Career Insights
As a seasoned supply chain leader, I currently lead teams tasked with optimizing complex global operations and scaling high-volume production at Apple Inc. My current role involves leading global material management for shipping products, operationalizing/scaling supply chains for new product introductions (NPI) and fostering high performing talent. I excel in executive reporting, transformation/change leadership, maintaining and exceeding leadership expectations, and influencing high-stakes decisions involving substantial financial investments.
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My career is marked by a strong foundation in engineering and analytics, enabling me to enhance supply chain efficiency and manage complex projects. I excel in leading transformative change and spearheading new product launches, delivering high-impact results through innovative solutions and strategic leadership.
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Previously, as part of Flex’s ‘Leadership Acceleration Program,’ I was immersed in high-impact roles designed to address complex issues and deliver immediate business results. This program, created by the Chief Procurement & Supply Chain Officer, positioned me to influence key decisions and solve critical supply chain challenges. My diverse roles at Flex included Global Commodity Management, Strategic Supply Chain Management, and Supply Chain Solutions Management, providing me with extensive experience in negotiating optimal sourcing terms, liaising between customers and internal teams, and implementing transformative supply chain solutions that created immediate business impact.
Throughout my career, I’ve navigated a broad range of industries from high-volume consumer tech (Apple), automotive manufacturing (Ashok Leyland), and high-tech semiconductor industries (KLA Tencor), providing me with a broad perspective and a track record of translating strategic thinking into tactical success. My comprehensive background in global leadership enables me to formulate and implement supply chain strategies with precision, delivering significant results across various business sectors and operational scales.
Suneesh Kaul
Supply Chain Leader | Global Sourcing & Operations | X-F Influence | Talent Development | Analytics | Innovation & Change/Transformation management
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Companies/Industries:
Apple (Consumer technology), Flex (Supply chain solutions OEM), KLA Tencor (Semiconductor), Ashok Leyland (Automotive)
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Education:
UC Berkeley: Masters in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research. Engineering Leadership
Anna University: Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. Scholastic & Sports scholarships
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EXPERIENCE
2018
Senior Manager, Global Sourcing & Supply Management
Manage complex supply chains with a focus on global material management and scaling operations for high-volume new product introductions. Drive strategic initiatives, oversee executive reporting, and influence key decisions to align with leadership expectations. Role emphasizes operational excellence and impactful results in a dynamic environment.
2017
Global Commodity Manager
Interfaced with suppliers and negotiated optimal sourcing terms by balancing cost, quality, volume, and risk, and facilitated supply-base selection to enhance Flex's revenue and supplier base. Developed financial models to support market and competitor analysis, driving strategic initiatives and identifying new opportunities.
2017
Strategic Supply Chain Manager
Interfaced with business customer and directed strategic supply chain initiatives, balancing customer SLAs and internal costs to meet P&L targets. Managed a diverse portfolio, aligning product development with Flex’s industry diversification across Communication, Automotive, and Medical segments.
2016
Product Manager | Supply Chain Solutions Manager
Led the advancement of the Flex Pulse Center, driving automation and digitization across Flex’s supply chains with real-time KPI tracking and analytical tools. Implemented data infrastructure that provided real-time visibility and improved operational efficiency across 25+ manufacturing sites and 1000+ dashboards.
2014-2016
Business Process Analyst
Optimized global logistics and reverse logistics at KLA-Tencor, driving cost and efficiency improvements. Founded the network-optimization team, expanding the global footprint through ROI models and cross-functional collaboration. Key player in SAP HANA rollout, enhancing data processing speeds and reporting capabilities.
2012-2013
Operations | Manufacturing | Supply-Chain
Enhanced manufacturing efficiency and supplier quality, driving an additional $9M in annual revenue through Lean Six Sigma tools. Effectively managed costs and supplier relationships to sustain operational excellence.
2011
Operations | Supply-Chain
Succeeded in stabilizing the in-plant production (India) by developing a
‘global supply chain contingency model’ and structuring and implementing a new in-house logistics strategy to tackle the Thailand floods in 2011
EDUCATION
2014
Master's in Industrial Engineering & Operations Research
3.83
U.C. Berkeley
Focus on Engineering Leadership: Management, Engineering & Leadership training with industry integration.
Developed a quantitative trading algorithm - quantified market psychology leveraging non-financial Big Data – Achieved over 400% excess returns on trading ETFs via successfully quantifying investor sentiment
Admissions interviewer for Operations Research Program
2012
Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering
4.00
ANNA UNIVERSITY
Graduated in top 1% percentile (among 4000 students)
Academic & Athletic scholarships (2008-2012) - only student in college history to achieve this feat.
Adjudged the Best Out-going Student (among 4000 students) for excellence in academics, leadership & sports.
SKILLS
Supply-Chain Leadership | Global Operations | Manufacturing
Data Analysis
Excel | R | SQL | BI Tools
Business Strategy | Planning | NPI Management
Change & Transformation catalyst | Executive Influence|
Cross-functional leadership
Negotiations | Supplier & Customer Interfacing
Talent Management & Growth | Public Speaking
Guadalajara
Mexico
Silicon Valley
USA
Detriot
USA
New Delhi
India
Chennai
India
Bangalore
India
Kolkata
India
Jammu
India
Global landscape - geographies lived/worked in
Outside of work
International Squash Player
Represented India at tournaments in England, Scotland, Malaysia, Singapore
etcetera, attained a global viewpoint while exposed to different cultures, customs & perspectives.
Published Research
- “Does Material Choice Drive Sustainability of 3D Printing?” at the International Conference on Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing, Istanbul (2015)
- “Integrated Punching and Indexing Operations incorporating the Geneva Mechanism” at the International Conference for Futuristic Trends in Mechanical Engineering, India (2012)
Outside of work
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Avid Reader
Aspirational Marathoner
Public Speaking
Amateur Poker
