Materials and Product Lifecycle Program Manager

About the role

As the Product Lifecycle & BOM Operations Program Manager at Gimlet, you will own the lifecycle of the hardware we procure and deploy across our data centers, from new part introduction to end of life. You will create and control internal part numbers, structure top-level assembly BOMs, keep part and BOM data accurate, and translate deployment plans into material requirements.

This role is the operational bridge between Engineering, Supply Chain, and infrastructure deployment. Your focus is making sure we have the right hardware, at the right revision, at the right time.

What you'll do

Product lifecycle management

• Own the full part lifecycle: new part introduction, active production, end of life (EOL), and obsolescence.
• Monitor manufacturer EOL notices and product change notifications (PCNs), assess their impact on active and planned deployments, and drive last-time buys or qualified replacements with Engineering.
• Manage excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory, including disposition plans that minimize cost.

Internal part numbering and part data

• Create internal part numbers using a consistent numbering scheme, and map each one to its manufacturer part numbers (MPNs) and approved sources.
• Define and enforce part data standards: descriptions, units of measure, revision levels, lifecycle status, and approved manufacturer and vendor lists (AML/AVL).
• Read and interpret component datasheets and spec sheets to verify key attributes, such as form factor, electrical and thermal ratings, compatibility, and compliance, before a part is released.

BOM structure and accuracy

• Build and maintain multi-level BOMs, from top-level assemblies (racks, servers, networking) down to sub-assemblies and components.
• Own BOM accuracy: audit BOMs regularly, reconcile them against what is purchased, received, and deployed, and resolve discrepancies quickly.
• Control BOM releases and revisions through the engineering change process (ECR/ECO), and assess each change's impact on open orders, inventory, cost, and delivery.

Material planning

• Translate approved deployment plans into time-phased material requirements and purchasing priorities.
• Track long-lead components, shortages, and material readiness across suppliers and sites.
• Report material risks and recommended actions to Supply Chain and deployment leaders.

What success looks like

In your first 3 to 6 months, you will

• Stand up a controlled internal part numbering scheme and part register covering all active deployments.
• Build released, revision-controlled top-level assembly BOMs for our core rack, server, and networking configurations.
• Set a BOM accuracy baseline and a regular audit process, with a clear target and a plan to close the gaps.
• Put an EOL and PCN monitoring process in place for critical components, with last-time-buy or replacement plans for at-risk parts.
• Define clear handoffs with Engineering for BOM releases and engineering changes.
• Build a material-readiness view tied to deployment milestones and purchasing priorities.
• Develop practical PLM and ERP workflows so Engineering, Supply Chain, and deployment teams work from one accurate, current source of part and BOM data.

You may be a good fit if you have

• 5+ years of experience in product lifecycle management, BOM management, materials planning, or hardware operations.
• Hands-on experience creating internal part numbers and structuring multi-level BOMs, from top-level assemblies down to components.
• A strong understanding of revision control, engineering change processes (ECR/ECO), and AML/AVL management.
• The ability to read and interpret datasheets and spec sheets for hardware such as servers, networking gear, power, cabling, and optics.
• Experience managing EOL notices, PCNs, last-time buys, and excess and obsolete inventory.
• Experience translating changing deployment schedules into material plans, and managing long-lead components and shortages.
• Strong analytical skills, with advanced spreadsheet experience and hands-on use of PLM systems (such as Arena, Agile, or Windchill) and ERP systems (such as NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle).
• The ability to work closely with Engineering while respecting clear ownership: Engineering owns design, technical qualification, and substitutions; you own part data and BOM integrity.
• A track record of bringing structure and discipline to fast-moving hardware programs.

Strong candidates may also have

• Experience supporting data center, compute, networking, server, semiconductor, or other complex hardware deployments.
• Experience building a part numbering system, BOM standards, or PLM process from scratch in a fast-scaling company.
• Experience implementing, migrating, or improving PLM and ERP systems.
• Experience working across multiple suppliers, contract manufacturers or ODMs, deployment sites, and hardware configurations.
• An APICS/ASCM certification such as CPIM or CSCP.