Material Flow Engineering Manager

Material Flow Engineering Manager Location: Normal, IL (or would consider Atlanta, GA with 30% travel to Normal) | Pay Rate: $66.50-$71.50/hr USD | Duration: 1-Year Contract Our client, a high-growth automotive manufacturer, is seeking a Manager of Material Flow & Logistics Engineering to lead the strategy, design, and execution of material handling systems across a high-volume production environment. This role owns everything from automation deployment and warehouse layout design to data systems architecture and cross-functional project leadership, ensuring material flows safely, efficiently, and on schedule from receiving through delivery to the production line. Job Responsibilities: In this role, you will manage and support a variety of projects within the Logistics and Material Flow department. Key responsibilities include:Directing the deployment and integration of material handling automation, including AGVs, ASRS, and conveyor systems, while monitoring performance and optimizing throughput in real timeLeading the development, modeling, and analysis of material flow strategies (sequencing, batching, storage) to achieve optimal cost, space utilization, and throughputOverseeing the optimization and maintenance of cross-functional databases to ensure data integrity for material tracking and inventory controlCollaborating with IT to architect and implement digital systems supporting evolving operational requirementsConfiguring control cycles and logic for FLP and PACE systems to automate material replenishment triggersStrategizing IT hardware requirements and overseeing deployment of technology interfaces across the production floorOverseeing the creation of efficient, Lean, and safe factory layouts and material flow plansDesigning high-efficiency warehouse layouts, including kitting cells, AGV pathways, and optimized material supply routesSpecifying and integrating material handling assets, including tuggers, AGVs, forklifts, and custom-engineered racking systemsPartnering with Manufacturing Engineering to design material delivery solutions (dollies, lift tables, GFRs) aligned with packaging ergonomicsEngaging with the Continuous Improvement team to prototype equipment and optimize cycle timesManaging cross-functional project teams, vendor relationships, and project timelines to deliver on safety, quality, and production metricsConducting data-driven workload analysis to determine headcount requirements and labor allocationLeading formal buy-off procedures with Operations to ensure new processes meet safety, ergonomic, and throughput standardsDriving project momentum through weekly status reporting, cross-functional alignment meetings, and proactive bottleneck escalationAuthoring Work Instructions (SOPs) and Job Cards to standardize tasks and minimize process variationProviding subject matter expertise during conceptual phases of new projects to ensure "Design for Logistics" principles are appliedEssential Job Duties and Job Functions:5-10 years of experience in high-volume manufacturing OEM, logistics, or supply chain engineering, including at least 5 years in a formal supervisory or leadership capacity2+ 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 facilities2+ years' experience with CAD software (AutoCAD) for layout planningKnowledge and Skills:Strong capability in data analysis tools (Excel/Google Sheets) with the analytical ability to break down complex problems and derive actionable resultsHands-on experience with key manufacturing and logistics systems such as MES, MRP, or WMSExceptional analytical abilities, proven leadership qualities, and strong communication skills to navigate a fast-paced, high-growth, ambiguous environmentPreferred: Experience with Yard Management Systems (YMS)Preferred: Experience with modeling/simulation software (FlexSim, AnyLogic, etc.) and data visualization tools (MS Power BI)Preferred: Ability to translate Engineering and Design direction into focused supply-chain solutionsEducation and Experience:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or a related field requiredMBA or Master's degree preferred...