Material Center Manager

About the Role

MEPPI’s Switchgear Division (SWGD) is seeking an experienced and results-driven Material Center Manager to lead all Material Center operations in support of production, inventory management, and customer commitments. In this leadership role, you will oversee inventory control, warehousing, subassembly operations, material transactions, and workforce development while driving continuous improvement, safety, quality, and operational efficiency throughout the Material Center.

Responsibilities

• Lead Material Center Operations: Manage all Material Center activities, ensuring production schedules, customer commitments, and operational objectives are met through efficient and effective material flow.
• Drive Performance & Accountability: Evaluate Material Center performance against delivery, inventory accuracy, throughput, and quality goals; identify and resolve performance issues proactively.
• Oversee Inventory & Material Management: Manage subassembly activities, leak testing, material transactions, and delivery of components to support production requirements and maximize efficiency of personnel and materials.
• Develop & Lead Teams: Supervise daily activities of Material Center employees with a focus on positive employee relations, coaching, training, cross-training, and professional development.
• Improve Inventory Controls: Recommend and implement improvements to inventory control methods and procedures that increase efficiency, accuracy, and productivity.
• Ensure Inventory Accuracy: Oversee cycle counts, location audits, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operations, and annual physical inventory counts to maintain accurate inventory records.
• Manage Obsolete Inventory: Analyze inventory transaction reports and coordinate the identification and disposition of obsolete materials.
• Champion Safety & Compliance: Ensure compliance with all safety requirements and conduct timely, thorough investigations of accidents and incidents involving department personnel.
• Support Employee Onboarding: Conduct new employee orientations covering product knowledge, processes, safety, quality, and environmental requirements.
• Maintain Operational Procedures: Develop, maintain, and ensure adherence to procedures supporting all Material Center functions.
• Manage Facilities & Supplies: Maintain inventory of shop supplies and ensure Material Center facilities remain organized, clean, and well-maintained.
• Evaluate Employee Performance: Conduct performance reviews for Inventory Workers with emphasis on attendance, productivity, quality, cooperation, and teamwork.
• Administer Wage & Qualification Programs: Operate in accordance with shop wage programs, including employee testing and qualification requirements.
• Support Strategic Planning & Budgeting: Assist with preparation of departmental reports, budgets, staffing plans, and capital expenditure planning.
• Implement Lean Principles: Facilitate and drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the Material Center.
• Lead Special Projects: Initiate and manage projects focused on improving inventory accuracy, safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance.
• Promote Division Excellence: Further the goals and professional image of SWGD through effective collaboration with other MEPPI departments and stakeholders.
• Champion Quality, Safety & Environmental Standards: Maintain a strong understanding of MEPPI's Quality, Safety, and Environmental policies and actively promote their importance throughout the organization.
• Provide inventory control support for other MEPPI departments as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 7 years of manufacturing experience
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Skills

• Strong background in inventory control, warehousing, logistics, and manufacturing support operations
• Experience leading teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Advanced logical and critical thinking abilities
• Strong quantitative analysis and decision-making skills
• Advanced interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and foster positive employee relations
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with relational databases
• Advanced proficiency with MRP/ERP systems

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: MEPPI pays 90% of the cost for medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Plans: 401(k) with company match up to 4%.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation eligibility after 90 days, plus 12 paid holidays annually.
• Career Development: Leadership development, technical training, and educational assistance programs.
• Exclusive Employee Perks: Profit sharing, free access to our 24/7 fitness center in Warrendale, PA, and participation in MEPPI’s Wellness Program.

About Us

Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. is a leader in power systems, rail transportation, and switchgear technologies across North America. The Switchgear Division supports critical energy infrastructure through advanced engineering, manufacturing excellence, and customer-focused solutions.