Fluence (Nasdaq: FLNC) is a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage and optimization software for renewables and storage. Our solutions and operational services are helping to create a more resilient grid and unlock the full potential of renewable portfolios. With gigawatts of successful implementations across nearly 50 markets, we are transforming the way we power our world for a more sustainable future. For more information, please visit fluenceenergy.com.
Job Description:
The Senior PLM Manager – Product Data & Configuration owns the enterprise strategy, direction, and execution of the end-to-end Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) function that governs product data, configuration control, and engineering change across the enterprise. This role holds full accountability for PLM program outcomes, including resource allocation, budget management, and organizational capability development. This role will be a key member of the cross-functional PLM–ERP integration organization, working across Sales, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, IT, Quality, Field Services, and Compliance to ensure that product data is accurate, controlled, and fully leveraged in downstream systems.
The Sr. PLM Manager will directly manage a team of configuration, change, and document control analysts as direct reports, with full responsibility for hiring, performance management, resource allocation, and team development, own the day-to-day administration and evolution of the PLM platform (e.g., Windchill), and drive disciplined ECO/ECR/DCO processes, material disposition governance, and data quality necessary to support a fast-growing, multi-product, global hardware business.
Key Responsibilities
1. PLM Ownership & Administration
- Serve as the primary functional owner for the PLM system, including configuration, data model, lifecycle definitions, workflows, and integrations to SAP S/4 and other enterprise systems.
- Define, implement, and maintain standards for product structures (EBOM, MBOM, SBOM, service BOM), part attributes, classification, and revision / version control.
- Partner with IT and integration teams to support middleware interfaces, regression testing, and change management for PLM-related integrations.
2. Product Data Configuration & Architecture
- Architect and maintain robust product data structures supporting:
- Engineering BOMs (EBOMs), Manufacturing BOMs (MBOMs), Service BOMs (SBOMs), sales/configuration BOMs, MSRP BOMs.
- Build-to-print, OEM, and bulk/commodity parts, including procurement and inventory attributes.
- Service parts (CRUs, FRUs, kits) and field-replaceable structures.
- Define and govern configuration rules for configurable and engineer-to-order products, working closely with Systems Engineering, Sales Ops, and Manufacturing Engineering.
3. Engineering Change Management & Material Disposition
- Own the end-to-end ECO/ECR/DCO and MCO processes: policies, workflows, SLAs, approvals, and metrics.
- Implement and enforce standardized material disposition options (e.g., scrap, use-as-is, use-up, rework, repair-to-current-rev) across Engineering and Operations.
- Ensure robust impact analysis, effectivity, implementation planning, and communication for all changes, including to contract manufacturers and suppliers.
4. Document Control & Quality / Regulatory Alignment
- Lead the document control function: document types, metadata, templates, versioning, and retention schedules.
- Implement and maintain PLM-based QMS documentation architecture supporting ISO 9001 and relevant regulatory frameworks (RoHS, WEEE, FCC, CE, conflict minerals, others as applicable).
- Support internal and external audits as the front-office lead for document and change management, ensuring traceability, readiness, and corrective actions.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Supplier Engagement
- Work closely with Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Quality, Reliability, and Firmware/Software engineering teams to drive consistent usage of PLM and change processes.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Operations to ensure accurate and timely data flow to SAP S/4, Coupa (or other procurement tools), contract manufacturers, and 3PL/logistics partners.
- Enable secure and controlled data/drawing sharing with suppliers and contract manufacturers via PLM and related collaboration tools.
6. Team Leadership, People Management & Capability Building
- Build and directly manage the PLM team, including configuration, change, and document control analysts as direct reports; own all aspects of people management including hiring, performance reviews, compensation recommendations, and termination decisions; provide coaching, goal-setting, and career development.
- Define functional roles and responsibilities for PLM users across Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain, and drive adoption through training and ongoing support.
- Create and maintain training materials, user guides, and best practices; run regular onboarding and refresher sessions for PLM and change processes.
7. Continuous Improvement & Metrics
- Establish and track KPIs for data quality, ECO/ECR cycle time, first-pass yield of changes, supplier and CMO responsiveness, and system usage/adoption.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in product data configuration, workflow efficiency, and integration robustness; partner with the PLM–ERP Integration Program Director on roadmap and prioritization.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Information Systems, or related technical discipline.
- Master’s degree (MBA, Engineering Management, or related) preferred.
Experience
- 10+ years of experience in configuration management, PLM administration, engineering change management, or related roles in hardware-centric companies (e.g., high-tech, energy, industrial, EPC, or complex manufacturing).
- 5+ years working directly with a PLM platform (Windchill strongly preferred; Agile, Teamcenter, Arena, or equivalent considered) including system configuration and administration.
- Proven experience designing and managing product structures (EBOM/MBOM/SBOM), configurable BOMs, and service parts architecture (CRUs, FRUs, kits).
- Hands-on experience supporting or integrating PLM with ERP (SAP S/4 preferred) and other enterprise systems (MES, CRM, procurement platforms such as Coupa).
- Demonstrated experience directly managing teams of 3+ employees, including full responsibility for hiring, performance management, resource allocation, and professional development.
- Experience managing program budgets and allocating resources across multiple workstreams or projects.
Domain & Regulatory Knowledge
- Strong understanding of NPI/NPD processes, hardware development lifecycles, and contract manufacturing models.
- Experience operating in ISO 9001 environments and implementing or maintaining QMS processes within PLM.
- Familiarity with regulatory and compliance documentation such as RoHS, WEEE, FCC, CE, conflict minerals, and similar certifications.
Skills & Competencies
- Deep knowledge of PLM concepts: product configuration, lifecycle states, workflows, change management, and effectivity.
- Strong understanding of BOM management, part classification, attributes, and product data semantics across PLM and ERP.
- Analytical, structured problem-solving skills with ability to work in environments with low initial data/process maturity and build discipline.
- Excellent cross-functional communication and facilitation skills—able to align Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, IT, and Quality around common processes and standards.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, rapidly growing, multi-site, multi-cultural environment with evolving organization and responsibilities.
- Strong documentation, training, and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred / Nice-to-Have
- Experience in multi-regional or multinational EPC, energy, or advanced manufacturing companies.
- Experience with contract manufacturer and 3PL logistics integration into PLM/QMS and change processes.
- Background in process reengineering and startup or scale-up environments where processes and roles are being defined.
- Relevant certifications (e.g., CMII, PMP, Six Sigma, PTC certifications, SAP certifications).
In compliance with California paytransparencyregulations, the base salary range for this position is $150,000.00 - 189,000.00 per year. Final compensation will depend on experience and qualifications.
Our Culture
At Fluence, our culture is the foundation that drives our ambitious growth strategy and fuels our mission to transform the future of energy. Our core cultural pillars empower us to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose, ensuring we continue to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and the world.
Unleash Voices
We believe every voice matters. We encourage openness, active listening, and decisive action to create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our success. We foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued, driving innovation and progress.
Customer Fluent
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to delivering exceptional value that exceeds expectations by understanding our customers' needs and adapting swiftly to meet them. Our deep focus on customer satisfaction drives us to continuously improve and innovate.
Infinite Impact
We are committed to creating the impossible. We push boundaries to deliver sustainable, game-changing solutions that shape a brighter, more energy-efficient future for all. Our team is passionate about making a lasting impact that will resonate for generations to come.
All In
We are all in for growth. Our teams are relentlessly focused on identifying and seizing opportunities that propel us forward. We embrace an ownership mindset, pushing ourselves and each other to accelerate progress and create lasting success.
