Material Flow Engineering Manager

Material Flow Engineering Manager
Worksite location: this worker being in Atlanta, GA. However, they will need to travel to Normal, IL
Working hours: 8-5
Travel: Some travel

Overview

• 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.

Key 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.
  
  Strategy and Optimization:

• 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.
  
  Data & Systems Architecture:

• 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. (Company software)

• Strategize IT hardware requirements and oversee the deployment of technology interfaces across the production floor.
  
  Engineering & Layout Design:

• 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, forklift 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.
  
  Resource & Project Management:

• 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.
  
  Documentation & Standard Work:

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: preferably of 5 to 10 years of experience in high-volume manufacturing OEM s, logistics, or supply chain engineering, with at least 5 years in a formal supervisory or leadership capacity.

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

• Technical Proficiency:

• 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.

• Demonstrated skill in CAD software (AutoCAD) for layout planning, including 2+ years experience.

• Strong capability in data analysis tools (Excel/Google Sheets) and analytical ability to break down complex problems and data sets to derive meaningful, actionable results.

• Hands-on experience with key manufacturing and logistics systems, such as

• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

• Core Skills: Exceptional analytical abilities, proven leadership qualities, and strong communication skills necessary to navigate and thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment characterized by ambiguity.
  
  Preferred Qualifications

• An MBA or Master's degree.

• Experience working with Yard Management Systems (YMS).

• Experience with modeling or simulation software (Flexsim, AnyLogic, etc.) and data visualization tools (MS PowerBI).

• Ability to understand Engineering and Design direction and provide focused supply-chain solutions accordingly