Material Flow Engineering Manager

*Job Summary* The Material Flow Engineering Manager at Company 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. (Company 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. *Required Qualifications* ● Experience: preferably of 5 to 10 years of experience in high-volume manufacturing OEM's, logistics, or supply chain engineering, with at least 5 years in a formal supervisory or leadership capacity. ● Education: 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). ● Core Skills: Exceptional analytical abilities, proven leadership qualities, and strong communication skills necessary to navigate and thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment characterized by ambiguity. *Preferred Qualifications* ● An MBA or Master's degree. ● Experience working with Yard Management Systems (YMS). ● Experience with modeling or simulation software (Flexsim, AnyLogic, etc.) and data visualization tools (MS PowerBI). Ability to understand Engineering and Design direction and provide focused supply-chain solutions accordingly Pay: $50.00 - $70.00 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Vision insurance Work Location: Hybrid remote in Normal, IL 61761