For many job seekers, finding a workplace that prioritizes professional growth and supports a culture of belonging is important. When Sunny Song first joined the team at Jabil in 2006, she quickly realized that she’d landed in a positive environment that would encourage her ambitions and desire to advance.
“Jabil is a good fit for me because I feel respected and can work independently,” she says. “Leadership doesn’t micromanage, and my achievements are seen and recognized.”
Today, Song is a site materials manager at Jabil EMS’s Huangpu site in Guangzhou, China. She shares what she’s responsible for in her role, how the company actively supports career development, and why employees shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.
Tell us about your career journey. What inspired you to pursue a career in technology and manufacturing, specifically product and planning management?
In 2006, I joined Jabil as a senior planner; two years later, I was promoted to Planning Supervisor. I took on a planning expert role in 2011 and was promoted to Planning Manager in 2014. In 2019, I started to manage both planning and purchasing and was later promoted to Materials Manager.
The planning management role played to my strengths, providing a sense of achievement and inspiring me to further develop my career. To be successful in this managerial role, a person needs to be motivated to keep learning. It’s important to be able to summarize and think systematically.
What are the core responsibilities of your role as a site materials manager, and what are some new workplace improvements or advancements you’re looking forward to?
My responsibilities include managing planning and purchasing to meet business requirements and satisfy the customer. I set up and optimize processes and systems to better support the business. I help make continuous improvements to best meet department costs. Jabil is exploring new technology to apply to our business practices—information automation applications like robotic process application (RPA) and AI—that will make our jobs easier and more efficient.
Jabil is a global company, with over 50 years of experience across industries and a vast network of over 100 sites worldwide. How has the company encouraged employees to build and maintain connections across departments—and countries?
Jabil is a global organization with regional sites. A regularly scheduled town hall is held by the CEO, and anyone can attend online. Important information—like a business crisis or global event—is delivered from corporate to each site and team. We’re provided with a regular forum to share the strategy, plan, and project progress by function. Each year there is a delivery best-practice competition, and the top three projects from each region can advance to compete and win the title.
You’ve been at Jabil for 18 years and have worked across various functions and sites throughout China, offering valuable insights into the workforce. How has the culture at Jabil empowered you to grow your skills and advance? How has leadership supported you as you moved up and around at the company?
Jabil allows me to approach work in my own style. Every employee is treated with respect. We’re encouraged to apply for internal opportunities to move from one position to another and across departments.
If we make a mistake, we’re not punished as long as we’re honest. Jabil’s leadership encourages us to take on challenges. They lead by example, and there’s an open-door policy that allows us to go to leadership and get help promptly.
What learning and development opportunities are available at Jabil, and which programs or initiatives have you pursued?
There are learning and development opportunities to cultivate and refine professional, management, and leadership skills. I’ve attended a virtual academy to get certified for both planning and purchasing. I’ve also attended a course centered on lean manufacturing and got certified, and I’ve completed a management training program.
How would you describe your leadership style? How do you keep your team motivated?
I tend to have high standards, but I provide advice and support when my team members need help. I share with them the knowledge and skills I’ve learned. I encourage team members to pursue achievements and when I assign a task, I make sure to explain how it’s related to the company’s overall objective.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it? What important lessons did you learn that you’ve applied to how you work?
In 2017, I had my second child. I had to take care of two children and continue to do my job well. I felt exhausted and wanted to give up. Fortunately, my husband stepped up and supported me. My direct supervisor also supported me, encouraging me to take the time to slow down.
We’re not always as strong as expected, so we must admit when we need help—this is important if you want to advance in your career journey.
What’s one career highlight or achievement that you’re most proud of? How did Jabil’s culture help you succeed?
My coworkers say that I’m reliable, and I’m proud of that. At Jabil, all staff are empowered to make valuable contributions. When we need help, our manager’s door is open. It’s encouraged to escalate an issue when a problem can’t be solved in a timely fashion.
What advice do you have for those—particularly women—looking to pursue a similar career path? What traits and proficiencies do they need to thrive at a company like Jabil?
No one is perfect. We need to know our strengths and weaknesses. Be brave and take on challenges that play to your strengths. Don’t limit your chance to grow out of fear. Have an open mind and hear feedback from others. Continue learning and be resilient—not every journey is smooth. Stay positive for the future.