Job Description: Production Control/Materials Manager

Location: Huron, SD

This position is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating programs and processes that ensure optimal inventory and material availability. The role oversees materials requirements, Kanban systems, and just‑in‑time deliveries, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, delivery, and cost in all decisions. The team member must operate effectively within lean manufacturing principles.

Importantly, this role is a member of the site leadership team, supporting and driving critical site initiatives, cross‑functional alignment, and continuous improvement across operations.

What you'll do

• Create and manage project plans for new material distribution systems.
• Lead departmental hiring, training, coaching, and development activities.
• Improve product quality and reduce cost by eliminating waste through analysis of production methods and material / people flow.
• Actively participate in manufacturing planning including product design considerations, resource allocation, plant layout, and quality topics.
• Review and analyze production plans, bills of material, and engineering change notices.
• Determine material types, quantities, specifications, and delivery requirements for all production and prototype needs.
• Provide technical training to materials team members (Excel, PFEP, TMS) and develop supporting documentation.
• Establish systems for forecasting part demand, maintaining Kanban, and developing Plan for Every Part (PFEP).
• Support product launches through cost analysis, sourcing evaluations, and make‑versus‑buy assessments.
• Design layouts for supermarkets and material presentation areas.
• Provide effective materials‑flow solutions while maintaining project timelines (e.g., signaling, handling, replenishment systems).
• Manage supply chain information between engineering, process development, and suppliers.
• Coordinate data gathering and processing to support department production schedules.
• Assist production and materials teams in understanding replenishment procedures, documentation requirements, and lean materials philosophies.
• Monitor production, material usage, and inventory needs; coordinate with Buyers to maintain adequate inventory levels.
• Participate in continuous improvement of production control and scheduling processes.
• Support production departments by expediting information flow and resolving issues related to engineering changes, customer requests, deviations, backorders, and materials availability.
• Serve as an active site leadership team member, helping guide strategic priorities, cross‑functional initiatives, and operational improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the overall objectives of the role.

What you'll bring

Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of experience working in a lean manufacturing environment

Preferred Qualifications

• In‑depth knowledge of Kanban, inventory control, planning, and lean manufacturing methods
• Strong problem‑solving skills to address material shortages, quality or delivery issues, and plant safety concerns
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to travel, including occasional overnights
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strong industrial/manufacturing background
• Demonstrated success managing and developing technical teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong planning and time‑management abilities
• Knowledge of SolidWorks and/or DraftSight (preferred)
• Advanced Excel proficiency
• Experience in material requirements planning within a job‑shop or mixed‑model environment
• Working knowledge of material management systems or similar software
• Ability to communicate complex issues and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively under tight timelines
• Ability to quickly evaluate, develop, and implement improvements
• Strong attention to detail and ability to coordinate many activities at once
• Proficiency in advanced problem‑solving methodologies
• Ability to manage work independently to meet project timelines