top of page
Kyle, NPI Global Supply Manager at Fortune 100 Technology Company: Advize Career Interview
This interview with a NPI Global Supply Manager at a Fortune 100 tech company reveals a dynamic and rewarding career path.
Early proactive networking, starting with freshman-year career fairs and involvement in supply chain clubs, led to valuable internships and a rotational program that explored diverse supply chain roles.
The current position manages materials for contract-manufactured server hardware, requiring strong interpersonal skills, data analysis proficiency, and a self-starting attitude to navigate complex global supply chains and cutting-edge technology.
A typical day blends urgent problem-solving with proactive process improvement, offering both challenge and satisfaction.
The global footprint, collaboration with international teams, and involvement in AI-focused server development are highlighted as particularly rewarding aspects.
Aspiring professionals should embrace a growth mindset, actively seek answers, and challenge inefficiencies to thrive in this fast-paced industry, with entry-level opportunities readily available in roles such as analyst positions or procurement.
The interviewee's experience underscores the importance of early career exploration, practical experience, and a proactive approach to learning.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kyle Worth
NPI Global Supply Manager
Fortune 100 Technology Company
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Industrial, Supply Chain Management
Technology
Operations and Project Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of an NPI Global Supply Manager at a Fortune 100 Technology Company
Kyle's most impactful WP Carey experience was the career fairs, which provided "a great learning experience on networking," but also impactful core classes like SCM 300, which, through inspiring professors, showcased the major's practical application and strong job placement prospects, ultimately contributing to their career success in supply chain management.
How to Become an NPI Global Supply Manager at a Fortune 100 Technology Company
Kyle's career journey emphasizes proactive networking, even as a freshman, attending career fairs and joining supply chain clubs, which led to a pivotal six-month co-op at a Fortune 500 company; this early experience, along with a subsequent rotational program, allowed Kyle to explore different supply chain roles, ultimately leading to a position at Microsoft via a contract-to-hire opportunity, highlighting the value of both internships and exploring different industries.
A Day In The Life Of A New Product Introduction Global Supply Manager At A Leading Technology Company
Kyle, a global supply manager at a Fortune 100 tech company, manages materials for contract-manufactured server hardware, acting as a "liaison between the program management office, the engineering office, and the contract manufacturer." A key aspect of the role, especially within new product introduction, involves directly collaborating with suppliers to ensure timely part delivery, even working on "part development" when dealing with new components.
Most Important Skills for an NPI Global Supply Manager at a Leading Tech Firm
Kyle's role as an NPI Global Supply Manager is dynamic, with "no day ever look[ing] the same," involving a mix of urgent "firefighting" to resolve supply chain issues and proactive process improvement to streamline operations and create standard operating procedures for future efficiency. This constant variety, a mix of immediate problem-solving and long-term process optimization, is what makes the job both challenging and rewarding.
Favorite Parts Of Being An NPI Global Supply Manager At A Fortune 100 Technology Company
Kyle, a NPI Global Supply Manager, emphasizes strong interpersonal skills as the most crucial asset, stating that "business is done through relationships," particularly vital in navigating the complexities of supply chain management. Beyond relationship building, proficiency in data analysis tools like "Excel, Power BI, Tableau" and a self-starting attitude to overcome ambiguity are also key for success in this role.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A New Product Introduction Global Supply Manager At A Major Technology Company
Kyle enjoys the "global footprint" of the NPI Global Supply Manager role, citing the experience of working with a contract manufacturer in Taiwan and navigating cultural differences in business. The opportunity to work with "cutting-edge technology," specifically in AI-focused server development, and the strong relationships with colleagues are also key sources of job satisfaction.
Favorite Parts of Working in Technology as a NPI Global Supply Manager
Kyle's biggest challenges as a NPI Global Supply Manager stem from the "global aspect" of the role, including time zone differences requiring "late nights" to coordinate with international teams and communication barriers. The inherent risks of working with "new development materials and parts that are not even on the market yet," leading to schedule slips and supply chain uncertainties, also pose significant challenges, but these are viewed as exciting aspects of a cutting-edge role.
What Type of Person Thrives in Tech, According to an NPI Global Supply Manager at a Fortune 100 Tech Company
Kyle enjoys the cutting-edge technology and involvement in new product introductions, stating that "seeing what's next in the pipeline...and seeing what actually powers all of it" is "so cool". The collaborative environment at Microsoft, filled with "really smart and driven people" willing to share their expertise and foster a culture of learning, also contributes significantly to their job satisfaction.
What a NPI Global Supply Manager at a Fortune 100 Tech Company Wishes They Knew Before Entering the Technology Industry
Kyle, a NPI Global Supply Manager, highlights that success in the tech industry hinges on being a "self-starter" with a strong desire to learn, embracing challenges with a willingness to ask questions—even if perceived as "dumb"—to continually expand one's knowledge base. This proactive approach to learning and problem-solving is a key characteristic of those thriving in this fast-paced environment.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring NPI Global Supply Managers
Kyle, a NPI Global Supply Manager, advises aspiring professionals to embrace a growth mindset, stating "no one's got it all figured out." This entails actively seeking answers, challenging inefficient processes, and initiating improvements—actions that Kyle highlights as key to career advancement and recognition within the industry.
College Experiences That Helped a Global Supply Manager at a Top Tech Company Succeed
Many entry-level supply chain roles exist, including "analyst positions or in procurement," such as a buyer, with rotational programs offering a valuable way to explore various areas like sourcing, manufacturing, and logistics; Kyle's own eight-month rotations provided "a taste of different locations, different industries, and different functions," ultimately helping Kyle define their career path.
How Identity Has Influenced an NPI Global Supply Manager's Career in Technology
Kyle's significant career lesson involved discovering a passion for supply chain management through a rotational program, which allowed exploration of "different locations, different industries, and different functions," ultimately helping hone in on a preferred career path; the program provided "enough substance" to feel like a respected employee rather than a "glorified intern."
NPI Global Supply Manager Career At A Fortune 100 Technology Company
Kyle's undergraduate success stemmed from early engagement with career fairs, starting freshman year, which helped hone their focus in classes and build confidence interacting with recruiters. This proactive approach, combined with a supply chain program featuring industry-experienced professors who shared "their experiences throughout the lectures," led to internships and ultimately, a strong post-graduation job prospect – highlighting the value of early career exploration and practical experience.
Advizer Personal Links
bottom of page