Position Summary
The Inventory & Materials Lead is responsible for ensuring the efficient flow of materials throughout Advanced Illumination's manufacturing operations. This role oversees inventory accuracy, warehouse organization, production kitting, material replenishment, ERP inventory transactions, and coordination of incoming and outgoing material movement.
The position serves as the primary point person for inventory control and production material readiness, ensuring manufacturing teams have the right materials available at the right time to meet production schedules and customer commitments.
In addition to inventory and warehouse responsibilities, the Inventory & Materials Lead supports purchasing activities, coordinates Return Material Authorization (RMA) processing, and provides daily work direction and task prioritization for warehouse and inventory personnel.
This is a hands-on role requiring strong attention to detail, organizational skills, ERP proficiency, and a continuous improvement mindset.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Inventory Management
· Maintain accurate inventory records within the ERP system.
· Perform and coordinate cycle counting activities to ensure inventory accuracy.
· Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies.
· Monitor inventory levels and identify shortages, excess inventory, and obsolete materials.
· Ensure all inventory transactions are completed accurately and timely.
· Support annual physical inventory activities.
Production Kitting & Material Flow
· Coordinate and execute production kitting activities to support manufacturing schedules.
· Ensure kits are complete, accurate, and delivered to production on time.
· Monitor production material consumption and replenish materials as needed.
· Work closely with Production Planning and Manufacturing personnel to prioritize kitting activities.
· Maintain material staging areas and support efficient workflow throughout the facility.
Warehouse Operations
· Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient warehouse environment.
· Oversee receiving, storage, movement, and issuance of materials.
· Ensure materials are properly identified, labeled, and stored.
· Establish and maintain warehouse organization standards.
· Coordinate shipping support activities when required.
Kanban & Replenishment Management
· Administer and maintain Kanban replenishment systems.
· Monitor inventory triggers and replenishment requirements.
· Coordinate material replenishment activities with Purchasing.
· Identify opportunities to improve material flow and inventory management processes.
Purchasing Support
· Generate purchase requisitions and assist with purchase order administration.
· Follow up with suppliers regarding order status, delivery dates, shortages, and discrepancies.
· Support supplier communication regarding inventory requirements.
· Assist Purchasing with expediting critical materials when necessary.
RMA (Return Material Authorization) Administration
· Coordinate processing of customer returns and supplier returns.
· Receive, document, and process returned materials in accordance with company procedures.
· Maintain accurate RMA records and supporting documentation.
· Work with Quality, Customer Service, Engineering, and Purchasing teams to resolve return-related issues.
· Track disposition of returned products and materials.
Team Coordination
· Provide daily task coordination and work direction for inventory and warehouse personnel.
· Assign priorities and balance workloads to ensure operational requirements are met.
· Assist with training and onboarding of new employees.
· Support continuous improvement initiatives and best-practice implementation.
· Serve as a subject matter expert for inventory and material flow processes.
Note: This position provides work coordination and task leadership but does not have formal supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications
Required
· High school diploma or equivalent.
· 3+ years of inventory, warehouse, materials management, or manufacturing support experience.
· Experience working within an ERP/MRP environment.
· Strong understanding of inventory control practices and warehouse operations.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
· Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
· Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred
· Experience in electronics manufacturing or industrial assembly environments.
· APICS/CPIM coursework or certification.
· Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
· Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification.
· Experience with cycle count programs and inventory auditing.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
· Inventory accuracy
· Cycle count compliance
· Production kit accuracy
· On-time kit delivery to production
· Warehouse organization and housekeeping
· Material shortage reduction
· ERP transaction accuracy
· RMA processing cycle time
· Kanban replenishment performance
· Internal customer satisfaction
Core Competencies
· Inventory Control
· Materials Management
· ERP Systems
· Production Support
· Attention to Detail
· Planning & Organization
· Continuous Improvement
· Team Coordination
· Customer Service Orientation
· Problem Solving
If interested, please apply directly on our website: www.advancedillumination.com
Local applicants only as position is non eligible for relocation package
Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Shift availability:
Ability to Commute:
- Rochester, VT 05767 (Required)
Work Location: In person
