Director of Materials Management

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

The Director of Materials is responsible for managing all procurement activities (excluding module and inverter), inventory management, logistical activities and material forecasting based on current project build plan for North America operations (U.S / Canada / Caribbean).  The individual will coordinate with other Directors within the North American organization to coordinate on inventory allocation to projects, material purchasing and delivery to project sites, cost guidance for project estimation and asset tracking to meet project financing requirements.  The Director of Materials will also be responsible for developing and maintaining systems that support efficient operations, as well as establishing and implementing best practices with respect to materials management activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·        Oversee and manage all activities relating to material procurement, inventory management and material logistical coordination to support the construction of solar PV systems in the North American market.  Overall objectives include minimizing department operating costs while ensuring accurate / timely material procurement and delivery to projects while minimizing working capital levels.

·        Manage team responsible for all procurement activities (excluding module / inverter) including identifying and qualifying vendors, negotiating and executing supply agreements, entering purchase orders into accounting system (Timberline) notify regional operations teams when purchase orders have been confirmed by suppliers and ensure proper cost coding of materials in accounting system for accurate job cost tracking.

·        Inventory management including oversight of Company and third party warehouse inventory, inventory level forecasting for procurement requirements and cash flow management, inventory allocation coordination with Engineering and Construction departments, serial number tracking for financing activities and general inventory management to minimize working capital levels.

·        Manage module and inverter inventory allocation tracking on a project-by project basis and revise based on forecasted supply shipments and project delivery schedules.  Ensure legacy inventory is being allocated to projects when technically and commercially viable ahead of ordering additional materials.

·        Material logistics management including oversight of regional Buyer / Planner team responsible for identifying project material requirements, purchase order tracking and material shipping and scheduling to site.  Experience working with 3^rd Party logistic companies desirable.

·        Manage product warranty logistics including shipping of defective product from project sites to manufacturer and receiving replacement product for installation on site.

·        Maintain current and accurate material price register to support project estimation and budgeting activities.

·        Participate in weekly / bi-weekly division meetings to coordinate functional and operational activities with the other Directors within the EPC division.

·        Support the development of weekly and monthly departmental reports that are presented to the leadership team of the organization – specifically current and forecasted inventory levels and associated cash flow requirements as well as department operating budget review and updating.

QUALIFICATIONS

·        +15 years as a senior materials manager in a manufacturing or material logistics management capacity at an established company.  Demonstrated experience with procurement, inventory and logistical management as well as departmental budget management responsibility is required.

·        Must have experience developing and negotiating material supply agreements.  Demonstrated negotiation experience or training is required.

·        Experience working with database inventory management / tracking systems utilizing RFID or bar code tracking is highly desirable to support individual product serial number tracking.

·        Experience providing operational reports to management that provide performance information clearly and concisely to support monthly financial and operational reporting.

·        Ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and to engage the designated resources to support design, validation and implementation activities.   

·        Functional knowledge of the following software: MS Office suite with particular focus on MS Word, MS PowerPoint and especially MS Excel.  Experience with Timberline (or equivalent) accounting software is highly desirable.  Experience with development and implementation of Material Resource Planning (MRP) systems also desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Occasional (< 20%) travel by airplane and automobile in conducting business may be required.  Regular use of the telephone and e-mail for communication is expected.

WORK ENVIRONEMENT

The job is performed indoors in a traditional office setting with occasional travel to and from regional operating offices.  This position will operate out of Maryland.

COMPENSATION

We offer a strong base salary, bonus program, and company stock options.  We have a comprehensive benefits package including health, vision, and dental coverage; life insurance; generous paid time off and 401(k).