Material Flow Engineering Manager

About the Role

The Material Flow Engineering Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for designing, optimizing, and executing the end-to-end material supply chain, from external suppliers directly to the assembly line. The primary goal is to ensure material availability to meet high-volume production targets while maintaining efficiency and safety. This role requires a technical leader capable of navigating ambiguity, driving cross-functional strategy, and implementing "first-principles" engineering solutions across the global footprint.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation of supply chain logistics and high-impact projects that bridge the gap between physical logistics and digital intelligence.
• Leverage Artificial Intelligence and advanced automation to predict bottlenecks before they happen and optimize throughput in real-time.
• Direct the deployment and integration of material handling automation, including Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), and conveyor systems.
• Lead the development, modeling, and analysis of material flow strategies (e.g., sequencing, batching, storage) to achieve optimal cost, space utilization, and throughput.
• Develop models to analyze the cost, throughput, and space factors for part sequencing, material batching, intermediate storage locations, and other material flow strategies.
• Oversee the optimization and maintenance of cross-functional databases to ensure data integrity for material tracking and inventory control.
• Collaborate with IT to architect and implement digital systems tailored to support evolving operational requirements.
• Configure control cycles and logic for FLP and PACE systems to automate material replenishment triggers.
• Strategize IT hardware requirements and oversee the deployment of technology interfaces across the production floor.
• Oversee the creation of efficient, Lean, and safe factory layouts and material flow plans covering all processes from receiving through delivery to the production line.
• Design high-efficiency warehouse layouts, including kitting cells, AGV pathways, and optimized material supply routes.
• Specify and integrate material handling assets, including tuggers, AGVs, forklifts, and custom-engineered racking systems.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering (MEs) to engineer material delivery solutions (dollies, lift tables, GFRs) that align with specific packaging ergonomics.
• Engage with the Continuous Improvement (CI) team to prototype innovative equipment and optimize process cycle times.
• Manage cross-functional project teams, vendor relationships (LLP), and project timelines to successfully deliver on safety, quality, and production metrics.
• Conduct data-driven workload analysis to determine precise Headcount (HC) requirements and labor allocation.
• Lead formal buy-off procedures with Operations to ensure new processes meet safety, ergonomic, and throughput standards.
• Drive project momentum through weekly status reporting, cross-functional alignment meetings, and proactive bottleneck escalation.
• Author comprehensive Work Instructions (SOPs) and Job Cards to standardize tasks and minimize process variation.
• Provide subject matter expertise during the conceptual phases of new projects to ensure "Design for Logistics" principles are applied.

Requirements

Experience

• Preferably 5-10 years of experience in high-volume manufacturing OEMs, logistics, or supply chain engineering.
• Minimum 5 years in a formal supervisory or leadership capacity.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

Technical Skills

• 2+ years of experience developing data-driven end-to-end supply chain, logistics, and/or material flow processes for high-volume, high-complexity production or logistics facilities.
• 2+ years of experience using AutoCAD for layout planning.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and/or Google Sheets with the ability to analyze complex data and develop actionable insights.
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
  • Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Core Competencies

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven leadership abilities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment characterized by ambiguity.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or Master's degree.
• Experience with Yard Management Systems (YMS).
• Experience with modeling/simulation software such as FlexSim or AnyLogic.
• Experience with Microsoft Power BI.
• Ability to understand Engineering and Design direction and provide focused supply-chain solutions accordingly.

Schedule

Working Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Some travel required, including travel to Normal, IL for candidates based in Atlanta, GA.

Duration: 12+ Months