Material Strategist and Buyer

Material Strategist And BuyerWe are seeking a Materials Strategist and Buyer to serve as the architect of our material flow. In this role, you will be the primary owner of the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system, exercising independent judgment to ensure that our production requirements align with our global supply chain capabilities. You will not simply respond to system alerts; you will analyze demand patterns, configure system logic, and make high-level decisions on inventory investment to support both new project ramps and high-volume manufacturing. Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesIndependently manage and configure the MRP environment. You are responsible for determining the optimal parameters (Lead Times, Safety Stock, Lot Sizes, and Reorder Points) that dictate the company's multi-million dollar inventory spend. Analyze production forecasts and engineering requirements to identify potential material bottlenecks. You have the authority to adjust the schedule and material flow to mitigate risks without seeking immediate managerial approval. Exercise discretion in balancing the competing goals of high-volume availability and lean inventory targets. You are responsible for formulating strategies to minimize Excess and Obsolete (E&O) material while ensuring zero production downtime. Evaluate "Buy" signals generated by the system and determine the most cost-effective and operationally sound execution path. You are authorized to commit company funds through the issuance of Purchase Orders to satisfy MRP requirements. Identify and implement improvements in the material planning lifecycle. You will develop and maintain the "source of truth" for the Bill of Materials (BOM) logic, directly influencing the accuracy of the company's operational and financial forecasting. Independently assess vendor reliability and lead time accuracy. You have the authority to update system settings that reflect real-world vendor performance, thereby altering the company's procurement strategy. Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Research, Business, or a related field. 3 4 years of experience in Materials Planning, Production Control, or Supply Chain Analysis. Demonstrated ability to interpret complex data and make independent decisions that impact manufacturing throughput. Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite). You must understand the underlying logic of BOM explosions and demand cascading. Experience managing material for high-volume environments where planning errors have significant financial consequences. Additional Desired QualificationsProficiency in PowerBI or Tableau to create dashboards that track inventory health and vendor performance. Ability to write macros or use Power Query to automate repetitive MRP data cleaning. Active membership in organizations like ISM (Institute for Supply Management) or a "young professionals" supply chain cohort. Physical Requirements And Working ConditionsMust be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time. Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy. May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations. Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment. Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed. Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks. This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law. Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization. The company participates in E-Verify to ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules. Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.