Director of Materials

Join a next-generation manufacturing organization powering the future of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. Compal is seeking an experienced Director of Materials to play a pivotal role in supporting the daily operations of a growing electronics manufacturing organization.

Overview

The Director of Materials is a senior leadership role responsible for all materials management activities supporting Compal’s U.S.-based server manufacturing operations in Georgetown, TX. This position oversees end-to-end planning, sourcing, inventory, and warehouse operations to ensure on-time, cost-effective supply of components and finished goods in a high-mix, high-complexity server manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Director will build and lead the materials organization, drive best-in-class supply chain practices, and collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Global Supply Chain teams (Taiwan/Asia) to support rapid growth in the U.S. market.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Define and execute the U.S. materials strategy for the Texas facilities, aligned with Compal’s global server business objectives (cost, quality, delivery, and sustainability).
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing materials team (planning, purchasing, inventory control, warehouse, and logistics).
• Establish materials KPIs and review cadence (OTD, inventory turns, excess & obsolete, supplier performance, material cost variance).
• Partner with the VP of Operations and executive leadership on capacity planning, footprint decisions, and long-range materials capability roadmaps for the site.

Materials Planning & Production Support

• Own Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and/or Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes for the Georgetown server manufacturing operation.
• Translate customer demand and forecast into master production schedules, material requirement plans (MRP), and capacity plans.
• Ensure material availability to support NPI, ramp, and mass production builds while minimizing excess and obsolescence.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Program Management to support configuration-to-order (CTO), build-to-order (BTO), and high-mix server production.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Oversee local and regional sourcing for direct materials (server components, PCBs, chassis, cables, PSUs, storage, etc.) and critical indirect materials.
• Work closely with global sourcing teams in Taiwan/Asia to leverage volume, align contracts, and qualify suppliers for U.S. operations.
• Negotiate pricing, lead time, capacity, and terms with key suppliers to achieve cost, quality, and availability targets.
• Implement supplier performance management (scorecards, QBRs, corrective actions) and drive dual-sourcing and risk mitigation strategies for critical parts.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, trade, and customer requirements (e.g., TAA, Buy American/Buy America, export controls, conflict minerals).

Inventory & Warehouse Management

• Set inventory strategy and policies (safety stock, min/max, consignment, VMI) to balance working capital and service level goals.
• Oversee warehouse operations in Georgetown for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods, ensuring accuracy, FIFO/FEFO practices, and proper handling of sensitive electronics.
• Drive physical inventory and cycle count programs, reconciling variances and strengthening controls.
• Optimize material flow, kitting, and line-side delivery processes to support lean manufacturing and short lead-time builds.

Systems, Data, and Process Excellence

• Own materials-related ERP/MRP functionality, including planning parameters, BOM accuracy, item master integrity, and transactional discipline.
• Drive standardization and continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and best-in-class materials management practices.
• Implement dashboards and analytics to enable data-driven decisions on inventory, forecast accuracy, supplier risk, and cost.
• Support NPI processes by ensuring timely material readiness, phase-in/phase-out control, and structured EOL management.

Cross-Functional & Customer Collaboration

• Serve as the primary materials interface for key U.S. server customers and strategic accounts when needed.
• Partner closely with Engineering on AVL/AML management, component lifecycle, and design-for-supply-chain considerations.
• Work with Finance on standard cost setting, PPV analysis, inventory reserves, and budget planning.
• Support Quality and Compliance teams on supplier quality initiatives, audits, and corrective actions.

Skills You Bring

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10–15 years of progressive experience in materials management, supply chain, or operations, with at least 5 years at a senior leadership level.
• Proven experience in server, networking, PC, or related electronics/EMS/ODM manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success standing up or scaling U.S. manufacturing or localization operations is a strong plus.
• Deep knowledge of MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or equivalent) and advanced planning concepts.
• Strong understanding of electronics BOM structures, component lifecycles, AVL/AML, and configuration management.
• Expertise in S&OP/IBP, demand planning, and capacity planning in a high-mix environment.
• Solid knowledge of international supply chains, logistics, customs, and trade compliance.
• Familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma, JIT, Kanban, and other continuous improvement methodologies.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strategic thinker who can operate at both executive and tactical levels.
• Strong people leader; proven ability to build, mentor, and retain high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cultures and time zones (Georgetown, broader U.S., Taiwan/Asia, and global customers).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complexity, ambiguity, and rapid change in a fast-paced environment.
• Data-driven decision maker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Customer on-time delivery (OTD) and line-down incidents due to material shortages.
• Inventory turns, days of supply (DOS), and working capital.
• Material cost performance (PPV, cost reduction initiatives).
• Excess & obsolete (E&O) inventory and NPI ramp performance.
• Supplier on-time delivery, quality, and lead-time adherence.
• Team engagement, development, and retention.

Join us as we innovate in materials management! Your expertise will empower our manufacturing processes while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. We value proactive leaders who thrive in collaborative environments and are passionate about streamlining supply chains for maximum impact.

Work Location: In person