Material Flow Engineering Manager

Location: Normal, IL (or Atlanta, GA with 30% travel to Normal)

About the role

Our client, a high-growth automotive manufacturer, is seeking a Manager of Material Flow & Logistics Engineering to lead the strategy, design, and execution of material handling systems across a high-volume production environment. This role owns everything from automation deployment and warehouse layout design to data systems architecture and cross-functional project leadership, ensuring material flows safely, efficiently, and on schedule from receiving through delivery to the production line.

Responsibilities

• Directing the deployment and integration of material handling automation, including AGVs, ASRS, and conveyor systems, while monitoring performance and optimizing throughput in real time
• Leading the development, modeling, and analysis of material flow strategies (sequencing, batching, storage) to achieve optimal cost, space utilization, and throughput
• Overseeing the optimization and maintenance of cross-functional databases to ensure data integrity for material tracking and inventory control
• Collaborating with IT to architect and implement digital systems supporting evolving operational requirements
• Configuring control cycles and logic for FLP and PACE systems to automate material replenishment triggers
• Strategizing IT hardware requirements and overseeing deployment of technology interfaces across the production floor
• Overseeing the creation of efficient, Lean, and safe factory layouts and material flow plans
• Designing high-efficiency warehouse layouts, including kitting cells, AGV pathways, and optimized material supply routes
• Specifying and integrating material handling assets, including tuggers, AGVs, forklifts, and custom-engineered racking systems
• Partnering with Manufacturing Engineering to design material delivery solutions (dollies, lift tables, GFRs) aligned with packaging ergonomics
• Engaging with the Continuous Improvement team to prototype equipment and optimize cycle times
• Managing cross-functional project teams, vendor relationships, and project timelines to deliver on safety, quality, and production metrics
• Conducting data-driven workload analysis to determine headcount requirements and labor allocation
• Leading formal buy-off procedures with Operations to ensure new processes meet safety, ergonomic, and throughput standards
• Driving project momentum through weekly status reporting, cross-functional alignment meetings, and proactive bottleneck escalation
• Authorizing Work Instructions (SOPs) and Job Cards to standardize tasks and minimize process variation
• Providing subject matter expertise during conceptual phases of new projects to ensure "Design for Logistics" principles are applied

Requirements

• 5-10 years of experience in high-volume manufacturing OEM, logistics, or supply chain engineering, including at least 5 years in a formal supervisory or leadership capacity
• 2+ years' experience with data-based development of end-to-end supply chain, logistics, and/or material flow processes for high-volume, high-complexity production or logistics facilities
• 2+ years' experience with CAD software (AutoCAD) for layout planning
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required
• MBA or Master's degree preferred

Skills

• Strong capability in data analysis tools (Excel/Google Sheets) with the analytical ability to break down complex problems and derive actionable results
• Hands-on experience with key manufacturing and logistics systems such as MES, MRP, or WMS
• Exceptional analytical abilities, proven leadership qualities, and strong communication skills to navigate a fast-paced, high-growth, ambiguous environment
• Experience with Yard Management Systems (YMS) (preferred)
• Experience with modeling/simulation software (FlexSim, AnyLogic, etc.) and data visualization tools (MS Power BI) (preferred)
• Ability to translate Engineering and Design direction into focused supply-chain solutions (preferred)

Pay

$66.50-$71.50/hr USD

Schedule

1-Year Contract