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Materials Associate Jobs in Columbus, IN (NOW HIRING)

Production Associate

North Vernon, IN · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Job Posting Title Production Associate Summary The Production Associate is responsible for safely ... Load, unload, position, and handle materials and components through various stages of the ...

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Materials Associate information

See Columbus, IN salary details

$12

$19

$28

How much do materials associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials associate in Columbus, IN is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a materials associate?

Materials Associates are professionals responsible for handling, organizing, and tracking materials and inventory within a warehouse, manufacturing, or distribution environment. Their duties often include receiving shipments, inspecting materials for quality, maintaining inventory records, and ensuring materials are delivered to the appropriate departments. They play a key role in inventory management and help ensure smooth production or distribution operations. Attention to detail, organization, and familiarity with inventory software are important skills for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials associate?

To thrive as a Materials Associate, you need a strong understanding of inventory management, supply chain processes, and basic logistics, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, and barcode scanning tools is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring accurate inventory control, efficient material flow, and smooth operations within a warehouse or manufacturing environment.

How does a materials associate typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth operations?

Materials Associates play a key role in liaising between inventory control, procurement, and production teams. They work closely with purchasing to confirm material availability and communicate with production supervisors to prioritize urgent needs or resolve shortages. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as Materials Associates often participate in daily meetings, update inventory systems, and help troubleshoot discrepancies. This collaborative approach ensures materials flow efficiently throughout the supply chain, minimizing delays and supporting overall operational goals.

What is the difference between Materials Associate vs Warehouse Worker?

AspectMaterials AssociateWarehouse Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, forklift certification often preferredHigh school diploma, forklift certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndoor manufacturing or distribution centers, controlled environmentIndoor and outdoor warehouse settings, variable conditions
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, logistics, distribution companiesWarehousing, logistics, retail distribution
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Materials Associate and a Warehouse Worker lies in their specific roles. Materials Associates typically focus on managing inventory, labeling, and organizing materials within a facility, often working closely with production lines. Warehouse Workers have a broader scope, including shipping, receiving, and physically moving goods. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but Materials Associates usually have more specialized responsibilities related to materials management.

Is material management a good job?

Material management is a vital role that involves overseeing inventory, procurement, and logistics to ensure efficient operations. It often requires organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with inventory management software. The job can offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement in manufacturing, warehousing, or supply chain environments.

What cities near Columbus, IN are hiring for Materials Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbus, IN with the most Materials Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Materials Associate job openings in Columbus, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,564 per year, or $20 per hour.

Direct Materials Associate Specialist

CYNET SYSTEMS

Columbus, IN • On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Resolves materials-related issues during the manufacturing process.

  • Coordinates all aspects of material delivery and interacts with suppliers and customers.

  • Tracks, verifies, and manages incoming and outgoing materials, including monitoring supplier performance and ensuring inventory accuracy.


Job description

Job Overview:

Pay Range: $17.25hr - $22.25hr

Requirement/Must Have:

  • High school diploma, GED or equivalent required.
  • Ability to use Excel or other analytical tools.
  • Oracle or supply chain system experience preferred.
  • Four years of relevant experience, or an Associate’s degree with at least two years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Self-starter mindset.
  • Willingness to assist others.
  • Availability for calls and meetings as required by global operations.
  • Ability to travel as required by work.

Responsibilities:

  • Resolves materials-related issues at any time during the manufacturing process.
  • Interacts with global suppliers, internal suppliers and customers, and external customers.
  • Coordinates all aspects of material delivery for products.
  • Acts as company representative with suppliers.
  • Understands supplier operations sequences to plan for orders and shipments.
  • Negotiates supplier schedules to match customer demand.
  • Identifies and resolves material procurement issues with customers and suppliers.
  • Monitors metrics related to inventory control and improves inventory by developing reduction strategies.
  • Works with suppliers to improve delivery, lower lead times, and implement Material Agreements.
  • Tracks and measures supplier performance.
  • Resolves component conflicts, part allocation issues, and material transfer issues between plants.
  • Verifies and tracks all incoming and outgoing material.
  • Acts as a user or super user of inventory control systems.
  • Determines order rules necessary to drive accurate planning and inventory levels.
  • Conducts troubleshooting for systems issues and provides input for upgrades and improvements.
  • Develops part inventory and storage processes and maintains all associated records.
  • Coordinates part pulls and shipments and maintains related databases.
  • Researches engineering releases for compatibility and history.
  • Works with purchasing and engineering to implement changes.
  • Coordinates with quality regarding materials and supplier quality issues.
  • Makes related freight decisions considering timing and cost effectiveness.
  • Ensures cycle count accuracy for all parts to prevent processing delays or shortages.
  • Ensures all scrap transactions are accurate in coordination with Quality.
  • Leads inventory meetings and participates in manufacturing meetings.
  • Interfaces and communicates with internal and external stakeholders to research solutions.
  • Coordinates related financial activities such as tracking charges and charge backs.
  • Interfaces with financial systems to analyze, compare, and report financial data.
  • Initiates, develops, and participates in improvement procedures and team audits.
  • Identifies team member gaps to help bring the overall performance of the team to a high level.
  • Maintains a strong network across departments to solve problems and execute responsibilities.
  • Demonstrates confidentiality in execution of all responsibilities.

Skills:

  • Excel.
  • Analytical tools.
  • Oracle.
  • Supply chain systems.
  • Inventory control.
  • Material procurement.
  • Supplier management.
  • Financial tracking.

Qualification And Education:

  • High school diploma, GED or equivalent required.

Benefits:

Our Benefits Include:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Disability Insurance (Short-Term and Long-Term)
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Paid Sick Leave (where required by applicable state or local law)
  • Supplemental Insurance Plans
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Wellness Programs
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Career Growth and Professional Development Opportunities

Disclaimer: Benefits eligibility, accrual rates, and usage limits may vary based on employment status, length of service, and work location. Paid Sick Leave is provided in strict accordance with applicable state and municipal mandates. Cynet Systems Inc. reserves the right to modify, amend, or terminate any benefit plans at any time in accordance with applicable laws.


About Cynet Systems


Founded in 2010 and headquartered in the Washington, DC metro area, Cynet Systems Inc. is a leading technology staffing and workforce solutions company serving Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and enterprise organizations across the United States and Canada. We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and professional staffing, powered by a high-performing recruitment engine operating across North America and Asia.

As a nationally and locally certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Cynet Systems is committed to helping organizations build high-performing teams while empowering professionals to grow rewarding careers. Our organization is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 Type II standards, reflecting our commitment to quality, security, operational excellence, and customer success.


Cynet Systems logo

About Cynet Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cynet Systems Inc is a staffing and recruiting corporation nestled in Ashburn, VA, USA. Established in 2010, the company operates within the Information Technology and Services sector, specializing in providing effective workforce solutions to different business needs, including IT consulting, direct hire, and contract staffing services. Through the years, Cynet Systems has built an impressive portfolio, going beyond borders and expanding its operations internationally in Canada and India. Rooted in its core values of teamwork, leadership, and commitment, Cynet Systems helps businesses unlock their full potential by providing versatile and competent professionals that perfectly align with their needs. Fueled by their unwavering mission to deliver top-tier talent to businesses worldwide, Cynet Systems garnered various recognitions including SIA's fastest-growing staffing firms and Best Place to Work in Virginia for 2019.

Industry

It services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sterling, VA, US

Year founded

2010

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