Director of Materials

About the Role

We're seeking a strategic, hands-on Materials Operations Director to lead and optimize material planning, warehouse operations, inventory control, production scheduling, and sales order fulfillment within our manufacturing organization. In this high-impact leadership role, you'll drive operational excellence by implementing lean material flow strategies, developing scalable warehouse and inventory processes, and designing Kanban systems that improve customer delivery, productivity, and business growth.

Responsibilities

• Drive lean material flow strategies across manufacturing and warehouse operations using value stream mapping, standardized work, visual management, and pull systems.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste, optimize inventory, improve space utilization, and increase productivity.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, and Production to optimize end-to-end material flow.
• Optimize warehouse layout, material handling, storage, and workflow to improve efficiency and inventory accuracy.
• Develop best practices for receiving, storage, picking, replenishment, shipping, inventory control, and cycle counting.
• Evaluate and implement warehouse technologies, equipment, and process improvements.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive Plan for Every Part (PFEP) program, including standardized material handling methods, replenishment strategies, and inventory parameters.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve Kanban systems to support pull-based replenishment and reduce excess inventory.
• Oversee production scheduling and collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, and Operations to ensure on-time order fulfillment, improved planning accuracy, and strong customer service performance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop materials, warehouse, planning, and scheduling teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
• Establish performance expectations, support professional development, and ensure compliance with company policies and safety standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, material flow, warehouse operations, inventory control, logistics, PFEP, production scheduling, sales order fulfillment, and Kanban systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ERP/MRP and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience in high-mix, low-volume, or complex manufacturing environments.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Lean Thinking
• Operational Excellence
• Inventory Optimization
• Process Improvement
• Change Management
• Team Development
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Customer Focus
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Our Culture

We foster a collaborative, respectful, and continuous improvement-focused workplace where every team member contributes to operational excellence. In this role, you will:

• Build strong cross-functional relationships through clear and respectful communication.
• Drive improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Encourage new ideas while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Embody our core values of Integrity, Trust, Creativity and Courage, Teamwork, and Excellence.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Requires standing, walking, and lifting for extended periods.
• May involve exposure to noise and varying temperatures.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Attendance on a regular, consistent basis is mandatory.
• Essential functions of this position may include but are not limited to lifting, reaching, bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, crouching, carrying objects, ascending/descending stairs, and commuting to work location.