Manager Material Flow

The Materials Flow Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining end-to-end material flow strategies that ensure the right materials are available at the right place, time, quantity, quality, and presentation across manufacturing and distribution operations. This role leads the development of lean material flow systems, optimizes inventory and throughput, and partners cross-functionally to drive operational excellence, cash flow improvement, and scalable growth in a discrete manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute material flow strategies that consistently support production and distribution requirements.
• Design and implement a comprehensive 4-wall PFEP (Plan for Every Part), defining material storage, movement, and presentation throughout manufacturing facilities.
• Oversee end-to-end material flow from inbound supplier materials through outbound finished goods shipping, including finished goods inventory levels and pull signals into production.
• Design and implement raw material supermarkets, delivery routes, and standardized material presentation to production work functions.
• Define and implement efficient, accurate material presentation methods that support operator productivity and flow.
• Develop and deploy WIP Optimizers and pull-based scheduling systems to optimize sequencing, changeovers, and quantities between Assembly and Sub-Assembly.
• Define and implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) using MDI and visual management to monitor material throughput, inventory accuracy, and cash flow.
• Oversee inventory movement processes, material control, accuracy, and adherence to established inventory guidelines and procedures.
• Partner with Quality, Purchasing, Production, and other stakeholders to resolve customer quality and delivery issues while achieving operational objectives and KPIs.
• Develop and implement processes and systems that optimize daily warehousing operations, including staging, picking, cycle counting, and material storage.
• Lead implementation of material and inventory management best practices, including Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), cycle count accuracy, transactions, barcoding, RFID, and fill rate improvement.
• Collaborate with Distribution leadership and GBPO teams to leverage WMS capabilities to improve material flow.
• Support materials organization capability building through training, coaching, mentoring, and certification of materials and supply chain teams.
• Coach, mentor, and develop plant Supply Chain Managers and their teams in executing improvement initiatives and achieving performance targets.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive supply chain experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in material control systems and processes.
• Minimum 5 years of Lean material and information flow experience in a discrete manufacturing environment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Engineering or Business Administration.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification
• Strong change management and influencing skills in a matrixed, cross-functional environment.
• Ability to clearly present complex information to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
• Proven ability to influence across cultures, functions, and geographies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across business units and organizational levels.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel skills.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and influencing without direct authority.
• Working knowledge of SAP and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) preferred.
  
  

Great Reasons To Work For Generac

• Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k and many more
• State-of-the-art facility with an onsite gym, walking trails, café, free parking and many employee activities
• Scheduled events throughout the year that allow our employees, both current and retirees, to gather together and enjoy their time with their families and co-workers
• Pride! When a storm strikes, Generac employees always rise to the occasion. Each time a storm hits, many employees volunteer their time with the customer support team or on the production line, while others go right into storm-affected areas to repair generators
• Make a positive impact. Generac has always been community-minded and dedicated to giving back. The company proudly offers a Volunteer Time Off program, inviting team members to participate in charitable volunteer opportunities on company time.
• We believe in having fun. From minor celebrations to major events, our employees balance their work by building a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration through a variety of occasions, including our Fun Days.
• We’re an inclusive company that celebrates differences and keeps equity and respect at the forefront.