and across other business areas.
• Driven by a strong customer centric and solution-oriented mindset.
• Experience managing all relevant cost structure within the respective area of

responsibility 

• Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal, is required. German and/or Spanish language skills are a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy are required.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively.
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a regional/global team is required.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects/tasks. Ability to work flexible hours as early morning, evening or weekend work may be required. A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required. This position may require periodic domestic and international travel. 

 WE OFFER   

• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental and vision coverage (including $0 premium options)  

• Dedicated Hybrid Schedule: In-Office Tuesday and Thursdays; remote on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays  

• 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 US_DataPrivacy@sma-america.com