Supply Chain Manager, Returnable Packaging Programs

Role overview

The Packaging Engineering and Supply Chain organization keeps production materials moving reliably and efficiently to Tesla factories and service locations. Within this team, the returnable packaging group oversees the assets used to transfer parts between suppliers and Tesla sites.

In this role, you would own end-to-end returnable packaging operations. The position includes building investment cases for capital spending, introducing new packaging programs, and making sure the packaging fleet performs effectively. It is a strategic supply chain position that works closely with suppliers and internal partners across Finance, Material Planning, Logistics, Global Supply Management, Packaging Engineering, and Production Control to improve packaging efficiency and control costs.

The ideal candidate is a sharp, flexible thinker with strong judgment who can operate comfortably at strategic, tactical, and operational levels. Success in this role also depends on solid experience in supply chain planning, logistics processes, and related IT systems, along with the agility to change direction quickly when business priorities shift.

Key responsibilities

• Evaluate Tesla’s returnable packaging needs for both current and upcoming vehicle programs, while keeping sustainability and cost objectives in mind.
• Spot opportunities to reduce cost across the full packaging lifecycle, including design, deployment, return, reuse, and refurbishment.
• Create evidence-based business cases and ROI models for packaging investments, covering total cost of ownership, payback timing, and risk analysis.
• Improve the flow of reusable containers across the supply chain so delays are reduced and dependence on expendable packaging is avoided.
• Build, roll out, and standardize scalable operating processes for reverse logistics, container tracking, and accountability across stakeholders.
• Investigate recurring supply chain issues such as lost containers, late returns, and damage, then lead cross-functional corrective actions and preventive controls.
• Work with Sourcing, Material Planning, Warehousing, Packaging Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to set priorities, execute plans, and support program delivery.

Candidate profile

This role is suited to someone with a background in supply chain, manufacturing, or other process-critical operations in a fast-moving, high-volume environment such as automotive, consumer electronics, or industrial manufacturing.

A strong academic or equivalent practical background in Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, Statistics, Operations Engineering/Management, or Industrial Engineering is preferred, though equivalent experience with clear evidence of exceptional ability is also acceptable.

The position calls for advanced analytical thinking, the ability to run complex scenario models and sensitivity studies, and comfort with financial analysis related to procurement, logistics, handling, and recovery.

Strong Excel skills are important, including advanced formulas, pivot tables, Power Query, dashboards, and data modeling. SQL is also needed for pulling and working with data from ERP, WMS, and TMS systems.

Experience building dashboards and visual reports in tools such as Power BI or Tableau is valuable for turning data into leadership-ready insights.

The best fit will be highly persistent in resolving issues, communicate clearly, and handle difficult conversations while driving continuous process improvement.

Benefits and compensation

This is a full-time Tesla position with competitive pay. Day-one benefits include medical coverage with plan options that require no payroll deduction, fertility and family-building support, and adoption and surrogacy benefits.

Additional benefits include dental and vision plans with zero paycheck contribution options, an HSA company contribution when enrolled in the high-deductible medical plan with HSA, healthcare and dependent care FSAs, a 401(k) with employer match, employee stock purchase plans, company-paid basic life and AD&D coverage, and short-term and long-term disability insurance with a 90-day waiting period.

You will also have access to an Employee Assistance Program, sick and vacation time, paid holidays, back-up childcare and parenting support resources, voluntary benefits such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft and legal services, and pet insurance, plus weight loss and tobacco cessation programs.

Other perks include the Tesla Babies program, commuter benefits, employee discounts, and a broader perks program.

Additional information

Location: Sparks, Nevada.

Employment type: full-time, onsite.