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Lead Material Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Lead Material Specialist will assist the Manager, Materials in the day-to-day operations of the department. This role will schedule, compute time cards, train, maintain inventory levels ...

New

Summary The Lead Material Specialist will assist the Manager, Materials in the day-to-day operations of the department. This role will schedule, compute time cards, train, maintain inventory levels ...

New

Summary The Lead Material Specialist will assist the Manager, Materials in the day-to-day operations of the department. This role will schedule, compute time cards, train, maintain inventory levels ...

New

Summary The Lead Material Specialist will assist the Manager, Materials in the day-to-day operations of the department. This role will schedule, compute time cards, train, maintain inventory levels ...

New

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Lead Material Specialist information

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$11

$25

$45

How much do lead material specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead material specialist in the United States is $25.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead material specialist?

Lead Material Specialists are professionals responsible for overseeing the procurement, inventory, and distribution of materials within an organization. They ensure that all necessary materials are available for production or operations, monitor inventory levels, and coordinate with suppliers and other departments. In addition to managing logistics, they may also supervise a team of material handlers and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Their role is crucial in maintaining efficient workflow and minimizing delays due to material shortages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead material specialist?

To thrive as a Lead Material Specialist, you need expertise in inventory management, supply chain logistics, and material handling, often supported by a relevant degree or significant industry experience. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, inventory tracking software, and certifications like APICS CPIM are typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure efficient material flow, minimize errors, and support overall operational success within manufacturing or warehouse environments.

How does a lead material specialist typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth operations?

As a Lead Material Specialist, collaboration with purchasing, production, and logistics teams is essential to maintain efficient material flow and inventory accuracy. You’ll often coordinate with procurement to ensure timely ordering, communicate with production managers to address material shortages, and work closely with warehouse staff to monitor stock levels. Effective cross-functional communication helps prevent delays and maintains the quality and availability of materials needed for ongoing projects. This collaborative approach is key to optimizing supply chain processes and supporting the organization's operational goals.

What is the difference between Lead Material Specialist vs Material Coordinator?

AspectLead Material SpecialistMaterial Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications, relevant industry experienceOften requires similar certifications, focus on logistics and inventory management
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, construction sites, industrial facilitiesWarehouses, supply chain offices, production facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, constructionCommon in logistics, supply chain, manufacturing

The Lead Material Specialist focuses on overseeing material quality, specifications, and technical aspects, often leading teams. In contrast, the Material Coordinator primarily manages inventory, procurement, and logistics. Both roles require industry-specific knowledge and certifications, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Lead Material Specialist jobs
Infographic showing various Lead Material Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,703 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


University Of Chicago Medicine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

239th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Join UChicago Medicine as a Lead Material Specialist in the Supply Chain Department. The Supply Chain Department is a 24/7 operation. The department is currently seeking a Material Specialist to process and deliver common carrier packages, as well as process and delivery of prime vendor packages.
Job Summary
The Supply Chain Materials Specialist - Lead is responsible for a number of functions pertaining to clinical and non-clinical supply needs. The functions include receiving and delivering supplies, warehousing and stocking of all supply locations in patient care areas, transactional accounting of all inventory supply movement and reconciliation of inventory balances. The Lead should assist with coordinating the picking and delivery of supply request from the Stat Stores location. The Lead is responsible for the demonstration of top-notch customer service to both clinical and non-clinical staff. It is the role of the Lead to ensure all supply locations are maintained in a neat and orderly fashion.
If there is no supervisor present, the lead acts as the supervisor on call, which also includes the responsibility of the lead pager. The Material Specialist - Lead position also coordinates daily activities in the absence of the supervisor. The lead acts as a key communication facilitator and trainer for other material specialists. The lead provides assistance to the distribution and delivery personnel and also helps address any problems, questions and concerns on clinical units. The material specialist - lead carries a pager that is designated for the lead position. The lead does not have disciplinary responsibilities. Any type of employee counseling will be handled by a supervisor or manager.
Essential Job Functions
  • Use inventory management system to issue supplies to various departments and generate inventory stocking reports. Perform various functions such as data entry, order creation, warehouse cycle counts, and stock rotation. Locate stock and deliver requested items to patient care areas.
  • Utilize handheld technology to process and deliver all inbound shipments accurately and according to standard work. Pick up and stage all outbound shipments for return.
  • Attend daily MDI (Mange for Daily Improvement) huddles to discuss work area, metrics, and schedules. Attendance is mandatory for all MDI huddles. The lead should ensure the daily huddle process takes place in the absence of the supervisor.
  • Answers the phones in assigned areas to assist customers with a positive tone. Demonstrate a customer centric approach and a willingness to assist.
  • Perform standard work to replenish and maintain all supply chain stocking locations. Replenishment process may include but not limited to Kanban and/or Bar Code.
  • Perform standard work in assembling and maintaining Crash Cart trays and carts. Understand and provide assistance with managing various equipment including oxygen tanks and airway carts in emergency situations.
  • Performs other duties assigned

Required Qualifications
  • Requires High School diploma or GED
  • Requires ability to prioritize assignments and organize work without direct supervision;
  • Requires knowledge of personal computers, handheld computers preferred.
  • Good mathematical ability
  • Good verbal communications skills
  • Ability to work in a stressful setting and provide excellent customer service
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds of free-weight and/or push 450 pounds on wheels for short distances.
  • Knowledge of inventory management principles and receiving processes preferred.
  • Knowledge of disposable hospital supplies preferred.

Position Details
  • Job Type: Full Time (1.0FTE)
  • Shift: Nights
  • Department: Supply Chain - Inventory Management
  • CBA: 73 SEIU Union

About Us
We've been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual. To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment... with patients and with each other. We're in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward. If you'd like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront, we're doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.
UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities
UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.
As a condition of employment, all employees are required to complete a pre-employment physical, background check, drug screening, and comply with the flu vaccination requirements prior to hire. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered for flu vaccination consistent with applicable law.
Compensation & Benefits Overview
UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits. The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.
The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.
Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.

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