Senior Materials Operations Manager

PDW

Operations

Huntsville, AL, USA

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Company Overview

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for Senior Materials Operations Manager to contribute to the development and execution of logistics, inventory, and material flow processes. The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, have excellent critical thinking skills, and will play a pivotal role in shaping and operating PDW’s manufacturing material operations by establishing foundational processes and systems enabling growth and scale.

What You’ll Do

• Develop Best In Class Materials organization managing logistics, warehousing, and material flow processes.
• Ownership of the formation and execution of PDW’s production inventory program including all inbound and outbound logistics, kitting, kanban, cycle count, and physical inventory process.
• Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of physical and systemic inventory with root cause analysis of discrepancies and permanent corrective actions.
• Responsible for defining and implementing stringent inventory controls governing incoming and outgoing supply with creation/facilitation of R&D and ITAR inventory management programs with Engineering.
• Ownership of logistics, warehouse storage/layout, delivery methods, transportation, and material storage/layout in subassembly and final assembly.
• Responsible for material flow within overall production operation acting as a partner to quality in facilitating incoming inspection and material disposition.
• Monitor and analyze material availability, open work orders, and production readiness across all programs while analyzing capacity constraints and material shortages to adjust plans, mitigate risk, and ensure on-time delivery (OTD) through creation and ownership of a Clear to Build process
• Act in partnership with supply chain procurement team and suppliers on incoming shipments to ensure material availability to production.
• Drive materials management strategy and structure to support production scalability and accuracy for Engineering Changes, New Product Introduction, and Configuration Control
• Act in partnership with master planning, scheduling, and supply chain procurement to ensure continuity of material supply to production and on-time delivery to R&D.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience managing materials organizations inclusive of finished goods shipping domestically and internationally, materials receiving, replenishment processes, and inventory accuracy.
• 10 + years leading high performing materials organizations in a continuous improvement, operational excellence environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business Analytics, or equivalent experience.
• Expertise with ERP systems for inventory management, inventory controls, data analytics, and metrics creation.
• Direct experience bootstrapping inventory and control processes from low level of maturity into high performing, high throughput operations with proven experience in manufacturing environments, preferably in aerospace, defense, or high-tech industries
• Strong analytical skills and a proactive, detail-oriented mindset motivated to create the process and systems to support a world class materials operation
• Experience developing and implementing systems to measure and maintain inventory accuracy.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data modeling, pivot tables, and advanced formulas

Preferred

• Working knowledge of NetSuite Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence and reporting tools tracking materials metrics with improvement management through daily focus
• Experience with governmental inventory and manufacturing standards and operations (DoD preferred)

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. regularly, with occasional heavier lifting
• Employee must be able to stand, walk, and bend for long periods, as well as push, pull, and maneuver carts and packages
• Manual dexterity is necessary for handling and operating warehouse equipment
• Loading and unloading inbound and outbound shipments manually, pallet jack, or forklift
• Capability to safely operate powered equipment including forklift

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard manufacturing and warehouse environment including:

• Employee may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, work outdoors to load and receive shipments, where they may be exposed to the elements, including heat, rain, cold, and non-climate controlled environments.
• Standard hours are Monday through Friday 7:00AM to 3:30PM, with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.
• Fast paced environment with moving, packing, and staging shipments with cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities
• May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment.

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Compensation And Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.
• On-site fitness center.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

See more open positions at PDW