Material Flow Engineering Manager

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

● Advanced Automation and AI Strategy:

○ 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. (Rivian 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.

Requirements

Required Qualifications
● 5 to 10 years of experience in high-volume manufacturing OEM’s, logistics, or supply chain engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
● 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).