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Materials Planning and Distribution Lead

Position Title:Materials Planning and Distribution Lead
Department:Packaging / Warehouse Operations
Reports To:Purchasing Manager
FLSA Status:Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Schedule:Sunday Night through Thursday Night (C Shift) 3 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Position Summary

Sustainable Beef is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Materials Planning and Distribution Leadto oversee inventory management, staging, and distribution of packaging materials required to support daily production operations.

Working overnight, this position reviews production make sheets and schedules, determines material requirements for the upcoming production day and ensures all required materials are staged and delivered prior to startup. This role serves as the primary point of contact for packaging material availability and is responsible for maintaining inventory levels that support uninterrupted production.

The ideal candidate will possess strong inventory management skills, purchasing experience, the ability to interpret production schedules, and experience operating powered industrial trucks (PIT) in a manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Materials Planning and Inventory Management

• Review daily production make sheets and schedules to determine packaging material requirements for upcoming production.
• Calculate packaging needs based on production volumes, product specifications, and customer requirements.
• Maintain accurate inventory records for all packaging materials.
• Conduct cycle counts and inventory audits to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Monitor inventory trends and usage rates to identify potential shortages or excess inventory.
• Establish and maintain appropriate inventory levels to support production demands.

Purchasing and Supplier Coordination

• Purchase packaging materials required to support production operations.
• Create and submit purchase requisitions in accordance with company procedures.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Monitor lead times and proactively order materialsand communicate with buyers to prevent production interruptions.
• Communicate material shortages, delays, or supply concerns to management.
• Assist in evaluating packaging suppliers and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

Material Distribution and Production Support

• Stage packaging materials required for production startup each morning.
• Deliver materials to designated production departments and work areas.
• Verify that all required materials are available and properly staged before production begins.
• Maintain organized storage areas and ensure materials are properly labeled and stored.
• Coordinate material movements to support efficient production flow.

Equipment Operation and Safety

• Safely operate forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (PIT) to move, stage, and distribute materials.
• Complete daily equipment inspections and report maintenance concerns.
• Maintain PIT certification and comply with all operating procedures.
• Follow all food safety, quality assurance, safety, and company policies.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas in accordance with housekeeping standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary resource for packaging material inventory, availability, and distribution on C Shift.
• Provide direction and support regarding packaging material needs and priorities.
• Communicate effectively with Production, Warehouse, Purchasing, and Management teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory control, material flow, and operational efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory management and material handling.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• Three or more years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, materials management, purchasing, or manufacturing required.
• Experience operating forklifts or other powered industrial trucks required.
• Experience with inventory management systems, ERP systems, or purchasing systems preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing or meat processing preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret production make sheets, schedules, and packaging specifications.
• Knowledge of inventory control and materials management principles.
• Ability to calculate material requirements based on production schedules.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Strong attention to detail and inventory accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and inventory management software.
• Ability to identify and resolve inventory and material availability issues proactively.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, climb, and reach throughout the shift.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts and material handling equipment.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures common to food production and warehouse environments.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing and warehouse environment.
• Exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as designated by company policy.

Benefits:

• Competitive wage based on a pay scale
• Health insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401K with matching
• Opportunities for advancement within the company

Compensation Transparency

Compensation for this position is based on experience, skills, and qualifications and will be discussed during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Statement

Sustainable Beef is an Equal Opportunity Employer and federal contractor. We are committed to affirmative action and equal employment opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. For more information, please review the "EEO is the Law" poster and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.