Principal Program Manager

Western Digital • San Jose, CA

21h

About The Position

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in. We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, finance, supply chain or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum of 0-12+ years of progressive global supply chain leadership experience with proven transformation track record utilizing digital tools.
• Must be a supply chain expert - Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes.
• Deep knowledge and experience in adopting and implementing digital (automation, AI, advanced analytics, digital twins, BOTs) tools in supply chain.
• Specific experience deploying AI/ML, advanced analytics, or automation in supply chain environments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated success influencing at the C-suite level.
• Global experience that demonstrates ability to navigate broad cultural & geopolitical environments.
• Demonstrated track record of ability to build and execute strategic plans and articulate vision to others, including executives.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead a team, drive results, and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data-driven decision making and continuous improvement.
• Can translate complex global trends into actionable supply chain strategies.
• Proven ability to mobilize diverse stakeholders inside and outside direct reporting lines.
• Skilled at driving change management, adoption, and cultural shift at scale.
• Consistently delivers measurable business impact while balancing cost, risk, and sustainability.
• Builds high-performing teams, fosters innovation, role models cross organizational partnership, and ensures organizational succession strength.
• Strong program management skills and ability to hold others accountable for deliverables to ensure program plan timelines are successfully met.

Nice To Haves

• Supply Chain corporate experience coupled with blue chip consulting experience preferred but not mandatory.
• Experience in Hi-Tech supply chain preferred but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Develop a transformation roadmap that entails identifying key initiatives, developing a business case, prioritizing and aligning with key stakeholders, securing roadmap approval from leadership, mobilizing teams, ensuring initiatives are progressing on time with expected impact, and reporting progress on a regular cadence to confirm progress on Supply Chain transformation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive improvements, lead change management, streamline processes, and ensure compliance to enhance financial & business performance.
• Synthesize supplier and technology roadmaps with Company objectives to shape industry influence.
• Establish a long-term vision for the global supply chain, including network design, tier-2/3+ risk identification, and resiliency frameworks.
• Continuously scan the external environment for disruptors (geopolitics, technology, ESG shifts) and integrate foresight into Company supply chain strategy.
• Lead implementation of AI/ML solutions for demand forecasting, inventory optimization, network design, predictive maintenance, and intelligent automation.
• Drive end-to-end digitization of supply chain processes using cloud platforms, IoT, control towers, and digital twins.
• Own the digital modernization agenda for supply chain (automation, AI, advanced analytics, digital twins, BOTs) with decentralized execution and close partnership & alignment with IT.
• Establish data governance, accessibility, and quality standards to enable advanced decision-making.
• Develop and manage the innovation pipeline, execute change management while ensuring speed and readiness for next-generation supply chain models.
• Own the supplier segmentation framework, report cards, and executive business review cycles.
• Lead supplier engagement forums, innovation summits, and structured events to foster stronger partnerships.
• Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance against cost, resiliency, innovation, sustainability, and performance metrics.
• Define best-in-class KPIs, establish dashboards and variance analysis, and conduct benchmarking exercises against competitor and adjacent industries.
• Lead cross-functional transformation programs spanning planning, procurement, logistics, and distribution.
• Establish program governance, KPIs, benefits realization tracking, and executive reporting.
• Manage third-party technology partners, system integrators, and consulting firms.
• Lead the Supply Chain Program Management Office (PMO) to enforce disciplined execution of strategic initiatives.
• Lead Supply Chain Governance Councils to align priorities, resolve issues, ensure enterprise-wide transparency, and deliver results.
• Standardize KPIs and reporting to measure performance and drive accountability.
• Shape the future of work in supply chain by defining emerging roles, required skills, and digital fluency.
• Improve existing processes for better business results & verify adherence to supply chain processes.
• Mentor and develop high-potential leaders to ensure long-term organizational capability.

Benefits

• paid vacation time
• paid sick leave
• medical/dental/vision insurance
• life, accident and disability insurance
• tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts
• employee assistance program
• other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity
• tuition reimbursement
• transit
• the Applause Program
• employee stock purchase plan
• the WD Savings 401(k) Plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal