MBMichael Black
@michaelblack
Operations and supply chain leader driving hardware NPI and global manufacturing scale.
United StatesWhat I'm looking for
I am a strategic, people‑focused operations executive with deep experience leading global teams through hardware development, NPI, and high‑volume manufacturing. I build and scale teams, drive cross‑functional alignment, and deliver products from concept to mass production.
In my current role I lead a global team transforming a supplier ecosystem, own program roadmaps and budgets, and champion customer focus and continuous improvement. I negotiate supplier agreements and identify large cost‑reduction opportunities while strengthening contract manufacturer partnerships.
Previously I led North American manufacturing operations and NPI for complex hardware lines, directed factory bring‑up and mass production execution, and established manufacturing for a Class II medical device during the pandemic. I have experience scaling injection‑molding operations in Asia and managing supplier readiness for consumer hardware at scale.
My approach is data‑driven and operationally rigorous, grounded in inclusive leadership, coaching, and cross‑functional collaboration; I focus on resilience, process validation, and measurable throughput and quality improvements.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Associate Director, Network Optimization
Carrier
Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 1 month)
Lead a global team transforming Carrier's supplier ecosystem, driving program governance and supplier strategy that negotiated $34M in annualized savings and identified $130M in global cost‑reduction opportunities.
PELed cross‑functional programs to establish and scale North American manufacturing for Bike and Tread, delivering on‑time NPI launch for Row and improving throughput and cycle time through process optimization.
Commercial Program Manager
DEKA R&D
Jan 2020 - Jan 2021 (1 year)
Established manufacturing operations for a Class II medical device during the COVID‑19 pandemic, leading a cross‑functional team of seven and building a regional supply chain to mitigate disruptions.
Director, Operations Engineering
Juul Labs
Jan 2018 - Jan 2020 (2 years)
Directed global tooling and manufacturing engineering to scale injection‑molding operations, increasing production from 30M to 130M units/month and improving OEE from 30% to 78%.
APOwned hardware development and supplier readiness for next‑generation MacBook enclosures from concept through mass production, improving risk tracking and cross‑functional communication with Asia‑based suppliers.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
AUArizona State University
Master of Science, Supply Chain Management
Pursuing a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management to deepen expertise in supply chain strategy, operations, and analytics.
CCCalifornia State University, Chico
Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
Completed a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering with a focus on manufacturing management and production systems.
SCStanford University (Certificate)
Certificate, Project Management
Completed the Stanford Certified Project Manager program to strengthen project management practices and leadership skills.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
United StatesAuthorized to work in
Job categories
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