Material Production Controller (Job ID: 1511)

Material Production Controller

Purpose:

The Material Production Controller serves as the primary link between Procurement, Inventory Management, Warehouse Operations, and Production teams, ensuring the timely flow of materials required to support manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for balancing material availability, inventory accuracy, supplier performance, and production requirements to prevent disruptions, maintain schedule adherence, and optimize operational efficiency.

Acting as the bridge between supply chain functions and manufacturing operations, the Material Production Controller proactively identifies material shortages, coordinates replenishment activities, monitors inventory levels, and works closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure correct materials are available at the right place, at the right time, and in the right quantity.

Work is performed onsite in our shipyard/industrial fabrication facilities in Norfolk, Virginia, and may require hours beyond a standard workweek to support business needs. This job is primarily for first shift but may also require some rotational second shift support.

Job Description:

Material Planning & Production Support

• Plan, coordinate, and monitor the availability of raw materials, components, and consumables required to support production schedules.
• Analyze production requirements and align material availability with manufacturing priorities.
• Collaborate with production planners, supervisors, and department managers to mitigate material shortages and production delays.
• Review and release material requirements based on forecasts, work orders, and customer demand.
• Develop contingency plans to address supply chain interruptions and material constraints.

Inventory Management & Control

• Maintain accurate inventory records through regular cycle counts, audits, and reconciliation activities.
• Monitor inventory levels to ensure adequate stock while minimizing excess inventory and carrying costs.
• Track inventory transactions and investigate discrepancies to maintain system integrity.
• Analyze inventory trends and recommend adjustments to stocking strategies.
• Manage obsolete, excess, and slow-moving inventory to maximize warehouse utilization.

Material Flow Coordination

• Oversee the receipt, storage, movement, issuance, and transportation of materials within the facility.
• Ensure materials are properly identified, labeled, and traceable throughout the production process.
• Coordinate material staging activities to support efficient manufacturing operations.
• Monitor material handling processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure adherence to FIFO (First-In, First-Out) and other inventory control methodologies.

Supplier & Procurement Coordination

• Work closely with Purchasing and Supply Chain teams to expedite critical materials and maintain delivery schedules.
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Communicate material shortages, schedule changes, and inventory concerns to internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in evaluating suppliers and identifying opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Support supplier corrective action activities when material or delivery issues arise.

Quality & Compliance

• Verify incoming materials meet engineering specifications, quality standards, and contractual requirements.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance personnel to address nonconforming materials and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Support material traceability requirements and maintain accurate documentation.
• Promote and enforce workplace safety practices related to material handling, storage, and transportation.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Generate and maintain reports related to inventory levels, material consumption, shortages, and production support metrics.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to monitor inventory status, demand forecasts, and production requirements.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory accuracy, material availability, and supply chain performance.
• Present findings and recommendations to leadership and operational teams.

Qualifications:

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED; Associate''s or Bachelor''s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• Must have at least three (3) years of experience in inventory control, production planning, materials management, manufacturing, or supply chain operations.
• Must have experience working within a manufacturing, industrial, shipbuilding, aerospace, defense, or heavy construction environment preferred.
• Must be proficient with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Deltek Costpoint, Epicor, JD Edwards, or similar platforms.
• Must have strong knowledge of inventory management principles and material control processes.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Must have a strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production scheduling, and supply chain processes.
• Must be able to analyze large data sets and make data-driven decisions.
• Must have excellent organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
• Must have knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
• Must have an understanding of inventory control techniques, including cycle counting, ABC analysis, and demand forecasting.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional Travel; 25% or less.

Security Requirements:

• Must be able to access Government facilities and be DBIDS eligible.
• Position requires US Citizenship.

Physical Requirements:

• Sit, Stand, Walk, Bend, Squat, Climb, Reach, Push and Pull, Stoop, Crawl, Kneel, Balance, Lift and Carry various objects and equipment.
• General shipyard/industrial environment. this type of work has physical demands that require frequent movement up to 65% of the time.
• Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there is minimal exposure to hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Hear, talk, and smell.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available, but also requires safe navigation and regular partnership with operations teams within shipyard/industrial environments.
• A considerable amount of time is spent operating a personal computer.
• Must be able to climb up and down stairs and spend time moving throughout the facility and onboard marine vessels.

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family - These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.

Colonna's Shipyard Inc., and its divisions, are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant''s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Additionally, Colonna's Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

Pay Range: $26.66 - $39.08

Determination of base salary considers various factors, including but not limited to scope of responsibility, candidate's relative and specific experience, education level, key skills, as well as other business considerations. The company also provides a variety of benefits to support employees' best health and wellness. Additionally, the company offers a 401k retirement program with match, paid holidays, and competitive paid time off (PTO)